About Freeware Elite
This site is about FREEWARE.
My mission: To replace as many retail/shareware software as I can with first rate FREEWARE alternatives, such that one day every installed program that I use will be FREE.
But this site will not list every single free program on the planet. Sometimes less is more!
I assume that for every category there are one or two programs that anybody would want to use. This site will present you with these handful of options, filtered and picked out.
If you have better things to do than scour the web for cracks, serials, and hacked copies of the software you use, then this site is for you, because the free software that is presented here is in most cases BETTER than anything you could pay for.
I created this site because I enjoy finding, downloading and testing new software. I hope you will enjoy these programs too.
Notes on RATINGS and SELECTION:
- You will find that I only have 5-star and 4-star ratings for the software in this site. This is because anything less than that wouldn’t be posted in the first place.
- The selection criteria are my own, based on my actually using the program. I will not post something that I have not installed and tried out.
- Most of these are programs are Freeware (100% free). In RARE instances I might list something that is adware if there is no other option out there for that category, but only if the ads are innocuous and do not interfere with the user experience.
- I will almost never list any programs with partial functionality and/or nags that urge you to pay or upgrade to a more advanced pay version.
- Please do not post any serials for shareware programs here or anything that points to cracks or cracked versions of commercial/shareware software. Any such comments will be promptly removed.
Can I write a review/reviews and publish it on this site?
You sure can. I will have to approve the choice of program (it has to be freeware) and reserve the write to edit the text. Mail me: pangchakfungadrianlasalle@yahoo.com.hk The title should be something like “Nice Freeware: (program name_function) “
Why don’t you host the downloads on the site itself?
I cannot afford the bandwidth; also, it is better to get the download from the developer’s site to be sure you are downloading the latest version.
How often do you post?
My goal is 1~2 posts per day.
Do you install and test every program you review?
Absolutely.
Will you review my program (or my favorite program) if I ask nicely?
I might. There are reasons why I might not, though: if I don’t like the program or I don’t feel it is exceptionally good, if I don’t know much about the subject or category, or if it simply isn’t that interesting (say yet another ’small’ mp3 player or image viewer). Again, e-mail me pangchakfungadrianlasalle@yahoo.com.hk
Will you find or recommend a certain program if I ask you? Will you answer a software related question by email?
Probably. I will at least try.
Is the software featured on Freeware Lite really free?
Yes. If there is a ‘paid’ version of the software the review will point out the differences.
But is it handicapped in any way (crippleware/liteware)?
If it is posted on Freeware Lite it will have to offer considerable value; crippleware will not, whereas liteware quite possibly will, and may be posted.
What about nagware (programs that require you to wait and/or click a button on a screen)?
I have a particular aversion to nagware; so its very unlikely (although technically possible if the program really has something to offer).
Would you consider trialware?
No. This site is about freeware.
Will you post software that is in alpha or beta?
Yes. This will be stated under “Version tested” and within the text itself.
What is your policy on adware? Will you post adware titles on your site?
The answer to this is that in very rare cases I might, provided that the software satisfies the below conditions:
- The program is unique and has a high value added.
- The ads do not interefere with the user experience (i.e. the UI is well designed and the ads unobtrusive).
If I do post an adware title it will be stated in the review text. I will be very accomodating with regard to ads that point to the developer’s other FREE titles.
What about programs that ask you to register or provide an email or other personal info?
I will post these, but will state that this is a requirement.
Will you knowingly post programs that contain spyware and/or other malware?
No. I will go to great lengths to make sure that no such software is featured on Freeware Elite.
How would you know if a program contains spyware?
I install it and see how it behaves in relation to my firewall/antispyware/antivirus software. I also research every program I write about to see other people’s reports on it, if any.
Will you post abandonware/orphanware?
Nope. There is so much going on in terms of quality freeware/open source software that I see no reason to look into software from the distant past whose legality is unclear or questionable.
Will you post cracks or warez on your site?
No. Everything is 100% legitimate and legal. One of the objectives of this site is to show that there is quality free software out there that will do most everything that you need, and that you really don’t need cracked software.
