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    Which free software worth upgrading to the paid version?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Todd4300nc, Oct 24, 2008.

  1. Todd4300nc

    Todd4300nc Notebook Consultant

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    Many if not all of us use some free software and some of them have a paid version that offer more functions. Which one would or have you upgraded to the paid versions?

    So far I upgraded Object Dock. Looking at upgrading Media Monkey and RoboForm.
     
    Todd4300nc, Oct 24, 2008
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  2. f4ding

    f4ding Laptop Owner

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    Office OneNote.
     
    f4ding, Oct 24, 2008
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  3. Lakjin

    Lakjin Notebook Deity

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    I understand that I am kind of dodging your initial question but...

    The internet and computer industry has evolved so much that a lot of software that either have 1) better features in a paid version or 2) need to be purchased have a very viable open source alternative. Of course this is not the case with ALL software for windows. But if you want to spend your cash on upgrading free -> paid or buying paid, do not let me stop you.

    Examples
    Paid/Free
    Adobe Photoshop/GIMP
    Microsoft Office/OpenOffice
    Adobe Flash/FlashDevelop
    Outlook/Thunderbird
    Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton [insert other paid AV]/AVG, Avast, Avira free edition
    Windows/Linux
     
    Lakjin, Oct 24, 2008
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  4. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Very true.

    I know though that one older (stress older) version of Open Office had a serious flaw - you couldn't enter empty lines into PowerPoint Slides...

    Generally, I think that for the "common user" paid software is easier to use.
    Also, support can be better, but needen't be.
    With good support you just phone up, get the answer, with free software you browse an FAQ, search Google, ask in a specific forum.

    It also depends on your needs.
    The basic Windows Vista Picture viewer/photo editor can do some basic stuff, so do you need an update?

    And of course, personal preference.
    If you are a rushed person, you don't want to spend time trying to understand software - even if it is actually better - a lot of open source software needs this initial input of time.
     
    DetlevCM, Oct 24, 2008
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