Freeware (from "free" and"software") is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee.[1] Freeware is generally proprietary software available at zero price, and is not free software.[2] The author usually restricts one or more rights to copy, distribute, and make derivative works of the software.[3]
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The term freeware was coined by Andrew Fluegelman when he wanted to sell a communications program named PC-Talk that he had created but for which he did not wish to use traditional methods of distribution because of their cost.[4] Fluegelman actually distributed PC-Talk via a process now referred to as shareware. Current use of the term freeware does not necessarily match the original concept by Andrew Fluegelman.
Software classified as freeware must be fully functional for an unlimited time with no cost, monetary or otherwise.[citation needed] The software license may impose restrictions on the type of use including personal use, individual use, non-profit use, non-commercial use, academic use, commercial use or any combination of these. For instance, the license may be "free for personal, non-commercial use".
Accordingly, freeware may or may not be free software or open source software. The principal difference being that free software can be used, studied, and modified without restriction; free software embodies the concept of 'libre' while freeware that of 'gratis'. Freeware is also different from shareware; the latter obliges the user to pay after some trial period or to gain additional functionality.[5]
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