Tuxfiles Software

(Q) What is shareware?

(A) Shareware is software that expires after a certain period of time (usually 30 days) or has some type of built-in encumbrance or limitation in order to encourage you to purchase the software.

(Q) What is freeware?

(A) Freeware is software that does not come with time limits, nag screens or limitations of any kind. Although the author will want you to respect their copyrights, it is free for you to use and enjoy without cost.

(Q) What is a demo?

(A) A demo is a small "sample" program which, for example, might include the first two levels of a game. To purchase the other levels, you will be required to register the software.

(Q) What is a beta program?

(A) A beta program is an application that is in the "testing phase" of production. An author will typically release a beta version of their software with the hope and expectation that the general public will download it and report any programming errors so that they can be corrected. This ultimately results in a better final product.

(Q) What is postcardware?

(A) Postcardware is free software. The author will usually expect you to send them a postcard or "thank you" email in return for allowing you to use their software at no charge.

(Q) What is public domain software?

(A) Software in the public domain is free software. Sometimes the patent has expired or the program has simply been donated for the "greater good" by a government agency, university or an organization.

(Q) What is "open source" software?

(A) Open source software, in most cases, is completely free and released with the full source-code so that other's can contribute by adding new features or make needed corrections to the program. Often, such programs are released under the GPL (General Public License) or similar licenses.

(Q) What is abandonware?

(A) Abandonware is software that has been abandoned by the author who has either lost interest in it or has decided that it was'nt worth finishing for any number of reasons (ie; competition, not profitable, etc).

(Q) What is adware?

(A) Adware is free software that usually contains built-in advertisements. Companies pay the author for ad space within their software and this makes it possible for the author of the program to make it available at no cost to you.

(Q) What type of software do you list here?

(A) We list software for the Windows, Linux and Macintosh platforms submitted to us using the PAD format.

(Q) How do I download software from this site?

(A) To download software from this site, simply click on a category (or subcategory) from the main page and browse the software titles until you find one that interests you. Then click the download link and download it to your hard drive and install it.

(Q) Do you check each program for viruses?

(A) No. Since we don't actually store any of the programs on this site, this is something that you will need to do yourself.

(Q) I tried to download a program and the link was dead. What now?

(A) We make every attempt to keep our listings up to date by polling the PAD files regularly. However, if you do happen to discover a dead link, you can send us an email and we will investigate.

(Q) I found a bug in one of the programs. What should I do?

(A) You can go to the homepage of the author who wrote the program and report it. They will, no doubt, be very greatful that you took the time to do this.

(Q) Is a bug the same as a virus?

(A) No. A virus is a piece of malicious code intentionally written to inflict damage to your computer, steal information or propagate spam. A "bug", on the other hand is simply a programming error within the software and is normally completely harmless.

(Q) I'm an author. How do I submit my program?

(A) If you are an author and wish to submit a program simply click here.

(Q) How long does it take for my software to be listed?

(A) Once you submit your PAD file, your software will appear in the database immediately and be available to the general public.

(Q) How do I remove my software from the directory?

(A) To remove your program(s) from the directory, simply go here, fill out the form and then click on the "Remove Program" button.

(Q) I don't see an answer to my question here. What should I do?

(A) This FAQ was designed to answer general questions you may have concerning this site. If you have any question(s) not included here, please contact us and we will do our best to get back to you as quickly as possable.