Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee.[1] Since freeware refers to the terms under which software is provided, it is a type of software license rather than a functional software category. Freeware is an effective middle ground between commercial software and open source software, allowing authors to contribute something for the benefit of the community, while at the same time allowing them to retain control of the source code and preserve its business potential.
Freeware is different from shareware, where the user is obligated to pay (e.g. after some trial period or for additional functionality). Also note that the coined phrase "free software" is different from freeware.