What do all them darn Cows mean ? Windows 95/98/2000/NT Due to the overwhelming interest in our rating system, we have constructed this page to inform our users and software authors of the new criteria we will be following when establishing a rating for software on our site. In the past, our rating scale consisted of 3, 3½, 4, 4½, and 5 cows. We have reduced this to only 3, 4, and 5 cows to make it easier to distinguish the difference between each rating. Also included below are some guidelines that are considered when we choose not to accept certain types of software to the TUCOWS archive. Special Note: We will be removing low traffic programs on a bi-monthly basis. Please Note: All programs are subject to the Review Board's opinion. Software Requirements Compatible with Windows 95/98/NT/3x/Java. The program is internet specific. The program must have a 7+ days evaluation period or equivalent. The program does not exceed the 7 megabyte size limit (some exceptions). The program has an English interface. The program does not require a password or registration code. The program is not a mass mailing program (SPAM). The program is user friendly. The program does not remove ads, banners or popups from web pages. The program does not have encryption over 128-bit. The program has documentation and help files. How do we Rate the Program ? We Rate and Review based on the following categories. A Bad, Fair, Good, Excellent is awarded for each category. The points are added up and the corresponding cow rating is given. Point Evaluation System Interface & Documentation (Help files, graphics/sound) Functuality of the Program Ease of Install/Uninstall How it runs (system resources) Innovative Software Reviewer's Opinion Points are given to each category based on this scale: Bad = 0 pts. Fair = 1 pt. Good = 3 pts. Excellent= 5 pts. 0-7 points = Not accepted on the site. 8-14 points = 15-25 points = 26-30 points = We do not accept the following types of programs: Please Note: All programs are subject to the Review Board's opinion. We will not accept command line programs (ms-dos/unix). We will not accept programming software (compilers, source code, etc.) We will not accept programs that progressively disable functions. We will not accept programs that have low user interest. We will not accept programs that keep connections alive. We cannot accept both the Pro and Standard version of a program. We will not accept server/client software or server addons. We will not accept Add-ons to programs. We will not accept programs that require the user to give a credit card number to use the trial version. We will not accept programs that favor the use of another software program. We will not accept programs that are re-sellers of another program. We will not accept programs that expire on a given date. We do not expect programs that do not work. Because of the sheer volume of our work, we have neither the time nor the resources to work out bugs with a designer/author. We do not accept programs without a working webpage where the program is housed. Any adware program which is deemed as intrusive or excessive will be rejected immediately. Any program that resets the users homepage without warning will be rejected. Although this is not a complete list of reasons why we do not accept some programs, it does emphasize the major reasons. Old Cow Clause: Some of the software programs posted on TUCOWS prior to August 17, 1998 may not fall exactly into the new guidelines posted above. However, they have been waived and may remain on TUCOWS with the rating (excluding the ½ Cows) they received prior to the new guidelines. What is a license type? First of all, there are a few different software license types. The ones we have listed here can be found on TUCOWS. This is just a general overview on what these mean: Adware: These programs are free to the end user and won't cost you a penny. The developers support their programs by placing advertisements in their programs. Commercial (Demo) Software: This is non shareware/freeware (ie. WordPerfect, Windows), and normally there is a higher license fee. Donationware: The software is free for your usage, but if you enjoy it, and want to continue to use the program, send a donation to the developers. Freeware: The application is usually free for non-commercial use. Commercial institutions should consult the developers before using the application. Shareware/demoware: Usually has a 30 day free evaluation period. If you continue to use it after the trial period, you must register/pay for that application.