Downloadable software archives

Last revision July 28, 2004

These are web and anonymous ftp sites on the Internet that store freely distributable computer software that you can download. There is an incredible variety of software available for all types of computers and tasks. Software for Unix systems generally is distributed in source code form, which has to be compiled and installed locally. Software for PCs and Macintoshes is generally pre-compiled.

Freely distributable software is divided into two categories with very different legal status:

• freeware -- The author has put this software in the public domain, or under the terms of the GNU General Public License (or similar license), which allows anyone to copy it, use it, or modify it without asking permission or paying any fees. Freeware is often accompanied by full source code. The term "open source" is generally synonymous with freeware.
• shareware -- The author allows the software to be freely distributed and used without charge for a short period (usually 30 days), in order to allow you to try the software first before purchasing. If you decided to keep the software after the trial period, you are legally obligated to pay the fees specified by the author. In any case, you may not modify or sell the software without permission of the author. Source code is usually not provided for shareware.

Stanford University policy requires that all students, staff, and faculty obey the copyright laws, which include paying shareware fees for software that you download and keep.

If you know the exact name of the freeware or shareware software package that you want, you can usually search for the name (in quotes) at google or another search site to find a web site where it can be downloaded.

There are also web sites that organize and index software, usually for a specific operating system, and thus make it easier to find the latest versions of desired software. Here are some web-based software archives that you may find useful.

Unix and Linux software archives

Software for Unix systems is usually freeware distributed in source code form that you have to compile. Such software has been distributed via anonymous ftp sites for decades. In recent years, two web sites have become primary repositories for current freeware software projects for Unix: SourceForge.net and freshmeat.net. Both sites have complete searching and browsing capabilities.

Traditional anonymous ftp sites are still useful to find older Unix freeware that is no longer under active development. A common problem with such sites is a lack of good indexing or searching. One well-known site with at least rudimentary searching is gatekeeper, operated by Compaq Corporation (now part of HP). Look in the pub directory, particularly in the subdirectories BSD (complete Berkeley Unix source code distribution), GNU (Free Software Foundation programs), and usenet (news groups that post source code).

Macintosh and Windows software archives

Software for Macintosh and Windows PCs is generally distributed as a compiled program, usually packaged with an installer. The premiere archive for Macintosh and PC software is Versiontracker.com. This site posts daily updates of new or updated freeware, shareware, and even updates to commercial software. A search function lets you check the entire archive for software whose name or description matches your keyword(s). It also posts user reviews of software.

Versiontracker has separate sections for classic Mac OS, the new Mac OS X, and Windows software.

Other useful Macintosh and Windows software archives are Jumbo and Tucows.