Free Software
First, we start with the most common type – free applications. These are available openly to the public without any cost. A majority of free software are based on open source platforms. They have several part-time or full-time contributors working for them. The free applications rely on the help of volunteers and donations. Some free apps also depend upon advertisements to sustain or even generate profits. Speaking of ads, a number of apps use unethical ways to display them. Some of the methods include silently installing adware and malware, changing the homepage and toolbar of browsers, persistent pop-up videos, etc. You can easily avoid most of these by keeping an eye while installing or using the free software. Just remember not to click on any OK or Next button before reading the entire terms and conditions.
Free to Try Software
Free to try apps are usable without any cost for a limited period only. These include the free trial versions of various paid applications. You can use this software only for a stipulated number of days. After that, they may get unusable, or their features will be trimmed down severely. You need to pay a certain amount to continue using the app.
Paid Software
Paid apps are premium software made for professional usage. They usually include a dedicated customer support and provide regular upgrades or bug fixes. The paid applications can be installed in one or more or a specified number of devices. These are mostly free of any advertisements and offer a clutter-free user experience. Many paid software also feature a pirated version, which is illegally modified to make them freely usable. These sometimes contain some harmful viruses, and we do not recommend you to use them.
Freemium Software
This is a new category of applications. Freemium software is free and paid at the same time. You can download and install them without paying a penny. Most of the features of a freemium app are free to use, but some advanced features are paid. For example, in a freemium video editing app, you can edit a video only up to certain duration. You need to pay to unlock the capability of editing longer movies. Sometimes you may continue to edit long footages with a watermark of the publisher of the application.
Conclusion
If you are a casual user, then free or freemium software are the best for you. However, if you are a serious consumer or professional, then you should go for paid ones. Free to try apps are meant for short duration usage only. A casual user can try them to get the taste of a premium software, while for a professional, they are ways to try out an application before buying. So, what kind of software is the best for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
