Shareware

[Fact 1]: The terms "freeware" and "shareware" were loosely used to distinguish them from commercial programs.In 1982, Andrew Fluegelman created a program for the IBM PC called PC-Talk, a telecommunications program, he used the term freeware.

[Fact 2]: Active projects commonly see less than 0.5% of downloaders convert to paying customers, and as many as half of the users may be using pirated versions of the software.Slashdot: "Do You Pay for Your Shareware?"With the advent of the internet, many traditional shareware programs are now available directly through a web browser, therefore bypassing the entire process of having to download and install the application.

[Fact 3]: Rather, they sometimes require the user to send the author a postcard ]].

[Fact 4]: They usually do not require the user to make a specific payment to the author.

[Fact 5]: However, shareware software is not always so limited in function, as demonstrated with programs such as The Bat!, GetRight, WinZip, and WinRAR, as well as various games.Some shareware groups have liberal standards, allowing 'nag screens' that remind the user to buy the software, demonstration or "demo" versions and trialware.

[Fact 6]: He term .The term "shareware" is popularized by Bob Wallace; however this term predates the IBM PC. In the early days of personal computers (late 70's) there were few programs available.

[Fact 7]: In addition to offering the convenience of not having to install any software, most online applications are offered at no cost to the user, through means of online advertisements.Other types of software distribution, taking the suffix "-ware" have followed shareware's lead.

[Fact 8]: Many "computer hobbyists" simply wrote their own programs when there was nothing available to do the job.

[Fact 9]: They shared these programs with other enthusiasts freely.

[Fact 10]: Some have refused to accept any software with limited functionality, including demos, trial use, or crippled software."Exposing the Myth of "Shareware".