Other users depends totally on freeware for their TV viewing. The disadvantage of freeware is that DirecTV can also download them. So they will create ECMs for these files at a much faster pace than the commercial cards. The trick is to keep updated on the freeware files, an attempt to stay one step ahead of the ECMs. But DirecTV will eventually catch up.
Some freeware are very confusing for a beginner to use.
Using the wrong freeware on your card or in the wrong sequence can result in permanent damage. Activation files sends channel tiers to activate your card, similar but not identical to how DirecTV activates their subscribers. These types of files will open all normal channels but only allows you to buy 25 Pay Per Views like a normal sub card. Then you have to clean card with the freeware and start over. Recently, DirecTV has initiated a continuos tier wipe attack which causes cards to lose channels as often as every 2 hours.