Shareware is downloadable software with a free trial period, after which the user must pay or uninstall. Some have a time limit, while others limit usage. Crippled shareware offers limited functionality. Purchasing a license covers the current version, but not necessarily future updates. Shareware differs from freeware, adware, and spyware.
Shareware is software that is readily available for download online for a free trial evaluation. At the end of the trial period, you are bound by the Electronic User License Agreement (EULA) to either uninstall the software or pay for its continued use.
Trial periods for shareware range from a few days to a month, as stated in the EULA. Some software, including many gaming programs, have a trial period based on the number of times a program is opened, rather than the number of days it has been installed on a computer. For example, if a shareware program has an evaluation scheme that allows 30 uses, the program will continue to run until it is run 30 times. It might take one person several months, while another might try the program 30 times in just a few days.
Some shareware programs have built-in mechanisms to protect the author’s copyright after the trial period has expired. At this point, when the user goes to open the program, an error window or popup screen will appear informing the user that the trial period has ended. The popup may ask for a registration key, normally provided at checkout. By clicking on a website link, you can make a payment and receive a registration key or serial number.
Other forms of shareware use “crippled” evaluation copies. These programs are designed to give the user a good idea of what the software does, without unlocking the entire program. Some script writing software doesn’t allow the user to save more than a few pages of scripts, for example, without buying the package. Other types of shareware may not allow users to save, print, or export work. Crippled shareware isn’t as popular as fully functional shareware, as users tend to give the software a thorough workout before deciding if it’s worth buying.
Once a user purchases shareware, the license is valid for the current version of the program. The EULA will indicate if later versions are also covered by the purchase. In decades past, one purchase was good for the life of a product, qualifying the user for free upgrades indefinitely. This is no longer often the case, as an author’s work to improve software into compliance with evolving operating systems and standards is time consuming.
Incremental versions of a program are normally covered by the purchased license, while a change from, for example, version 5.x to 6.0, will require a new purchase. This is usually because incremental versions are improvements of the original code, whereas a change in version number to the next larger integer indicates a significant code overhaul. The authors consider this “a new program”.
Shareware differs from freeware in that you agree to uninstall or pay for the shareware at some point. Freeware does not require payment. Adware does not charge for payment but requires software interface to host advertisements. Software that returns user information to the author is called spyware. Spyware and adware are generally unpopular forms of software. Shareware must not contain advertising or spyware.
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