The Differences Between Freeware and Shareware

Freeware is non-free software, most times proprietary, which is distributed absolutely free to the end user without any charge to the owner. There's no legal agreement, license, or implied terms that states explicitly what freeware is; each publisher decides its own terms for their freeware; and even those who do agree on some terms can disagree on the way others interpreting the agreement may construe the meaning of the agreement. This means there's a great deal of room for interpretation. If you're a developer interested in releasing freeware, there are some things to look for.

Shareware Software

The most popular type of freeware software is shareware, available for both desktop and server use. Shareware is available for any purpose under the Free Information Technology License and is usually available at no cost to the customer. There are other types of free software that fall into the shareware category. Examples are freeware games, office software, and other proprietary software applications. These are normally sold as freeware through third parties that develop and distribute them.

The very big advantage of shareware is that developers can make a lot more money than with freeware. There can be some ads that appear or even some membership levels that may be present. Even the simple fact that the software can be shared on social media in order to be used is enough to help with the promotion of what was created. 

The Big Difference

While shareware might be acceptable for certain purposes, there's a big difference between shareware and freeware software. Shareware is primarily intended to be used on a trial basis, with the understanding that the full version of the program will be obtained eventually. Shareware publishers allow the end-user to download the demo and try the software before purchasing the full version.

Freeware on the other hand, is generally available to all users without any prior permission or cost. This means that anyone can download, use, and enjoy the software. One of the biggest concerns of users of freeware is whether or not the software is protected from being pirated. If you have a copyrighted software program (known as "pirated software") you might be worried that somebody is going to steal your property or worse, copy and distribute copies of it illegally.

While this can happen, it's actually very unlikely for it to happen. Shareware programs are created by individual developers. The copyright holder typically doesn't have anything to do with the creation or development of it. Therefore, when a new software program is released, it often times includes "source code", which is the exact source code that makes it what it is. Without this particular code, it would be nearly impossible to build a quality, useful, and functional shareware program.

Extra Utilities And Add-Ons

Most shareware is also supported by several add-ons and utilities that allow the user to further customize the program and make it more useful. Therefore, while there are several programs out there that are both free and shareware that offer the same function, they are still different because one is licensed while the other is not. This difference often has a lot to do with the perceived "value" of the programs. Whereas, a freeware program may be completely legitimate, it may not be worth the download or purchase price, especially if it is a "free" program that doesn't even operate at its full potential.

Additionally, shareware is not always free. Even freeware apps that are developed by individual developers may be sold for profit. This is because many people who develop these programs will release them for free in order to gain exposure and popularity among users.

However, once their program is available for download, it is up to the user to decide whether or not it is worth paying for the full version. While some developers who create shareware apps may release the program as shareware for no charge, others will charge money for the full version in order to sustain development costs.

Conclusions

Shareware apps are much like freeware because they come with limited capabilities. They usually won't have everything that a full version program will, including support and updates. If you need an official application from a company or brand, then you should purchase it so that you get everything that you need. However, if you're just downloading apps to use on your own computer, then you probably don't need to pay for anything more than the trial period.

For most people, the use of shareware software is highly recommended. This is mainly because of the extras that are available. But, we have to understand the fact that freeware software is also a viable option. There are more and more such programs being released every single month. This even includes games that are available as freeware options people can play (usually presented as indie games).