why do some software programmers offers downloading their programs for free?
86534
If it is in the beta stage, it is so that you can help test the program and report any bugs you find.\n\nIf it is complete, usually it is a limited version that will encourage you to buy the full version which has more features.\n\nIn some cases, it is open source software, which was put together by a group of people who want to make software easier to access. Open source software is convenient even for the original developers because new people who use it can develop it further and then share that. Most of these projects grow into a community that eventually results in some of the best software available.
98315
Because they are scamming you. What they give you (if anything) is probably something you could have found for free by doing the right search, or is a program where you have to do so much work for so little return that you will quit ... and they end up with millions and millions of dollars from everybody that sends in that small $100 startup fee.
275627
Look at the legal documents that come with the program.  Unless it's shareware or freeware then it's illegal.  You don't even "own" the program, you only own a license to use the program.  \n\nOf course it's illegal to sell those copies.
913804
Some times you have to download the special software to open these things make sure your read the terms and conditions of the software some are free some send you a bill .If you are at a cafe net they might block this so they dont get charged for the added software .
51286
Downloading is only legal if what your downloading is downloaded with the creators permission. Computer software listed as Shareware, freeware, or open source is normally legal to download. Hundreds of sites have this including www.shareware.com and many others. \n\nCompanys often also will give free versions of thier software for 'trial' purposes. Other companies will allow you to download thier software in full and expect you to purchase a regestration code to use it fully. \n\nNote - if you are downloading software that normally costs money, you are probably being illegal wherever you download it from. It isnt the method thats the problem its the fact that you are stealing it. So if you want to keep clean and safe - look out for shareware, freeware and open source products. (eg open office may not be as good as micrisoft office but it is free)
201619
Try Download.com and give your product a free trial so people can see if they need or like it.
898403
I wouldn't trust such program. Human tends to be greedy. How can they share their wealth with someone they don't even know?\n\nAll they do is promoting it like crazy, saying this and that, turning your reality into illusion, then rip your money off. Now, what is left? You keep on using/promoting the softwares/programmes while the developers laughing all the way to the bank.\n\nMy kind advise, do be trapped by them. Money won't come easily.
979236
All this software is designed and copyright protected! If its a requirement of the business purchase the package required. Put out a tender!!! Nothing is for free!!\nTalk to you IT Dept
862710
Typically programs can be packaged in one of two ways. Either as source code or as binaries. \nMost proprietary software that you get off the shelf comes as a binary release only, as the vendor does not want to distribute the precious source code to their software. But many open-source applications do release their software as an alternative to binary distributions. \nSource code releases require a compiler to build the binaries before the software can be run. It is useful to hafe the source code to applications which you may be trying to run on various platforms.\nCompiled binaries can only run on the hardware/operating system for which they were compiled. This means that an binary release  compiled for a PC running Windows will not work on a PC running Linux, and certainly not on a Mac running OSX.\nIf everyone were running Windows on PC hardware, binary distributions would be the most conveniant way to distribute software, because not every machine is equipped with a compiler (and it takes alot of time to compile some things). Because the user community now runs a variety of hardware and operating systems, software releases are often distributed along side binary releases for the most common platforms.\n\nNote that this does not apply to Java. Java is truely platform independant, and compiled binaries do not differ from platform to platform.
1145365
Someone is doing it and they are profitting by it. I had a message that my computer may have been 'infected' and that I should download 'X' companys' anti-spy and anti virusware. Turned out they were the 'infector' to get you to buy their program right then or your system would crash. Turns out they are being investigated for fraud by IRS, FCC, etc.  Seems lots of people lost their money and personal indentification information to this SCAM.  Luckily I was able to get them OFF my computer - took some time but it worked.  If it happens to you - BEWARE !! It will automatically install if you don't stop it  !!
762903
they are now giving the compiler away for free :-)\n\nenjoy
270702
download.com might have something
1039512
They throw in hints of other Microsoft products that actually sell for money.\n\nIf a company gives you a free sample of something, you are going to come back to that company and trust what they do in other things that they make money off of... For example, Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office.
75038
Majority of spywares come to your computer via free downloads but all of them are not spywares some programs are useful like zone alarm - spybot -  adaware and ...\nI don`t know exactly if they earn money through each free download or not?\nSo free downloading is safe from well known sites and vendors.
1108491
No, it's a scam. Check this out from their Terms of Use:\n\n"You understand that in order for AllSoftwareDownload to make you a copy of any software, you acknowledge that you are the legal owner of this same software, and are looking to just make a new copy for archival (backup) purposes only. You also agree to destroy all copies of the software in the event it is ever no longer voluntarily in your possession. You understand that only the licensed owner (with a valid serial number, where applicable) of the various software found on AllSoftwareDownload may use the services located here. You also acknowledge that the software you have was obtained legally and that you have the legal right to request this backup copy to be made."\n\nBasically they're saying that their service is for people who already own a legitimate copy of the software but want a digital backup of it, whihc obviously no one in their right mind would pay for so buying stuff from them's illegal unless you already legally own a copy.
535921
Nothing is Free in this world.\n\nBe carefully.\n\n\nSilently they give you lots. (Virus/Trojan etc)\n\nEnjoy it!
438765
Freeware is some that is free to use. You do not have to pay to use it or register. It is yours to keep and use.