I think updates should be allowed by the software providers, or else they shouldn't be calling them FULL versions. Maybe call them intermediate versions or something less misleading; they definitely are NOT full versions without the updates.
Updates - misnamed programs.
(14 posts) (7 voices)-
Well that is their call, and not yours. Some do allow updates - some allow updates until the next major version.
But if it comes down to no updates, or nothing at all....
(of course if someone wants the updates badly enough - there is always the option of registering the software with the developer).
And the naming is correct. GOTD gives away full versions.
What you want is "all future full versions" also for free.
Posted 17 years ago # -
Anonymous
UnregisteredWell FABScott I think you should write a few paragraphs on how humble you are to GAOTD to allow you free software and once activated within the 24 hour period can work for nearly a year untill an upgrade payment is needed.
You can please some of the people some of the time, but you cannot please some people all of the time.
Posted 17 years ago # -
Yes, someone who probably won't be pleased is the actual software developer.
Expecting the developer to also provide future updates (for free) leads me to wonder - at which stage would this become a "good deal" for the developer who most likely offered the initial giveaway with the main goal of increasing their registered customer base. Why would someone consider registering when you get everything (eg all future upgrades) for free? What other incentive to register is there?
The result of this very one sided deal - is the developer would probably just "give it a miss" - and the user is back to traditional shareware or demos.
Remember - the giveaway has to be a win-win for both developers and users to want to be involved. An obviously one-sided deal is sure to fail.
Posted 17 years ago # -
kevinyunlai
Memberdefination of trial to me is limited features, time limitetations
defination of full to me is all features, no time limitetations
why should updates be part of full program? (unless it is an anti virus program)
why should companies give YOU free stuff while they stave to death?
if you really like it that much and want updates, buy the programPosted 17 years ago # -
Michelle
MemberI don't think it is misleading.
Terms and conditions
Please note that the software you download and install during the Giveaway period comes with the following important limitations:
No free technical support
No free upgrades to future versions
Strictly non-commercial usage
THIS SOFTWARE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. WITHOUT LIMITATION, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWABLE BY LAW, END USER ASSUMES THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE DOWNLOADED SOFTWARE PRODUCTReally the only thing you would need upgrades for on products like gotd offers is bug fixes. If it is not an antivirus program,an antispyware program, you don't really need updates. Why people upgrade system optimization tools and stuff it's just really for the added features. I don't even know if an antivirus vendor or security vendor allows you to do this. I know Kaspersky will allow you to upgrade to the next version if you have a valid license (depending on how many years you by the lisence for, you can buy for more than one). I'm not sure about the rest.
But basically it is a full version with some limitations, but GOTD has it posted. In the end you are getting something for nothing.
The reason why the company/companies offer their software on GOTD is to get their name out not really to be nice, sad but true.
Posted 17 years ago # -
1st of all, I have no complaints with GAOD.
2nd The complaint I have with the software companies is their NAMING of the programs not the FACT that they are limited.
If the program is a free full version and not a trial it should be the same as if you had bought it. As they are not [in most cases] they shouldn't be allowed to call them FULL versions.
I also think the fact that they wash their hands of us once we have the program makes it less likely that anyone will purchase the REAL full versions.Like I say this is not a criticism of GAOD or even the software that is given away, it is just misnamed.
That's my opinion.
Posted 17 years ago # -
BigThunder1
MemberFABScott said:
If the program is a free full version and not a trial it should be the same as if you had bought it.
Answer...
BuBBy said:
Expecting the developer to also provide future updates (for free) leads me to wonder - at which stage would this become a "good deal" for the developer who most likely offered the initial giveaway with the main goal of increasing their registered customer base. Why would someone consider registering when you get everything (eg all future upgrades) for free? What other incentive to register is there?
The result of this very one sided deal - is the developer would probably just "give it a miss" - and the user is back to traditional shareware or demos.
Remember - the giveaway has to be a win-win for both developers and users to want to be involved. An obviously one-sided deal is sure to fail.
