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How many "free" applications do you use? I was thinking about this and decided to do a quick inventory:
Firefox, which has since changed to Camino following my switch to OS X.
Gizmo, a program akin to Skype
Adium, a superb OS X IM program for OS X similar to Trillian.
Hand Brake, a nice program I use to rip and encode DVDs onto my HD.
OnyX, a program I use to perform the regular OS X maintenance done during the night.
Pixadex, a program used to open some folders, etc used in conjunction with custom icons.
VLC Player, a media player I use to play certain formats when necessary.
This is not to mention all the desktop wallpapers, custom icons, extensions, themes, etc I use.
Now, some applications are free with limited functionality, while many others are free with no limitations whatsoever, who do not try to force you to donate, but rather hope that through developing a solid application, you will be compelled to contribute to their projects.
But do you? I haven't spent a dime helping out any of these applications. Reading through the forums on Firefox and Camino, this came to me: how much I(we) take for granted, just assuming that these projects will receive money through direct donations and other sources of revenue.
I for one plan to make a small donation to Firefox and Camino soon, as I use them extensively. The others I am still testing, but once I settle on them I will also contribute to them.
Firefox, which has since changed to Camino following my switch to OS X.
Gizmo, a program akin to Skype
Adium, a superb OS X IM program for OS X similar to Trillian.
Hand Brake, a nice program I use to rip and encode DVDs onto my HD.
OnyX, a program I use to perform the regular OS X maintenance done during the night.
Pixadex, a program used to open some folders, etc used in conjunction with custom icons.
VLC Player, a media player I use to play certain formats when necessary.
This is not to mention all the desktop wallpapers, custom icons, extensions, themes, etc I use.
Now, some applications are free with limited functionality, while many others are free with no limitations whatsoever, who do not try to force you to donate, but rather hope that through developing a solid application, you will be compelled to contribute to their projects.
But do you? I haven't spent a dime helping out any of these applications. Reading through the forums on Firefox and Camino, this came to me: how much I(we) take for granted, just assuming that these projects will receive money through direct donations and other sources of revenue.
I for one plan to make a small donation to Firefox and Camino soon, as I use them extensively. The others I am still testing, but once I settle on them I will also contribute to them.
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