This text explains the different types of software, including retail, OEM, shareware, crippleware, demo, adware, spyware, freeware, and public domain software, and their characteristics. It advises users to read licenses carefully.
There are many different types of software, which can be confusing for the uninitiated. Below is a brief definition of each type and the differences between them.
Retail Software: This type is sold on retail store shelves. It includes expensive packaging designed to attract buyers’ attention, and as such is generally more expensive. One advantage of retail software is that it comes with printed manuals and setup instructions, missing in hard copy from virtually every other category. However, when paper manuals and instructions are not required, an Internet download version will be less expensive, if available.
OEM Software: OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” and refers to software sold in bulk to resellers, designed to match the hardware. For example, Microsoft has contracts with various companies including Dell Computers, Toshiba, Gateway and others. Microsoft sells its operating systems as OEM software at a reduced price, minus retail packaging, manuals, and installation instructions. Resellers install the operating system before the systems are sold and the OEM CD is provided to the buyer. The “manual” consists of the Help menu integrated into the program itself. OEM software is not legal to purchase unbundled from its original hardware system.
Shareware: This software is downloadable from the Internet. The licenses differ, but commonly the user can try the program for free, for a period established in the license, usually thirty days. At the end of the trial period, it must be purchased or uninstalled. Some shareware incorporates an internal clock which disables the program after the trial period unless a serial number is provided. Other shareware projects continue to run with nag screens, encouraging the user to purchase the program.
Crippleware: This software is similar to shareware, except that key features will stop working after the trial period ends. For example, the “save” function, the print function, or some other vital function required to use the program effectively may become unusable. This “cripples” the program. Other types of crippleware incorporate functions that are mangled during the trial period. A purchase is required to unlock the broken features.
Demo Software: The demo software is not intended to be a working program, although it may work partially. It’s mostly designed to demonstrate what a purchased version is capable of, and often works more like an automated tutorial. If a person wants to use the program, he has to purchase a fully functional version.
Adware – This is free software supported by advertisements embedded in the program itself. Some adware requires a real-time internet feed and uses constant bandwidth to load new ads. The user must view these advertisements in the program interface. Disabling ads is against the license agreement. Adware is not particularly popular.
Spyware: Spyware is usually free, but it can be shareware. It clandestinely calls home and sends the data to the creator of the spyware, most often without the user’s knowledge. For example, a media player might profile which music and video files the program is called upon to play. This information can be stored with a unique identification tag associated with the specific program on a user’s machine, mapping a one-to-one relationship. The concept of spyware is very unpopular, and many programs using spyware protocols have been forced to disclose it to users and offer a means to turn off the reporting features. Other spyware programs disclose the protocols in their licenses and make acceptance of the spyware feature a condition of agreement to use the software.
Freeware: Freeware can also be downloaded from the Internet and for free. Freeware is often free for personal use only, while commercial use requires a paid license. The freeware does not contain any spyware or adware. If it is found to contain one of these, it is reclassified as such.
Public domain software: This is free software, but unlike freeware, it does not have a specific copyright owner or licensing restrictions. It is the only type that can be legally modified by the user for his own purposes.
People are encouraged to read licenses carefully when installing software, as they vary widely.
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