I think security apps that have need for constant data definition updates such as AV and spyware apps should allow those DB updates for the length of the license period, but not program updates with exception of major bug issues revealed here on the day of the give-away. It's only fair to fix major issues and allow those that suffered at the hand of an ill functioning app offered here to update. Otherwise no.
FABscott also said:
As they are not [in most cases] they shouldn't be allowed to call them FULL versions.
With few exceptions/dishonorable-attempts by developers ALL the software offered here has been the full version. Nothings perfect and a few developers have attempted to pull the wool over consumers eyes here but those get quickly weeded out and have done nothing more than portray their untrustworthy nature and have shot themselves and reputation in the foot.
I just fail to see or understand your comments or reason for starting this thread in the first place. I've said it before many times and I'll say it again! GOTD and GGOTD are the best trial marketing concepts to ever come along in this regard. I along with many others will and have objected to questionable/undesirable tactics or offerings here as well as praise and will continue to do so, which is the point of the feedback and your/our voices here. That said, be thankful GOTD/GGOTD exist and offers you something you CAN'T get anywhere else that I know of; on-line or otherwise.
If your point is other than what your words here indicate, then maybe think about that and try a different approach. Seems to me all the bases have been covered here and I can't imagine, outside what you've already said, what you're trying to say here or the point to this conversation. Doesn't make you or anyone else a bad or undesirable person with an opinion because not everyone grasps the concept of what this site is doing and why. You aren't the first or the last to want more than is offered. Be thankful for what you do get, and complain like the rest when it's junk or garbage that you wouldn't give your worst enemy, let alone sell. :)
Posted 17 years ago # -
Archangel
MemberI agree with the main portion of this thread with a few exceptions.
1. Not all software is fully registered. Just last week it was brought to the masses attention that the encryption program to encrypt your files only worked so long so that would be "Trial Software". If a member downloaded it and encrypted there files, after that date they'd be screwed or forced to purchase the software. In my opinion that is not giving away a "Full Version". Now as far as the updates go, I agree 100% that actually the "Freewarer" isn't intitled to them. After all the entire world is about money.
2. Now come on guys. There has been several programs offered here as "Full Functioning, Registered Versions" that were posted on other sites and even on the developers site as shareware and they themselves stated that it had limited functions.
I know most read the comment section. There are alot of folks that go out looking for something to gripe about and find this info and post about it with links sometimes. After problems came up with the software, they searched and found the "Shareware Version" and it performed identical to what was offered here!
Remember the Speak Aloud program and the teacher from Brazil? (or somewhere down there). He download GOTD's software which was "Speak Aloud". After installing it, he thought it would help his class learn English. Since he saw that GOTD only offers "Full Funtioning Registered versions", he went and purchased some addon's for it. Then the fun started and he came to this forum for help. We didn't know why. (actually some did because it was disassembled). By the end of the day all was great because the developer made it right with the guy/gal.
I'm not blaming GOTD for what it states because that is what the software people are suppose to produce to the masses that come here. But the facts are................not all software that gets posted here lives up to GOTD's statement.
Stick to your guns FABscott. We all have opinions and alot of times there different. It keeps the world interesting and sometimes corrects minor things too.
Posted 17 years ago # -
Just to clarify for BigThunder1;
I am not complaining about getting free stuff from GAOD or the developers.
Merely that they shouldn't call them FULL versions when the FULL VERSION,if you bought it,would give you updates and bug fixes blah blah blah.
I mean, how comes my FULL version from here is not as good as my pals FULL version - the reason is obviously that he paid for his.
Maybe mine is a Grade 2 FULL version. ;)Posted 17 years ago # -
On the day when the full version of the software is offered on GOTD, both the version from here, and the version purchased from the developer - should be the same. Both have the same features (& limitations where appropriate) - neither should "expire in 14 days time". For all intents - both users have a full version of the program.
Now, the difference between the one purchased and the one from GOTD (normally) is that one may be entitled to future full versions (releases) also. The software on GOTD for that version on that day - is a complete and full version of the program.
