Why software isn't free

3 Replies

TUAW has a nice post talking about why software is not free, and in fact linking to this simple list of why it is so. TUAW is also worried about iOS lowering software prices.

As a user, I like that. As a developer, I don’t. By buying software, you’re not losing money, you’re helping honest people keep doing what they do. Don’t look at software (especially games!) and think: “Why the hell does this app cost $0.99? It sucks!” $0.99 is cheap. $4.99 is cheap! You’re paying more for stuff you consume daily and which take very little time to produce. How about paying $0.99 for that game that probably took a few months to create?

Reasons against advising beginners to use Dev-C++ in 2011

2 Replies

You may be tempted to recommend Dev-C++ to a beginner, or you may be a beginner tempted to use it.

Stop.

It’s 2011. Dev-C++ is not in development since 2005. Its latest version is a beta, and as you code, its beta status will be felt. Here is a short list of why a beginner should not use Dev-C++, and why he will not miss it after no longer being a beginner. Of course, this is also a list of reasons why competent and advanced coders should not use it. (Update March 28 2012: Here’s an additional opinion from way back in 2008.)
Continue reading →