Free EvaluationShareware (also known as
user supported software) is a marketing concept. The authors of
shareware retain all rights to the software under the copyright laws while still allowing
free distribution. This gives the user the chance to freely obtain and try out software to
see if it fits his needs. Shareware should not be confused with public domain software
even though they are often obtained from the same sources.
If you continue to use shareware
after trying it out, you are expected to register your use with the author and pay a
registration fee. What you get in return depends on the program, but may include a
authorization code, printed manual, free updates, technical support, etc. Only by paying
for the shareware you use do you enable the shareware author to continue to support his
software and create new programs. Considering that the shareware registration fees are
almost always far less than the purchase price of comparable commercial software it's
obvious that shareware is a good deal for everyone.
There are real advantages to
you in the shareware system. You get to try out software to make sure it is compatible with your system and that
it fits your needs before you "buy" it with your registration. The author saves
the expense of advertising, packaging and distribution and passes the savings on to you.
Plus, most shareware authors are much more accessible than commercial software sources so
that your questions and suggestions are much more likely to
be responded to.
Thank you for your support.
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