You’ve used them for years, but you probably don’t know what they’re called. shareware programs are a type of freely distributed software for you to try, but they have clear limitations. In this note we explain what these versions are like, when they were created and why they are a success in the technology industry.
Big companies like microsoft or Adobe they use this system of software distributed free to users, but not fully available, unlike others as freeware.
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Contents
What are they and what are their characteristics?
Shareware is a type of software that it is distributed free, although it requires a payment if we want to unlock the complete tool Or use it indefinitely. It is a program that forces users to pay certain memberships to take advantage of all the functions and is usually restricted after thirty days of use.
This software is intended to be used by the user free of charge and as test for a while and later you have to pay for a version to be able to continue using all the functionalities and not have limitations. They are usually safe programs and are designed to be shared massively.
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Software Origin
This type of programs appeared in the eighties in which Andrew Fluegeman and Jim Knopf created applications that used unconventional and usual methods for distribution, but they became popular. On the one hand, Fluegman created the PC-Talk program and Knopf released PC-File.
both searched alternative options for its distribution, although there was still no name that spoke about this type of program that did not become free software in the public domain. This is how the shareware concept arose until today.
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Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage is that we can use a paid program for free for a while. However, the drawback is that It is not free but we must start paying after a certain period.
At the user level, a better price is obtained in this type of program and we can test it completely before being able to use it at a cost. In addition, the main advantage and reason for its popularity is that we have full access for a long time.
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It is important to point out that it cannot be modified or distributed by the user, nor are they open source programs where we have the source code available. In some cases, such as adware, can pose a risk.
The types will depend on the program you are going to install. For example, “freemium” models are programs that are free, but we can only use them for a limited number of times or without using a feature. This limits how many times you can translate a word or the files you can save, how many times you can retouch a photo and how many times you can remove a watermark. There are a limited number of occasions.
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In addition to freemium, there are other types although not recommended in most casesAs the Adware. This considers programs that use advertising in them to generate revenue for the developer. However, they may pose a risk to our personal data.
And finally the demoware. It is a denouncing software that allows its use for a time at a global level. However, you must then pay to continue using it or unlock its features. These help us decide when to buy or not a program.