Just because the developer has chosen to offer only a single release of his (full) program - doesn't make it an "incomplete" or "trial" program.
The "full version" of Program X v3.0 is still a "full version" of Program X v3.0 once Program X v3.1 is released. You can continue to use v3.0 for as long as you like (it will not become a trial or restricted version once v3.1 is released.
Other developers offer a subscription or maintenance style license where you can purchase the entitlement to free upgrades for a period of time. If you choose to opt out of this, your software remains the full version.
There is probably a distinction between having the LATEST version and having the FULL version.
FABScott, I think this is where you are getting confused. GOTD does offer the FULL version, but the developers are not required to provide future updates (they can if they choose to, however) - so over a period of time following the giveaway, your software may not always remain the LATEST version.
Normally it is only through users paying for software registration, that the developers can afford to actually develop these updates that become the LATEST version. This is why you friend is entitled to updates, and you are not.
Posted 17 years ago # -
BigThunder1
MemberI agree on one point; a full version should be a FULL term licensed version or until it just isn't safe or compatible/outdated to use anymore, whichever comes first I suppose. Not some crippled or older app for greeds sake. That said, as much as I dislike somethings that happen hear, as BuBBy explained there has to be an incentive on both sides of the fence for this to work. With the exception of AV and Spyware apps that require a constant definition update to stay on top of things security wise IMO. On the other hand, if one is foolish enough to use an app such as todays give-away and not intend on purchasing it once the license expires or they lose the app to a PC crash and burn and are too cheap to purchase it, then they deserve to lose their info/data as in todays case offering.
I think there's 'some' pretty lowdown developers that take advantage of this site by not admitting up front they've limited their app to less than a FULL license period when that's exactly what's advertised, as witnessed a few times by member apps reverting to trials or just plain quite working. I'd say the majority of the complaints are operator error simply not paying attention to the rules. I.E... no updates. Yet someone posted just today or yesterday that they clicked 'program update' and the app reverted to a 30 day trial. DUH!!! Others have had similar problems or incompatibility issues (things not playing fair on Windows), of which I'm sure a few are likely legitimate complaints. But these things happen with well known payed-for name brand apps on some machines because of the different configurations that each of a zillion PC's have. Not every machine is going to play/function properly because of the variable combinations that exist. It's a simple reality we must all live with.
A full version without limits or lesser quality than is offered on the developers site along with a full term license should be the minimum acceptable to GOTD when posting IMO. I also think AV and spyware apps should include threat updates for the term of the license, which to me is only fair considering the app is all but pointless without them.
Maybe mine is a Grade 2 FULL version.
Maybe! I haven't a clue. But if it works and does what it's designed to do, I suppose there isn't much one can say other than the developer/vendor was greedy enough to offer such. Who knows?! If the features your pal has are required for the function of the app or service to perform and/or produce and yours is nothing more than a crippled version, THEN I'd say you have a legitimate complaint to register. Me!... If that were the case, then I'd be raising holly hell about it. Worst case scenario would be to tell the world just what kind of raw deal the developer offered. ;)
Edit:
BuBBy made a good point. Check the version/build number to see if yours is the same as your pals. If it is, then I'd say you have a legitimate complaint. If not, then you got what was offered and must purchase the latest and greatest to be on par with your pals version.Posted 17 years ago # -
Yeah, I know all this that you are saying - no confusion here.
The thing I disagree with mainly [and it's more of an irritation than a big deal] is that the producers of the software call it a full version when a full version of anything includes keeping up to date.And I also do know that it's within their rights to allow or disallow updates and stuff,[I'm not disputing that] and that most of them are "technically" full versions at the time they are provided here.
Posted 17 years ago # -
BigThunder1
MemberIt doesn't pay to play " keep up with the Jones' " when dealing with this stuff. I have apps that are versions of years past I still use. Some are better than the latest version that's available. It's not necessarily a matter of having the latest as it is having something that does what your expecting or trying to do for the job. If it works, don't fix it.
Regards... :)
Posted 17 years ago #
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