Shareware distribution gives users a
chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware
program and continue using it after a reasonable evaluation
period, you are expected to register. Individual programs
differ on details. Some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration,
you get anything from the simple right to continue using
the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware
and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains
all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below.
Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like
commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality.
(In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The
main difference is in the method of distribution. The author
specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the
software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group.
For example, some authors require written permission before
a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not
a type of software. You should find software that suits your
needs and pocketbook, whether it is commercial or Shareware.
The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because
you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low,
prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back
guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay
for it.
Some related terms
Freeware - copyrighted
software that the author allows you to freely use and distribute
without paying any registration fee. The author may still
place conditions on use of the software.
Demoware - the shareware
concept has become so popular with the growth of the Internet
that many of the large commercial software publishers are
releasing "trial" versions of their products for
download and personal use. These "trial" versions
are usually limited in some fashion (such as they only work
for a specified length of time, or some features are disabled).
Crippleware - shareware
or demoware that is functional enough for you to evaluate
most features, but disabled in a significant way to entice
you to register or buy the full version.
Nagware - shareware
or demoware that frequently displays screens to remind
you to purchase the fully registered version. Apart from
the extra key strokes required to cancel the reminder screen,
it is usually fully functional.
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Debit-Buddy
is a handy application for just about everyone these days!
Are you like me and subject to forgetting to record your
various debit card and ATM transaction? If so, then Debit-Buddy
is the solution. This chore is particularly hard to manage
if you share an account and you do not have the associated
checkbook with you. Remembering not only the transaction
amounts, but also what they were for can be especially
troublesome. With your Debit-Buddy handy, you can quickly
record these transactions at the time of incurrence and
never worry about forgetting them again!
If
you enjoy games to test your memory such as classics like "
Concentration" and the likes, then you'll LOVE Rune Quest!
Similar to classic "Concentration", in Rune Quest,
the goal
Gack-Apps’ Hangman
provides a new twist on an old, yet ever popular game!
Most other Palm ™ handheld versions of this game
provide a database of only single word entries to test
your wits against. Gack-Apps’ Hangman comes with
an original database of 400 words and phrases! That’s
right…phrases as well. Our version features such
entries as: (Movie) “For Whom the Bell Tolls”,
not only single word entries such as: (Thing) “Automobile”. 
If
you frequent any of the online auction sites then you’ll
love Auction Butler! Auction Butler is designed to allow
you to easily record the auctions you are interested in
so you can set an alarm to remember to check on its progress. 
