July 25, 2008, Newsletter Issue #200: All About Shareware

Tip of the Week

You may have heard the term "shareware," you may even have some. But what does it really mean?

Shareware is software, frequently utilities or games, that has been developed by an independent programmer. It is generally placed on various download sites on the net (see the links for Mac Downloads), and you can download it without paying it advance.

The idea behind shareware is "try before you buy." If you need a widget or crave a new game, download something (don´t forget to keep your virus checker turned on!) and try it out. If it´s not what you´re looking for, just toss it in the trash. However, if it IS what you want, and you plan to keep it, you must pay for it.

Generally shareware fees are tiny compared to the costs of "packaged" software. The fee is usually based on how much work was involved in developing the program, its complexity, and its potential usefulness. If you don´t pay for it, no-one will come after you ... except your conscience.

Think about how often you use the program, and how valuable it is to you. Consider the time, knowledge and effort it took to develop it. If you use it, pay for it!

There are variations on shareware:
~Freeware is just that ... free. No payment necessary.
~Postcardware is not uncommon; the author requests that you send a postcard from your location. Take the time to get a nice one!
~Nagware ... well, this is a response to all those people who download shareware and never pay for it. Nagware nags you to pay ... by delaying your access to the program by a few seconds, by flashing repeated requests for payment, or some other method. When you pay the fee, you get a code number or instructions that will turn the "Nag" off.
~Crippleware is also a common response to the folks who don´t pay. It may be only partially functional (a "demo") or it may only work a set number of times before becoming non-functional. When you pay for it, you get an unlock key that releases the full functionality of the program.

Remember: Paying shareware fees encourages authors to KEEP WRITING great shareware for us to use. If you like a shareware program and want to keep it, pay your fees!

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