Free software is computer programs that are free for download, as opposed to paid, proprietary (commercial) software. The Free Software Foundation defines “free software” as “open source software that can be altered, used and shared without restriction.” Free software includes the Linux kernel, BSD operating system, the GNU Compiler Collection & C library, the MySQL relational database software and the Sendmail mail transport agent and the Blender 3D computer graphic software.
It is crucial to remember that downloading paid software without having first purchased it is illegal. This is called piratery and deprives developers of revenues. It could also cause the software to fail in the future or be unsupported. Similar to downloading pirated apps from unofficial sources can result in virus or malware infections.
TechSpot Downloads releases updates every day with dozens new programs in categories like productivity security, communication, security, and gaming. It also provides a helpful guide that can help users avoid downloading harmful software and suggests alternatives to try.
FileHippo is a well-known website that hosts a variety of active programs that are broken down into categories like Windows and Mac software as well as Android applications. The pages for each app also includes short, informative descriptions written by actual users. This will give you an idea of the app’s capabilities and benefits before you install it.
FileHippo can sometimes ask you to install another application before the one you’re looking to install. However, it is clearly marked and easy to bypass. It also doesn’t promote fraudulent software. And it also offers large back catalogs of previous versions of a wide range of programs, which is nice to have if you’ve older applications that require upgrading or you’re concerned about stability issues with the most recent version.