Tuesday marks the beginning of free-play status for Cryptic's 25th century RPG Star Trek Online.

You can compare the features available to both Gold (paid) and Silver (free) members here. There is no charge to download the software and no subscription fees (unless you want to subscribe as a Gold Member) -but customizing your starships and crews will cost you real money.

It's a business model even a Ferengi can love. Remember the Ninth Rule of Acquisition: "Opportunity plus instinct equals profit."