shareware
Limited free software
Shareware is software distributed freely for trial, with payment requested or required for continued use.
The model flourished in the early personal computer era, when programs spread via floppy disks and bulletin boards: I downloaded a shareware game and finally registered it after a month.
Shareware differs from freeware, which requires no payment, and from commercial software, which must be purchased upfront.
Short trial presentation
- trial periodTemporary testing interval
- time-limitedRestricted by duration
- tryoutCompetitive evaluation for selection
- previewAdvance showing sample
test · nag screen · expiration · watermarked · sample · hands-on
Trust-based compliance without supervision
- nagwarePerpetually prompting software
- cripplewareFeature-restricted trial software
- adwarePromotional software nuisance
- lite versionReduced-feature release
Functional worth or purpose
- applicationFormal request document
- programPlanned sequence of actions
- DOSText-based computer platform
- WindowsMicrosoft operating system
game · productivity · tool · independent · hobbyist · DOOM · WinZip · WinRAR
Remote-to-local data transfer
- distributeDivide and deliver
- BBSEarly online message system
- archiveStored historical records
- ZIPPostal routing number
upload · floppy disk · CD-ROM · mirror · pass along · distribution channel · bulletin board · CompuServe
Code unlocking paid software
- serial numberUnique alphanumeric product identifier
- activateCause to function
- unlockOpen a secured closure
- full versionComplete, unrestricted release
purchase · register · product key · authentication · upgrade · validation · keygen · crack
demo
Short trial presentation
- trial periodTemporary testing interval
- time-limitedRestricted by duration
- tryoutCompetitive evaluation for selection
preview · test · nag screen · expiration · watermarked · sample · hands-on
honor system
Trust-based compliance without supervision
- nagwarePerpetually prompting software
- cripplewareFeature-restricted trial software
- adwarePromotional software nuisance
lite version · freemium · contribution · cottage industry · self-published
utility
Functional worth or purpose
- applicationFormal request document
- programPlanned sequence of actions
- DOSText-based computer platform
Windows · game · productivity · tool · independent · hobbyist · DOOM · WinZip · WinRAR
download
Remote-to-local data transfer
- distributeDivide and deliver
- BBSEarly online message system
- archiveStored historical records
ZIP · upload · floppy disk · CD-ROM · mirror · pass along · distribution channel · bulletin board · CompuServe · AOL
license key
Code unlocking paid software
- serial numberUnique alphanumeric product identifier
- activateCause to function
- unlockOpen a secured closure
full version · purchase · register · product key · authentication · upgrade · validation · keygen · crack · piracy
- softwareapp, apps, application, program, programs
- downloadsfiles, app, apps, game, music
- portmanteausbrunch, smog, motel, spork, chortle
- warekitchenware, tableware, glassware, silverware, dinnerware
- previewspreview, movie trailer, book excerpt, sneak peek, teaser
- BBSBBS, sysop, modem, dial-up, message board
sharewarecommercial software
Licensed programs for sale
proprietary software · enterprise software · freeware · free software · open-source software
share, ware, shared, sharing, hardware, shares, software, unshared, sharer