this post was submitted on 17 Mar 2025
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[–] secret300@lemmy.sdf.org 27 points 1 day ago (3 children)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeware

Unlike with free and open-source software, which are also often distributed free of charge, the source code for freeware is typically not made available.

[–] peregus@lemmy.world 20 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Unlike with free and open-source software, which are also often distributed free of charge, the source code for freeware is typically not made available.

It clearly says "typically", which includes the software that does open source the code.

[–] folkrav@lemmy.ca 10 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Interesting. I interpreted this definition more like an oval vs. circle distinction. The vast majority of ovals aren’t circles, but circles are a subset of ovals.

[–] stray@pawb.social 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Making me realize Spongebob isn't even square.

[–] __Lost__@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)
[–] stray@pawb.social 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

They aren't though. They're rectangular at the top and then have cylinders coming out the bottom. I think the heels of his shoes might be square on the bottom.

[–] Hadriscus@lemm.ee 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Spongebob Prismaticocylindricalpants doesn't have the same ring to it

[–] Flagstaff@programming.dev 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...

[–] balder1993@programming.dev 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.

[–] Hadriscus@lemm.ee 2 points 1 day ago

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