Software, I don't understand the software list. Options

[gipsiad]

Looking at the software on this site and others I don't understand the problems with shareware or freeware, I don't understand what a commercial free update is, if you where to download the demo and the commercial update would that then mean you would have a compete program? The only thing I do understand is demo.
But what I want to know is why there isn't much in the way of freeware or shareware for the MAC like there is for the PC.
At the end of the day some people use these programs to make money and that is there livelihood and for others like me who will never be good enough to be a professional it's just fun and a good pastime as a hobby.
But being in the latter section means that spending $1000 for logic pro is out of the question I would never be able to save up that amount of money and by the time I did the next version of the software would be out and 7 would be outdated form 8, if you understand my point is.
For people who are not in the music industry but want to maybe play with music software how a kid would play with computer games, the price is too much.
This is why I am looking for free or shareware, I don't agree nor do I want cracked software doesn’t do anyone any favours.
But why can't for all the people who just using the MAC and there setup for bedroom mix's be able to share software with each other and if so where can one find such a site?

[Bloot]

hello gipsiad
I'll probably get shot down for my opinions on this site (waving a big white flag!!) - but I think you should also get a PC.
Just to explain, I have a G5 and Protools 7 , also Logic 7 and I couldn't be more pleased with the stuff - of cause every now and then I may have a catastrophic moment, but that's the nature of it... but my point is that not everyone works on macs, so I use a PC to wander round the Net and chat and send files and link with people - I've only once been on the net with the Mac (for protection of my files, real peace of mind and just in case!!)
Softwarewise which is your main concern, I think you have to live with the prevailing winds. The big boys hold the cards, and rule the kingdom... I think the pirate software is probably a mug's game in the long run as the companies wouldn't produce the goods without the financial returns. If you're happy to use older software, then the rules may be different - we're not quite at the 50 or 75 years public ownership conditions that apply to songs, but perhaps a long way in the future an early midi sequencer might still be useful for what it does, that is if you've still got a machine to run it. Also there are perfectly working programs on other OS's for which you only need to install an emulator. (I've actually still got an Atari from the year dot, and it's midi facilities are still better than PT7!)
The Mac OS certainly doesn't need any bouquets, but PC's have had a long history of open software and freeware, and although you might not prefer some of the methodology, you can get the job done.
Bottom line is your os/software preference but I say use what's available elsewhere as well.#
Now I'm off quickly before anyone starts shooting!!!!!!!!!
bloot