We have had a lot of clients lately that we have either noticed have ‘FREE’ versions of software installed – or are asking us about these ‘FREE’ versions.

The truth behind these free programs is that they are free for NON COMMERCIAL use – which essentially means – if you are using this outside of your home – in a business or money making venture – you are essentially violating the license and using illegal software. The companies that make this software make most of their money from the paid versions that businesses put in – and simply giving it away is not a very profitable venture. So they offer a ‘limited’ version for home users which basically is a trial – or a test version for users to see how their product works.

Now the next question is – will I get into trouble if I use this software?

While for the most part there are no Police that run around the internet giving people tickets…there are some serious repercussions for certain software sets. This enforcement is usually in the hands of the manufacturer and is then based on how far they want to take it. Fairly similar to having pirated music on your PC – a lot of people do it – but the ones that get caught really pay the price.

My advice – keep the ‘Freeware’ to a minimum and always use paid services in your business.