Computer Tips From A Computer Guy

Download Expensive Software for Free at Giveawayoftheday.com

Posted: 24 Dec 2009 03:05 AM PST

While it is possible to download a free tool for almost any purpose these days, many of the best software programs still charge a fee. We are often seduced by the lure of shareware, then disappointed when half of the features (and usually the ones we need) are disabled in the "free trial."

Giveawayoftheday.com has created a new concept somewhere between our beloved freeware and the often frustrating shareware.

Every day, the site gives away a new software download that would normally cost anywhere from $10-$50. There is no catch—no adware, no nag screens, no accounts to register, and no download limits.

Simply visit the site between 12:00 AM-11:59 PM Pacific time any day of the week, download the day's software, extract it and install it before the stroke of midnight.

The day's software appears on the site's homepage with a picture and a description.

If you are interested in the software, simply click the yellow button below it that says "proceed to download page."

The download page includes a more detailed description, as well as information regarding file size and the normal price. People who have tried the software already leave a rating on this page telling how useful and user friendly it is, or is not.

Just below the rating and file size information is the link to download the file. From there, extract the zip file, read the enclosed "read me" file, and install your free software.

The kind of software given away on the site varies from day to day. Weekends are usually more "fun" type programs than the weekdays, and usually feature screen savers, games, or video download type programs.

It is common to find image editing tools, registry editors, video editing tools, mobile phone ring tone converters, web page designers, adware protectors, and internet privacy protectors in the daily treat.

The only real con for Giveawayoftheday is the fact the software must be installed on the day it is downloaded and not every developer "activates" the software in the same way. Some will include a special registration code in a readme file within the zip file, while others will simply embed a piece of code that unlocks the software.

So, what is in it for the software developers? Why would they offer their software for free, even if it is just for a day? Simple: Advertising. If we download their software in a giveaway and like it, we are likely to tell our friends about it; our friends then buy the software. Even more, software developers are aware the average consumer replaces their computer every 2-4 years, meaning that if we really like a program, we will pay to install it on a new machine.

For those of you who use RSS feeds to track your favorites sites, Giveawayoftheday offers one via a link on the top right of the homepage.

However, if you truly do not want to miss the chance to download your favorite software for no cost, you might consider using the site as your homepage, or if you use a service like the iGoogle as your homepage, you can add the RSS feed there.

For more absolutely free software downloads, be sure to visit our Free Software Downloads category.