|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
A few years ago Apple computer company ran some eye catching
ads "$100,000
video editing software 99% off". As crazy as this seems, it was
almost
true. What's next? 100% off? FREE SOFTWARE? Everyone loves the idea of
getting
a great bargain - but is all free software the best way to get your
audio/video
editing or streaming work done? |
 |
| Almost all free software has a hidden
agenda, the only investment on
your part is your time. You may find the benefits of some software
worth
the limitations. It's a personal choice - so don't assume everyone has
the same needs or expectations. Let's take a brief look at the types of
free software, how big a bargain they might be and where to find them
on
the internet. |
| Neuter ware: Many software companies use this
strategy to develop a future user base for their full featured
for sale versions.
With
most company's trying to protect their market share these days -simpler
versions available for hobbyist and students seems a good idea to fend
off cheap competition. The student/hobbyist of today become the power
user
professional of tomorrow. The draw backs are worth the savings for most
people. Registration information typically becomes marketing
information and
people
that outstrip the limited features are frequently reminded that the
"Real
Version" is available for sale. These pop-up reminders (Aka: Nag-ware)
can drive you crazy, but hey - it is free. Example: Digidesign (Protools FREE audio editor) and Avid (Xpress DV FREE video editor). Evaluation Software:
Most software companies provide a limited evaluation version of their
products for
download. They either time out, can't save your work or produce a
water-mark
on the end result. Great solutions to very short one-time projects or a
way to
try
a proof of performance for your company or clients. Bundled Software: Now here's
the
best value of the bunch typically. While it's usually not the full
version,
it typically can be upgraded at a major saving and has real long term
value
if you decide you like the software and want to see it grow with your
work
flow. Example: Boris Effects (Video FX for Avid, Apple
FinalCut Pro) Shareware: Available for free download from the
author. While
it's technically free, the author posts a hopeful dollar amount to
send if you like what you get. Available on user group shareware sites
and individual programmer's sites. Public Domain: Some of the most successful
software products of all time come from this category. Supported
usually by
the
academic community and enterprising groups of corporations, this type
of
free software is wide open but possibly not for the faint of heart.
It's
easy to get lost in the huge community of sites and users so quick/easy
results are less common. Cracked Software: Not really free, stolen. despite the
best intentions
of software companies to protect their intellectual property, there's
always
someone out there willing to "crack" their protection measures and
release
a version for free. Just because it's easy to find and use - doesn't
mean
it's not illegal. This also applies to buying used workstations loaded
full
of ill gotten software. Best advice is to always get the serial numbers
when purchasing systems and check with the original manufacturer to
verify
it's the real deal. Aside from spending extra time in karma hell, this
stuff
can't be upgraded or supported. |
 "$100,000 video editing software 99% off" What's next? FREE? |
| copyright EAR.NET 2004 |
EAR Professional Audio and Video proudly serves Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico,
Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Tucson and nationally since 1978.
Providing standard and high definition (SD and HD) products and support for editing, encoding
and streaming. Factory certified support for Avid, Digidesign, Protools, Apple, Sony,
Panasonic, and thousands of other great editing and content creation products. 800-473-6914
