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What is the Difference Between Shareware and Freeware?
Both shareware and freeware are terms that are used to describe software that can be downloaded from the Internet. The basic difference between them stems from whether the person downloading the software must pay for it at some time. Freeware is just that — free software — while shareware means that payment will eventually be necessary.
When someone downloads freeware, he or she is usually getting software without paying for it. With some freeware downloads, there is an optional charge; this charge may be in the form of a donation or to upgrade the freeware to the full version of the program. While this software is free, it is still subject to license terms and conditions to protect the intellectual rights of the software developers.
Shareware is software that is provided for a free trial before the user must pay for it. This allows users to try software before committing to the purchase price. Usually, the free trial is for a specific amount of time and there is no obligation to buy the software when that time is up. Shareware software products can also have some features limited, similar to freeware.
Many different limitations can be placed on shareware and freeware files. Some of the most common include watermarks on images, advertising throughout the program, screens reminding you to purchase the full program, time trials and limits on saving. Software developers can choose to include as many or as few limitations to their files.
There are many different types of files that can be downloaded as shareware and freeware. Almost all types of software can be downloaded in one of these formats, if not both. Game trials are a common version of shareware available to allow gamers to try games for a set amount of time to determine if they enjoy the game.
The main reason behind producing freeware and shareware versions of software is that people are more likely to try something that is free. Some developers produce "lite" versions of their programs, which allow users to try the software while promoting the full version. One of the main benefits of both these types of software to software developers is that their products reach a much wider audience.
One type of freeware also provides the source code for the software. Open source software allows other programmers and developers to modify the code as they wish. The difference between open source and shareware and freeware is that not only is it always free, but it also has very few limitations on its use.
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![Freeware and shareware can both be downloaded from the internet.]()
By: jamdesignFreeware and shareware can both be downloaded from the internet. -
![Open source software allows other programmers and developers to modify the code as they wish.]()
By: Photo_MaOpen source software allows other programmers and developers to modify the code as they wish.
Discussion Comments
This article did a good job of explaining to me the difference between freeware and shareware. I have only used freeware because I always try the free things first before paying for something.
It's best to get the version next to the original version "lite" so that you can still get the same overall game just with a different name until they can get the first model up and running.
I have never used shareware before. Mainly because I just like to use free things that I do not have to sign up for. Overall, this article was very interesting for me.
I have used both freeware and shareware software at different times. My most recent experience with shareware was quite annoying though. I used the shareware version of a popular tax software, but I didn't end up purchasing it.
I wanted to try the shareware version to see if it would like it, but an ad popped up literally every other screen! The advertising was so distracting I barely got a feel for the software. I might have purchased the full version if it wasn't for the annoying ads, but I decided to go with the other tax software I usually use instead.
OMG! I have used freeware and shareware software as well at different times, and could not understand why I kept having those pop-up ads it was so annoying, so now I just purchase straight up software and bypass all of those pop-ups. It is so much better. I'm not that computer savvy but I know when enough is enough. Every time I get into a fight, I have all these advertisements like every 30 seconds. It was just so annoying but now easy sailing and no problems with pop up ads.
This article told me what to do when there is a paid program or Software. This is a good simple understanding which helps me.
@SZapper - I think you brought up an interesting point about freeware. Some freeware programs work so well I would also pay money for them, but others are a complete waste of time and disk space!
However, sometimes you do get what you pay for. I hear people complaining about certain freeware programs sometimes. And they get really heated about it, too! But I think it's a little ridiculous to expect freeware to be perfect, because the developers aren't getting paid for their work.
If you really want freeware to be improved, you should make a donation!
@starrynight - I understand that companies need to advertise, but what you're describing sounds ridiculous. If the program is good, using the shareware program should be enough to convince you to buy it without them bombarding you with ads every other screen!
Anyway, I use freeware sometimes. I have a secondary computer and I didn't feel like purchasing another version of Microsoft Office, so I got the freeware version of that. It works well enough, and it saved me some money!
I also use a freeware program to advertise my ebooks. It works so well that I would actually pay for it if it were a paid program!
I have used both freeware and shareware software at different times. My most recent experience with shareware was quite annoying though. I used the shareware version of a popular tax software, but I didn't end up purchasing it.
I wanted to try the shareware version to see if it would like it, but an ad popped up literally every other screen! The advertising was so distracting I barely got a feel for the software. I might have purchased the full version if it wasn't for the annoying ads, but I decided to go with the other tax software I usually use instead.
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