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Vol. 5, No. 4 July/August 1997 |
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Shareware and Freeware
Making Computing Easier
Ed Salisbury, Kent County ATRC
For many people, the purchase of a computer is not a one-time expense. Peripherals like color printers, scanners, and digital cameras are too tempting for most to resist. One must also not forget the need for continuous upgrades. It seems there is never enough processing power, memory, or disk space available on one's computer. Software is another expense the computer owner rarely escapes. With commercial software generally costing fifty dollars or more per title, the expense can be somewhat overwhelming. Luckily, there are thousands of software programs available that range in price from zero to fifty dollars. Not only is this free and low cost software readily available, most people don't have to leave their home to get it. Actually, most of these programs can be obtained electronically in a matter of minutes. This free and low cost software falls into several categories.
The first category of software, called public domain software, is completely free. One who acquires this type of software can use it, give it away, modify it, or incorporate it with his or her own software. Public domain programs generally lack the "bells and whistles" contained in commercial software, but tend to be very functional.
The second category is called freeware. Freeware is very similar to public domain software with one exception. The author of the software asks that it not be changed in any way nor distributed without its original documentation. For most people, this is not a problem. Generally, only computer programmers have the resources available to modify software.
The third category is called shareware. Shareware is commonly of the same quality and functionality as commercial software. Programmers generally use the shareware market as a means of testing their software as well as to get the attention of the large commercial software companies. This software can be freely distributed and used for a limited amount of time without cost or obligation. If one decides to keep the software, he or she is asked to send a minimal registration fee to the author in return for what is usually complete documentation and notification of future product upgrades. Paying registration fees to the shareware authors is an excellent way to ensure continued development of quality software.
There are many ways to obtain public domain software, freeware, and shareware. For those who have access to the Internet, software can be downloaded (copied) directly to their computer's hard drive. Internet World Wide Web sites such as www.macworld.com and www.download.com contain extensive software libraries. National on-line services like America On-line also allow downloading from their software libraries. For those who have a computer and modem but no Internet access, many local Bulletin Board Services, or BBSs, post software for downloading. If one would rather obtain software by a more traditional means, these programs can be found in CD-ROM and floppy disk collections in retail stores and mail order software catalogs. Hundreds of free and shareware programs can be purchased on a single CD-ROM. Be aware that the purchase of the collection does not negate the need to register and pay for the individual shareware titles that are found beneficial. Of course, public domain, freeware, and shareware can be shared via floppy disk among friends and co-workers.
The following are software programs that the ATRC has downloaded from the Internet and found to be particularly helpful:
TypeIt4Me 4.5.1 is a shareware abbreviation expansion program for Macintosh. Words, sentences, paragraphs, and even addresses can be stored as small abbreviations. When the abbreviation is typed in a document, spreadsheet, database, etc. it is automatically expanded into the full text. For computers using DOS, a shareware program called Abbreviator 3.0 is available, and for computers running Windows 3.1 a shareware program called Global Abbreviator 1.5 is available. When searching shareware libraries, use the search terms "abbreviation expansion" or "macro" to find these and similar programs.
Flash-It 3.02 is a shareware utility that enhances the built in screen capture capability of the Macintosh. Screen capture is simply taking a picture of the contents of the computer screen. This picture can then be modified in a paint or draw program or added to a word processing document. Screen capture is especially beneficial when programs contain pictures that would be useful in educational activities, but do not provide a means of copying or downloading the picture. CD-ROM Encyclopedias are an example of this type of program. Flash-It provides the capability to selectively capture parts of the screen, scale the captured image, capture pull-down menus, and even eliminate the cursor/pointer from the picture. For computers running Windows 3.1 or Windows95, a shareware screen capture utility called SnagIt 3.1.3 is available. SnagIt contains all of the features of Flash-It with the added ability to save the captured image in a number of graphic formats. When searching shareware libraries, use the search terms "screen capture" to find these and similar programs.
SoftwareFPU is a Macintosh extension that emulates the FPU chip, or math co-processor. Many new software programs, especially educational and multimedia applications, require an FPU to operate. Installation of an FPU can be costly and time consuming, and may not always be an option. SoftwareFPU will allow most of these programs to run with only a slight decrease in speed. When searching shareware libraries for this software and similar software for Macintosh and PC, use the search terms "FPU emulator" or "math co-processor emulator."
StickyClick is a Macintosh shareware utility that eliminates the need to "click and drag" the mouse when accessing a pull-down menu. A single click on the menu and a second click on the selection within the menu is all that is necessary. This closely resembles the action of Windows and Windows95 menus. StickyClick is an excellent utility for anyone who has difficulty using the mouse as well as for those who are accustomed to the Windows environment.
MathHomework is a Macintosh shareware application that lets teachers and parents create math worksheets that can be completed by the student on the computer. MathHomework guides the student through the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems in a columnar format similar to that which is generally presented on paper. Several levels of pre-programmed worksheets are also available. Because MathHomework is not a calculator, it can easily take the place of using pencil and paper for solving math problems.
Math Flight is a Windows shareware application designed to give students practice in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Once a difficulty level is chosen, the student is presented with a series of math problems. He or she is given verbal feedback as to whether or not the problem was answered correctly. The opportunity is given for repeated attempts at difficult problems. The software can be set to focus on specific numbers on which the student may need extra practice. Worksheets, containing randomly generated problems at the student's skill level, can be printed for additional practice.
Electronic texts, or E-texts, are books and other documents that have been made available in an electronic format. These text documents can be found as public domain, but are generally considered freeware. Although there are a variety of Internet sites containing E-texts for download, the largest library can be found at the Project Gutenberg site (http://www.prairienet.org). Once in an electronic format, books can be opened by a word processor and printed, or read aloud using a screen review program and a speech synthesizer. Both the Simpletext program and Claris Works for Macintosh take advantage of the Mac's built-in speech capabilities to provide speech output. Commercial programs like Intellitalk, Write:OutLoud, and The ULTimate reader are available for both Macintosh and PC. These talking word processors contain advanced reading and highlighting features ideal for people with learning disabilities or reading difficulties.
Listed above is only a small sampling of free or low- cost software available. Browsing Internet download sites can be a fun and easy way to obtain software for education, system utilities, graphics, fonts, and games.
