"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 06 Feb 2006 15:50:29 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote:

Then I stumbled across Unlocker. It's freeware, not shareware. Costs
nothing.

What is their business model that allows them to develop and
distribute free software without going bankrupt?

I've gotten very cynical about some of this stuff. When you install
software on your computer, you have basically given the author the
keys to your computer if he chooses to exercise that option.


The model has been around quite a while. There are a number
of ways they make it work. One is, it's a part time thing. For a
programmer to make & support a couple utilities it can be a
part time thing, depending on the complexity. And it might be
something that person wanted anyway, for him/herself. So making
an extra $100, $200, $1000 per month on all the guys sending
$5 because they are generous enough to is great. ~ Others will
sell a premium version while the basic version is free.


And yes, you have to be careful what you install, and it's source. But
usually with good virus,anti-spyware, and firewall protectors (you do have
those, right?) it's safe. The other two things to remember:

#2 - Check around (google) to see if others that have used what you
are going to download like and trust it and it doesn't cause them problems.

#1 - If you have anything REALLY sensative on your computer, don't
install ANY software of unknown security risk. Example: If you trade
stocks on your PC maybe having a second computer that you only
do that one thing on is best. Then on your "B" comptuer you can play
all you want with the fun utilities. ~ A buddy of mine lost money this
way, though eventually got it back.


Oh, and what makes you think for-pay software is any better. A guy
could charge you $29.99 for a utility and still be using it as a way
into your system to rob you.


Anyway.