Shareware facts for kids
Shareware is a special way that people can try out computer programs and games before they decide to buy them. It lets you get a free peek or a "demo" version of software. This way, you can see if you like the program or game before spending any money on the full version.
Contents
Shareware is a type of software that is given to users for free, but usually with some limits. The idea is to let you try the software first. If you like it and want to keep using all its features, you then pay for the full version. This is different from free software, which you can use forever without paying, and commercial software, which you usually have to buy right away.
When you get shareware, you might get a version that has some features turned off. For example, a game might only let you play the first few levels. Or a program might only work for a certain number of days, like 30 days. This is called a "trial period." After the trial period ends, the software might stop working, or it might remind you to pay to unlock all its features.
Shareware is great because it lets you "try before you buy." Imagine wanting a new video game. With shareware, you could download a demo and play a part of it. If it's fun, you know it's worth buying the full game. If it's not what you expected, you haven't wasted your money. This helps people make smart choices about the software they use.
There are a few different ways shareware can be limited:
- Trialware: This software works for a set number of days, like 15 or 30 days. After that, you need to pay to keep using it.
- Demoware: This is common for games. You get to play a part of the game, like the first few levels, but not the whole thing.
- Feature-limited: The software works forever, but some advanced features are locked. You pay to unlock everything.
- Adware: Sometimes, shareware might show you advertisements until you pay for a "premium" version that removes the ads.
The idea of shareware became popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Back then, it was harder to find new software. People would share floppy disks with programs on them. Shareware allowed developers to get their programs out to many people. Users could try the software, and if they liked it, they would send money directly to the developer. This helped many small software companies grow.
