this post was submitted on 17 Mar 2025
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[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Interesting, didn't know that. Ironically, I've unintentionally followed this definition anyway because I think open-source is so incredible that I always describe FOSS as specifically FOSS, not "just" freeware.

In fact, I've pivoted so strongly to FOSS as of late that I haven't even said the word "freeware" in... years... dang...

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

I think we’re naturally a bit suspicious of freeware as “misleading” because so many old software used to be just vectors to install malware (mostly spam) alongside it. At least for me, I only trust it either if it is open source or it has a sustainable business model.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago

yea, "freeware" has that suspicious connotation to me as well. The mark of an era