Freeware and Shareware

Introduction

Edit: Further Reading --> Further Readings

Most computer users are familiar with purchasing software. One needs only to walk into an electronics store to see the rows of software they can purchase. Buying software is not the only way to obtain software, however. Applications can frequently be downloaded from the internet or can be provided on CD-ROMs or DVDs included with magazines. The terms Freeware and Shareware refer to the different types of these software applications that you can obtain free of charge.

...by students

Shareware and freeware applications provide an excellent way to try new types of software and find alternatives to expensive software suites. Many of the instructors that I have had here at the U of M post the PowerPoint slides they use online. The slides are usually posted in an Adobe Acrobat file format, but sometimes they post the original PowerPoint files. A laptop I purchased recently did not have Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft PowerPoint installed. Without freeware applications available which let me view these file types, I may have had to purchase expensive software to view each file type. Adobe's Acrobat reader and Microsoft's PowerPoint viewer are both freeware applications which let you view their respective file types, without having to purchase the full application needed to create these files.

What is Shareware

Shareware is software that can be obtained free of charge, with some limitations placed on it. Shareware is frequently used to provide demo or trial versions of software. Common limitations placed on shareware applications often include limited time or features. Time limits allow the user to use the application for a limited time. For example, a user may be able to use a shareware application for 30 days, after which they would be advised to purchase the application. Feature limitations allow the user to access some features of the application, while others only become available after purchasing it. These limitations can also be used in combination. For example, a user may be able to access all features of an application for a limited time, after which they can only access a limited set of that application's features. It should be noted that shareware programs are not considered free programs^[1]

What is Freeware

Freeware is software that can be obtained free of charge, without any restrictions placed on the software. Freeware applications do not employ the same limitations imposed by shareware applications. The user is able to use the application for an unlimited time, and the features they are able to use are not limited. Viewers or players for certain file types are often released as freeware. It should be noted that freeware programs are normally not considered to be free programs^[2]