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What is Shareware, Trial Software and Freeware?
In the Mid 1980's Bob Wallace developed a word processor program called PC-Write. To further describe his program, Wallace came up with the term Shareware. Many users in the industry consider Jim Button, the creator of PC-File - a database program, and Andrew Fluegelman, the author of PC-Talk - a communication program, are considered to be the "fathers" of the Shareware concept. However, the three of them clearly established the Shareware model to be the viable marketing method for their software.
In the early days of software distribution, it was a standard practice to share computer programs across a global bulletin board system. This allowed users to share and exchange them with other users that may have a need for it to accomplish or simplify daily tasks. As the progress of the software industry continued to develop, software authors and vendors started to request small payments for their software in order to help support continued improvements and offer technical support of the software.
Computer software was distributed and shared between friends and colleagues; however, it wasn't until the development of the Internet and e-commerce, when the concept of Shareware really took off and became more popular than one could have ever imagined.
As the Internet became more popular, so did the use of Shareware, Trial Software and Freeware. In the early 90's the Internet lead to a new software distribution model that revolutionized the software industry and the way software was distributed. This new found method of distribution has been so successful over the past 20 years, that now almost every software development company uses it today to bring about awareness of their software.
To make this network of Shareware and Freeware distribution even more powerful, Webmasters began making Website archives based on the software that was available to download. These massive libraries of software are commonly known as software download sites.
What is Shareware?
So what exactly is Shareware? Shareware is software that is distributed on a trial basis with the understanding by the users of the software, that there may be a small charge by the author to continue to use it. Most Shareware is delivered free of charge by downloading it from the Internet; either from the authors Website or from a software download site. By registering the software and paying the small fee, you become registered with the author and you can receive technical support and updates of the software when they become available.
You can copy Shareware and pass it along to friends and colleagues, as long as it is the trial version of the software and not the registered version. They too are expected to pay a registration fee if they intend on using the software regularly beyond the trial period.
The trial period of the computer software is entirely dependent on the software author and can vary a great deal. Typically, the trial period can be anywhere from 10 - 30 days or even 45 - 60 days. I have also seen some software where the trial period was based on usage and only allow you to use the program an X number of times. So there are many, many variations of trial periods and usage time for you to evaluate the software before you buy.
The functionality of the software can be limited as well; some authors will release fully functional software and others will offer a limited or a lite version of the full program. For example, all of our software here at CoffeeCup is offered to users to try out the fully functional program for a limited amount of time. You can download coffeecup software here: http://www.coffeecup.com/software/.
Trial Software vs. Shareware
What is the difference between Trial Software and Shareware? There really is not much of a difference. Shareware is an older term that is becoming superseded by the term Trial Software. Back when Shareware first evolved, it meant that Shareware could be shared freely with each other, friends and colleagues. Many users started to think that it was ok to register the software and then share it with others; this is simply not the case. To avoid this problem the term Trial Software was introduced. The term Trial Software is more precise and means exactly what it is - Trial software.
Freeware vs. Trial Software
What exactly is Freeware? Freeware unlike Trial Software, is software that is completely free for anyone to use or pass along to other to use. The difference between Freeware and Trial Software is that Freeware is just that - Free. You never have to pay to use Freeware and can pass it along for others to use too free of charge. This is a huge advantage for using Freeware.
There are a few disadvantages of using Freeware as well. One disadvantage of using Freeware software is that the author may no longer be developing it and improving it. So if you use a Freeware program on a regular basis, check with the developer of the software to see if they are still going to be developing it and offering updates. Another disadvantage of Freeware is that you may not get the help or support you are in need of to use the software. Of course, this is dependent on the developer on what exactly is offered with the Freeware version of the program, you should check directly with the company to see what the policy is regarding the software.
Where can you get Trial Software, Shareware and Freeware?
Often times you can download programs that offer Shareware, Trial Software and Freeware versions directly from the authors Website or software download sites. Software download sites are archives of thousands of different programs; such as educational software, web design software, network software, and so much more. Best of all, it's available all in one place.
Websites such as www.tucows.com will review the software and make sure that it works properly, and will also give it a rating based on a set of criterions that the software must meet to receive a rating. Other sites such as www.download.com will have their editorial staff review the software but also allow users to comment and give feedback on the software. This can be especially useful to get other opinions before downloading and trying out the software.
Software vendors will often submit the latest version of their software to these download sites so that the users of these sites can be sure they are getting the latest version of their software.
The Advantages
So what are the advantages of Shareware, Trial Software and Freeware? Well, the advantage of Freeware is just that - it's free. For Shareware and Trial Software, however, the big advantage is that you can try the software before you buy it. Using Shareware through the trial period allows you ample time to test out the software before you buy it.
With Shareware, you can try out several different products and see which one best suits your needs for the project or task you need it for.
Another advantage of Shareware or Trial Software is that it is usually a lot less expensive that store bought software. Software authors don't have to pay the extra overhead for packaging and printed materials which allows them to sell the software and at much lower cost.
Overall, the distribution of Shareware, Trial Software and Freeware continue to improve with new methods of marketing and more vendors are producing software for users to try before they buy. With the support of users, authors are continually developing Trial Software versions of their software to make their software even better to meet the growing needs of their registered users.
Scott Swedorski
VP of Software Development - CoffeeCup Software
Founder - Tucows.com
CoffeeCup Software started in a real Coffee House 1996. Our first program was the HTML Editor. Over the last 10 years we have created a lot more Web Design & Flash Software. Our philosophy has always been to create software and services so you can make better Websites. We are dedicated to helping you by offering extraordinary support so we can succeed together. Consider us a partner and a friend, because we really are about Fresh Software and Warm People.
