Where can I download the original QuakeWorld for free (or is it something you have to buy in stores)?

You can download a complete quake package from http://nquake.com

The only thing it lacks is the original pak1.pak, but you don't technically need that to play as most data in it is automatically downloaded from servers when its absence is detected.

You should know that using the shareware (i.e. nQuake) to play on any maps but the shareware maps is against the terms of the shareware license though. Nevertheless, this is the most common way to start playing Quakeworld today.

Welcome!

Ok I downloaded it and am downloading ezQuake right now, thanks.

the ezquake client is included in the nquake package
Isnt it?

nquake has all you need, except the full version paks

edit: no linking to copyrighted material on this forum