Question

Question : Define Shareware .

Answer 1

Answer:

Shareware is software that you can use on a trial basis before paying for it. Unlike freeware, shareware often has limited functionality or may only be used for a limited time before requiring payment and registration. Once you pay for a shareware program, the program is fully functional and the time limit is removed.

In the 1980s and 1990s, shareware was a popular way for small developers to distribute software. The advent of CDs allowed multiple developers to deliver their software programs as a collection, such as "Top 100 Mac Games." Other shareware collections included utilities, graphics programs, and productivity applications. In many cases, these programs were fully functional and simply requested a donation from users. Programs that incessantly reminded users to register and pay for the software became known as "nagware."

Today, the most common type of shareware programs are trial programs, which are also called "trialware" or "demoware." These programs are provided as demos that you can try for a limited time, such as two weeks or one month. Once the trial period expires, you must pay for the software in order to continue using it. Most shareware demos can be downloaded directly from the software publisher's website.

Answer 2

Short Answer

Shareware is initially provided free of charge to users, but often after a period of time, the licence fee is to be paid.

Long Answer:

• Shareware is a type of proprirtary software which is initially provided free of charge to users, who are allowed and encouraged to make and share copies of the program, often after a period of time, the licence fee is to be paid.
• Shareware is often offered as a download from a website or as a compact disc included with a magazine.
• Shareware is available with most computer softwares.
• Shareware differs from open-source software, in which the source code is available for anyone to inspect and alter; and from freeware, which is software distributed at no cost to the user but without source code being made available.
• Example Adobe acrobat 8 professional, WinZip.