Most shareware programs come free, but the author usually asks the user to pay a small amount if he likes the application and uses it regularly. After sending a small fee, it is registered with the manufacturer in order to receive further service assistance and updates.
Shareware (SW) software is inexpensive because it is produced by a single developer and offered directly to customers. Thus, there is practically no cost for packaging or advertising. Before you consider in detail what is this shareware, you need to do a little digression into the history of the term.
History of SW
In 1982, Andrew Flyugelman created the telecommunications program for the IBM PC and called it PC-Talk. He used the term freeware for PC-Talk. A few months later, Bob Wallace developed the PC-Write word processor and called it shareware, which means shareware.
In the 1980s and 1990s, such software was popular with small developers. The advent of CDs allowed some of them to present their developments in the form of a collection, such as, for example, the Top-100 Mac Games. Other similar collections include utilities, graphics programs, and productivity apps. In many cases, they were fully functional and simply requested donations from users.
Before you understand what this shareware is, you need to consider their types.
Types of shareware programs:
- Freemium - with a paid additional feature, such as free-to-play or CCleaner. It is 100% free for standard features, but you need to pay for extended support, scheduled cleaning, and automatic updates.
- Nagware - programs that work only for a certain period of time.
- Adware is a full-featured program with viewing advertisements.
- Donationware is a full-featured program with volunteer offerings.
- Non-profit shareware - when a user, for example, treats the author (beerware) or sends him a postcard by post.
Most SW demos can be downloaded directly from the software publisher’s website.
Differences of Free Software
Computer software is subject to copyright laws to protect its authors and provide them with fair compensation for hard work. Some computer software is distributed free of charge, so before you understand what this shareware is, it is important to know the difference in software licensing.
Traditional software licenses mean that the buyer pays the author for the right to use his product on the agreed number of computers. This does not give him the right to own the software product, modify and distribute it among others.
Free Software means the freedom to change the source code and distribute software.
Freeware - software is distributed free of charge and without an expiration date. The author retains the copyright of the product.
Shareware is shareware, which is initially distributed free of charge, but later it may be necessary to pay for unlocking or maintaining functionality.
Before you understand what this shareware is, you need to study an overview of the options:
View | Cost | Source Code Change | Fully operational | Term of use |
Free software. | Is free. | Modification and distribution permitted. | Yes. | Not. |
Freeware. | Is free. | Not allowed, the developer retains copyright. | Usually yes. | Not. |
Shareware | Without an initial investment, payment may be later. | Not allowed, the developer retains copyright. | Depending on different reasons, some functions may be disabled until payment is received. | The program can only work for a short time, for example, 30 days. |
Scopes of Shareware
Understanding now what software is called the term shareware and why some developers and companies see such programming as an alternative way to distribute the product for sale, we can outline the scope. This is what is required for daily work on a PC: office, graphics, security, network. Such programs quickly spread across Internet sites and user groups.
Many successful commercial programs have thus begun a great life, and some are still being distributed as SW products. These include Qualcomm Eudora mailer, Jasc Software Paint Shop Pro image editor, Nico Mak WinZip unpacker, Ipswitch WS_FTP Internet tool and video games.
Some companies, such as Netscape, have built a business by distributing applications for free for personal or educational use, while charging a fee for commercial use. Sometimes companies offer their paid programs for free, but with limitations. This type of product distribution is great for those who want to try the program before making a purchase.
Some developers allow you to upgrade your SW software to a paid version in place using a license, such as a product key or license file. Others may use the login screen, which contains login information.
Benefits of Open Source Programs
For consumers, the benefits are a risk-free trial, low cost and personalized support. Benefits for software manufacturers are reduced overhead and cost savings.
Trial software is not a problem for consumers. The SW program offers instant rewards for both the supplier and the consumer.
Such software is cost effective. Retail software can be very expensive to manufacture, package, and distribute. Packaging, copying and printing on their own can require a huge investment. Advertising costs can be excessively high.
