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Pastimes : Computer Learning -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Robert Graham who wrote (27332)	5/31/2002 3:00:18 PM
From: Esteban	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110655

I think making broad generalizations about free software or internet vendors is an exercise in futility. One thing I do know is that there is plenty of quality freeware and shareware available. Usually for specific niches rather than large applications. Then there is Linux. Even a new free office suite was mentioned on the thread recently. Junk is also plentiful. Same goes for the commercial variety, but no doubt less junk. In the current high tech climate, any company is at risk of failure, whatever their marketing technique. Dismissing a program simply because it is free or because you feel their marketing model is invalid is a rather rough filter. I guess you avoid risking exposure to some of the bad stuff, but at the expense of missing some jewels. Better to compare on merits alone. BTW no offense taken, and none given. Thanks for posting your perspective. Esteban