Shareware: meaning, definitions and examples
💾
shareware
[ ˈʃɛrˌwɛər ]
software distribution
Shareware is a type of software that is distributed for free but with certain limitations, often requiring users to pay for additional features or access after a trial period. It allows users to try the software before making a purchase, promoting user interaction and feedback. Typically, shareware programs may include time-limited usage, limited functionality, or reminders to register. This model was popular in the early days of personal computing and is still used today across various software categories.
Synonyms
demo software, freemium software, trial software.
Examples of usage
- I downloaded some shareware to test its features.
- The game was available as shareware before the full version was released.
- Many shareware applications have a trial period of 30 days.
Translations
Translations of the word "shareware" in other languages:
🇵🇹 shareware
🇮🇳 शेयरवेयर
🇩🇪 Shareware
🇮🇩 shareware
🇺🇦 шарове програмне забезпечення
🇵🇱 shareware
🇯🇵 シェアウェア
🇫🇷 partagiciel
🇪🇸 shareware
🇹🇷 shareware
🇰🇷 셰어웨어
🇸🇦 برنامج المشاركة
🇨🇿 shareware
🇸🇰 shareware
🇨🇳 共享软件
🇸🇮 shareware
🇮🇸 deiliforrit
🇰🇿 бөлісу бағдарламалық қамтамасыз ету
🇬🇪 გაზიარების პროგრამული უზრუნველყოფა
🇦🇿 paylaşılan proqram təminatı
🇲🇽 shareware
Etymology
The term 'shareware' was coined in the early 1980s by Andrew Fluegelman, who wanted to describe software that could be shared and tested before purchasing. The concept emerged as personal computing began to grow, and developers sought ways to increase the distribution of their programs without incurring high advertising costs. Shareware became a popular method for software distribution throughout the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in the fields of game development and utility software. The model enabled a direct relationship between developers and users, fostering a community of feedback. As the internet evolved, shareware adapted to online distribution channels, maintaining its relevance in modern software practices.