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About Shareware
Shareware (also known as user supported software and other names) is a concept not understood by everyone. The authors of Shareware retain all rights to the software under the copyright laws while still allowing free distribution. This gives the user the chance to freely obtain and try out software to see if it fits his needs. Shareware should not be confused with Public Domain software even though they are often obtained from the same sources.If you continue to use Shareware after trying it out, you are expected to register your use with the author and pay a registration fee. What you get in return depends on the author, but may include a printed manual, free updates, telephone support, etc. Only by paying for the Shareware you use do you enable the Shareware author to continue to support his software and create new programs. Considering that the Shareware registration fees are almost always far less than the purchase price of comparable commercial software it's obvious that Shareware is a good deal for everyone.
There are real advantages to you in the Shareware system. You get to try out software to make sure it is compatible with your hardware and that it fits your needs before you "buy" it with your registration. The author saves the expense of advertising, packaging and distribution and passes the savings on to you. Plus, most Shareware authors are much more accessible than commercial software sources so that your questions and suggestions are much more likely to be responded to.
Text above from the SimTel archives.
About Freeware
Freeware is publically distributed programs which do not require any payment. The authors are still protected by copyright laws, and retain the rights to the programs, but allow people to freely copy and use them. Freeware is also sometimes known as 'Public Domain Software'.There are even more questions and answers
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