What Is Shareware?
What is shareware? — Shareware is a rather loose term used to define software that is free to try, but must be purchase after a certain amount of time or uses. A typical case of shareware is Microsoft Outlook, which can be downloaded as fully functional "trial" from Microsoft's website, and be used for free for up to 60 days. This gives you ample time to try using it before deciding whether you want to purchase the program or not.
Other email programs distributed as "shareware" include Ritlabs' The Bat!, and Corel WordPerfect Mail. Eudora used to be shareware, until Qualcomm decided to exit the email client market: you can now download and use for free (as freeware) the latest version of Eudora, or use its "open source" descendant, "Penelope".
The alternative to "shareware" is freeware (completely free programs, but source code not freely available to programmers), and "open source" software, which is free, and freely makes the application's source code available to developers around the world.
Shareware professionals even have their organization: ASP-Shareware.org 
“ Since 1987, the ASP has been dedicated to the advancement of shareware, also known as try-before-you-buy software, as an alternative to conventional retail software. Today the ASP is a vibrant organization with hundreds of members around the world working together to improve their businesses and making it easier for computer users to find quality software at reasonable prices.”
| Administrative Links Contacting Us Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Accessibility Sitemap General Tutorials What is my IP address? What Is Shareware? What Is Freeware? What Is RSS? |