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Question

What is the difference between Free & Shareware?

Feb 5, 2012 8:13PM PST

I have been around for several years and truly I can not remember what the difference is.
It is my thinking that "free" means that you own the product but really not allowed to pass it on to others.
Shareware is that of you obtain the software but you can make copies and pass it on to friends without legal hassles.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Yes and no
Feb 5, 2012 8:33PM PST

It's that clear, Devil

All freeware/shareware software developers have their own licensing and EULA terms, so the only way you can know for sure is to read those for each one.

For example, some freeware is "Free to try but purchase if you want to keep it and use all it's options", whilst other freeware really is free but the licensor may say you cannot copy it or pass it on to others. Or they may say you can freely copy and pass it on.

Shareware is often 'free to try', but just as often is free, except you cannot copy or share it. The licensor is sharing it with you but you are free to tell others about it so they can download it from the licensor's web site.

So the only way to be sure is to look at the terms for each title.

Mark

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Makes sense
Mar 6, 2012 7:39PM PST

Thank you, I learned a thing or two about it!

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Answer
I think Mark is almost right...but more about shareware
Feb 7, 2012 9:25PM PST

and definitely right about reading any EULA for clarification. But shareware, as I recall, was more of a distribution method that came about during BBS (Bulletin Board Service) days. Bulletin boards might be called low-tech internet and many were run out of people's homes. BBS "SYSOPS" developed their own acceptable use policies. One of these generally dealt with upload/download ratio. Users who wanted to download files were expected to contribute them as well. Those who never contributed uploads were called "leeches". In any event, shareware programs were commonly available via the free BBS distribution systems. A user might download some shareware program and upload that same program to another BBS to fulfill their upload requirement there.

The intent of shareware was ultimately to earn income for the developer. The EULA actually encouraged distribution by sharing. Thus, the developer's overhead was minimal and it provided those who aspired to be noticed by larger companies an opportunity to show examples of their work in hopes of being "discovered" by such as MS, Lotus, etc. Shareware products were usually fully working copies and users were on an honor system to either pay for the product or stop using it after some period. About all that came with these first offering was some nag to pay for continued use. Because early offerings were DOS applications, there was almost no way enforce EULAs. Anyway, that's what I recall. Many variants came about later.

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Answer
Another view
Feb 17, 2012 9:10PM PST

I've had a slightly different interpretation of the differences. I'd classify software into five categories, Freeware, Donationware, Shareware, Trialware and Proprietary.

As Mark said, the definitive rules for the use and distribution of any particular piece of software can be found in the End User License Agreement (EULA), which is legally enforceable. There are also generic distribution rules, which some developers prefer to use. Perhaps the best known for Freeware, for instance are the GPL or GNU licenses, which are used for Linux distributions, for example.

My interpretations:

Freeware

Software products produced by developers who donate them freely to the community, without charge. Usually, these can be copied and passed on to others but in most cases the EULA specifies that the product must be distributed complete, unmodified and including the EULA. For the GNU/GPL licenses, the product may be modified or enhanced but any such enhancements must be freely donated back to the community. If you find a product particulary useful, many developers are happy to accept a voluntary donation.

Donationware

Essentially, the same as Freeware but where the developer asks for a (usually voluntary) donation of some sort, if you decide to keep using the software. Donations requested can be almost anything, from postcards from far flung places to equipment you have no further use for or, of course, unspecified cash.

Shareware

Software products that are developed and distributed by the developer for trial purposes but for which there is a formally defined payment required, should you decide to keep using the programs. Shareware programs can usually be further copied and passed on, subject to being complete, unmodified and with the EULA. Anyone to whom a copy is given is subject to the same "Try and Buy or Delete" rules.

Trialware

I won't get into the argument about crapware on new PCs but that is an example of trialware. Usually proprietary products that are distributed with a specific free trial period, after which, the product will stop working unless you purchase a license for it. A common example is the 60 day trial version of Microsoft Office that is installed on many new PCs. Fully functional for 60 days, then if you want to keep it, you buy a license for it.

Proprietary

Software that is developed and distributed by its developers or their agents, subject to payment of a license fee. Such products must not be copied or passed on to others. Most software from the major producers is distributed under these term and conditions.

Hope that helps.

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Another thing for Freeware..
Feb 19, 2012 7:54PM PST

Another thing from freeware is that it is an open source software. Anyone can have it or share it depending on the author's conditions in his EULA.

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Not all freeware is open source.
Feb 19, 2012 8:02PM PST

There's a lot of freeware for which no source coding is published.

Kees

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Answer
Freeware and Shareware
Feb 29, 2012 7:20PM PST

Shareware
This type software is, for the most part, commercially developed, but usually by smaller companies. These companies do not market in stores, but sell worldwide on the internet. They can sell for less because it costs less to advertise.
Free ware
Free ware programs are either distributed for the love of humanity, for fame, or as stripped down versions of programs that cost money. For the most part, this is the domain of the independent, or "freelance," developer