LET'S TALK ABOUT FREEWARE VS. SHAREWARE
LET'S TALK ABOUT FREEWARE
VS. SHAREWARE
Freeware is copyrighted computer software which is made available
for use free of charge, for an unlimited time. Authors of freeware often want
to "give something to the community", but also want to retain control
of any future development of the software.
The term shareware refers to commercial software that is
copyrighted, but which may be copied for others for the purpose of their trying
it out with the understanding that they will pay for it if they continue to use
it.
MORE ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES:
MORE ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES:
FREE:
PAID:
HISTORY
In 1982, Andrew Fluegelman created a telecommunications program for
IBM PC and named it PC-Talk. He used the term freeware for PC-Talk and that was
how this word was coined. Within a few months of this, Bob Wallace developed a
word processor, PC-Write and called it shareware. But Andrew Fluegelman
initially did not distribute the software freely, thus making it a shareware.
LICENSE AND COPYRIGHT
The Copyright laws are applicable to both Freeware and shareware,
and the copyright holder retains all rights. The authors or developers of
freeware and shareware are programmers and their programs are of comparable
quality. The software license may impose some restrictions on the type of use
of software including personal use, individual use, non-profit use,
non-commercial use, academic use, commercial use or any combination of these.
The license may be "free for personal, non-commercial use."
DISTRIBUTION
The main difference lies with the method of distribution. For
freeware, ideally there is no charge for using the software. Under EULA, the
author gives the permission to copy and distribute the software, either to all
or to a specific group. Freeware distribution gives users a chance to try
software and continue to use it for no payment or some acknowledgement (Ex. a
thank you note, suggestions, comments, user experience etc.).
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try the software
before buying it. If someone wants to use the shareware program for a long time
then he may have to buy it. In shareware, the developer omits the normal
distribution channel and the retail middleman and directly markets it to the
end user. This results in a reduced end-user price. Also users of shareware are
encouraged to copy and distribute unregistered versions of the software to
friends, colleagues for the purpose of their trying it out with the
understanding that they will pay for it if they continue to use it.
CRITICISM
The main problem with freeware is the lack of support if a program
does not run properly. Some freeware have inbuilt advertisements, through which
adware may get installed in the users system.
Many shareware projects are not updated regularly or offer support
for the program. Some software might not include all fully functional features.
TIME FRAME
While freeware is a no strings attached software with no time limit
to it, shareware may just be a limited feature software to be used free for a
certain period. After which the user may be asked to purchase it.
So, what team are you? free or paid?
Let me know your comments and thoughs.
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