What is... Shareware

A guide to online software

Author:  Tina Landers

I honestly can't remember the last time I bought software (a computer program) from a retail store. I can tell you that it was a few years ago. These days I download and buy my software over the Internet. The Internet allows me to investigate the various options of competing software to best suit my needs. It allows me to check-up on other users opinions about my selection. It allows me to read reviews about the software. It allows me to visit the developer's web site and read-up on the software and its features and benefits. If I like what I've discovered, I can usually download and try the software, free of charge, for a period of time before I buy it. This "try before you buy" software is what's generally referred to as "Shareware".

The Internet has allowed Shareware to proliferate. Any software developer with an idea can release a new title, build a website and promote and sell it. There are little to no packaging, marketing or distribution costs. As such, many Shareware titles are released by individual developers, possibly working from their home. Unfortunately, this also allows sub-standard software to be released. Always do your research and always use the "try before you buy" option. Personally, I would not consider purchasing any software off the Internet that didn't have some form of trial or "Demo" option.

Demo software is considered different to Shareware. With Shareware, once you purchase the software, you receive (either immediately or via email) an "unlock" code that you simply key in to the "Registration" option of the software. The whole process is generally relatively simple. With "Demo" software, you get to try a cut-down or "lite" version of the software. Demo software typically has some of the full version's features disabled. Generally, when you purchase the "Full" version of the Demo software, you have to re-install the software.

Because Shareware eliminates the need for packaging, marketing, distribution etc. it is usually priced far cheaper than its commercial competition. Usually, Shareware offers excellent value for money.

Freeware is software that you can download and use "Free of Charge". There are different types of Freeware - there's "Open Source" software and there's Free software that one or more developers have written and made available for anyone to use. Open Source software is software that has been developed by a "community" of collaborative individuals or groups. Open Source software is developed within strict guidelines defined by the "community". One of the great examples of Open Source software is the "Open Office" suite of software. Open Office is a suite of office applications covering Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation and Drawing software. It's great - and it's free. You can visit the Open Office site here.

Free software, released by one or more developers, has been made free for reasons only the developer/s can tell you. Sometimes you are asked (though usually not obliged) to donate if you use and like the software, others ask you to send a postcard or email (again, you are not usually obliged to do so). Often, larger software companies release a "lite" version of their product "free of charge" for personal use. The idea behind this is that the company hopes you will eventually see fit to purchase the "Full" version of the software.

Many Shareware and Freeware titles contain "Nag Screens". These are messages that are displayed periodically reminding you to purchase the Full version. They're annoying, but you can understand why they're there. If you're using Freeware or trying Shareware, get used to Nag Screens. Most Shareware disables itself when the "Trial Period" has ended. To re-enable the software you must purchase a Registration Key (or licence).

There is free software, for just about anything you care to do, available over the Internet. If you do go looking for Freeware or Shareware, use caution. Much of the software floating around over the Internet is years old and some of it is amateurish and a waste of your time. Do your research first - search for "Reviews" of the title, look for user opinions, visit the developer's website and read-up on the developer, the software and its history.

If you'd like to know how to download and install software, you can read a more detailed article here.