We all try to use it time and time again but it is one of the most taken for granted industries on the planet. The item I am referring to is freeware Internet programs. These types
of programs have been around since the beginning of time and many of them are extremely useful programs that many of us use everyday. A classic example of a great utility that is essentially free is Win Patrol.
This small app is distributed and written by one individual. He puts lots of time and effort to upgrade and maintain his software. The software takes your computer security a step beyond your anti-virus by immediately alerting you if a new start up program has entered your computer. You then have an option to accept or reject the request. Along with all the other valuable information that the product supplies, it is a must have for any Windows user.
Even though the software is essentially free, buying the paid version will unlock a few more options. As a general rule, if you try software and you begin to use it on a daily basis, you should either buy the paid version or offer a small donation. This is just one example of a small company providing useful software for a very reasonable donation. You have to remember, it takes a lot of work to write a program. Hours and hours of dedication are required. These authors need to get some compensation for their hard work.
Another example I will use is Malwarebytes. Even though they are a larger software company, almost all their revenue to update and produce those great security programs takes hours and hours of work. In addition, the definitions for the product have to be updated almost daily. There is lots of work involved in doing all of that coding. Many of these guys are volunteers and do not even actually get paid. Again, you should always invest the small price they charge for the paid version. It would not be possible for these companies to keep producing an excellent product if it were not for folks buying the paid subscriptions. If you like the software either donate a cup of coffee or buy the paid version. The price is very inexpensive and affordable for almost everybody.
There is one more category we need to talk about and that is websites. Almost all the information that you receive on the web is free. Often times, it is taken for granted. We go to our favorite website and get the information we want and then move on. Advertisers fund most commercial news sites so there is usually no need for separate compensation. Many private sites that provide excellent information have virtually no funding except what the Webmaster spends to maintain the website. Many of these private companies rely on donations or visits to the ads that are displayed on their pages. If you use a site on a regular basis and you find the information useful, by all means go to the donation button and buy the Webmaster a cup of coffee or two. After all, without all their hard work, you would not be enjoying the provided information.
In short, if you like a website or a program, by all means have the courtesy to compensate the author. They are likely doing all that work for almost no money. Think of it as “paying forward.” Somewhere down the road, you will be rewarded for it!
By, Joe Z and Ross Deprey
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