There are no risks for the consumer, if the trial version does not satisfy the needs of customers, they do not spend money on registration. Evaluating a product before purchase also increases customer satisfaction as they gain a complete picture of it.
Customers often communicate directly with developers, requesting feature updates, thereby improving it for everyone. User support forums help beginners make their choice. This allows developers to focus on future updates, while recurring problems, according to members of the forum, can be quickly resolved. Software developers who sell the product through the SW method have revolutionized traditional support models. Many of the shareware directories provide user ratings and ratings. Often their reviews provide insight into important feature sets.
Security Vulnerability
Shareware does not always pose a security risk. It all comes down to how much the user trusts the developer. A poorly executed commercial application can have many more security holes than a carefully designed SW application. What is shareware software in terms of security? SW is an economic model, not a design or implementation methodology. Thus, good and bad software protection can come from any model, and none of them is more or less safe.
However, when it comes to security risks, the user may have more legal options with commercial software. Commercial vendors sometimes try to relieve themselves of responsibility for poorly designed applications using complex licensing agreements, but if the buyer can prove that they knew about security holes, he can file a claim for damages. In the SW environment, since the client did not pay for the program, from a legal point of view, such opportunities are minimal.
Most commercial application developers offer support for monitoring security flaws and periodically release patches. Some SW developers also offer excellent support, while others do not. The latter are amateurs who created an excellent program, but then moved on to other things, leaving their brainchild unowned in terms of support. Such programs can become dangerous over time.
Custom Word Document Software
There are enough functional SW word processors on the Internet to replace Microsoft Word. The general properties of Shareware word 2010 (what this gives the user) can be considered as an example of its functionality. For example, a program can edit or view a file with the .doc extension (the default file format used in Microsoft Word 97-2003) or the DOCX (default format used in Word 2007+).
If you need to create a document from scratch, there are ways to use Microsoft Word or a similar application for free:
- Word Online offers an almost complete version of the popular word processor from the browser window, providing the ability to view or edit documents, create new templates, including calendars, resumes, cover letters.
- The Microsoft Word mobile app is available for free download on Android and iOS devices through the Google Play or Apple App Store. The app requires an Office 365 subscription if you need to create or edit documents on iPad Pro. However, the basic features are available for free on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad Air, and iPad mini and include the ability to create, edit, and view Word documents.
- Similar restrictions are found in the version of the application for Android, where authentication using a free Microsoft account will open the ability to create and edit Word documents on devices with screens of 10.1 inches or less.
Free word processor
Apache OpenOffice is another free replacement for Microsoft Word that runs on multiple operating systems. This OpenOffice word processor, also called Writer, has long been a favorite of those who want to view, edit, or create DOC files without the presence of Word.
AbiWord is one of the well-known free software applications for downloading text documents and has a wide range of functions, including dictionaries for more than 30 languages, a spell checker and a merge tool. The most interesting feature is that the program is intended for use on older computers that cannot handle large sets of text editors such as Word.
Although free word processing software may not be as good as paid versions, sometimes they are close to this limit and are a great option for companies and personal computer users who want to delay buying software without losing functionality.
Best Graphic Design Apps
Mischief is a graphic design SW program designed to create concepts and ideas. Users can create pixel or vector files in Mischief. This tool is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. For a one-time fee of $ 25, users can upgrade to the full version of Mischief. This includes additional features such as layers and custom color swatches.
DesignEvo - freeware, shareware graphic design software used to create author logos using vector graphics. This solution was created so that users with no design experience can easily create products. In addition to free DesignEvo offers two tariff plans. A basic plan can be purchased for a one-time fee of $ 19.99. Additional features in the platform include high-resolution files, lifelong support, the ability to edit and re-upload any files, and much more.
The shareware SW program has struggled with the stigma of misunderstanding for decades. Although enterprise software giants can no longer ignore the marketing potential of the trial version, small startups struggle with new challenges and product costs and succeed with users.