Choices, Choices Everywhere

A piece of shareware typically falls into one of three categories:

• The honor system. This is the most common form of shareware, in which an author will provide a fully-functional program to the general public without charge. However, the author will usually request a minimal contribution (anywhere from $5 to $75), trusting that if you find the program effective, youíll register the product out of respect. Authors often remind users to register by including in the software a ìnag screenî which always appears when the application opens. In exchange for payment, the author usually offers free technical support and updates on product upgrades.
• Freeware. Freeware is exactly what it implies: a fully-operable piece of software with no nag screens or sticker price. Usually, freeware is very simple and not backed up by technical support.
• Crippleware. This type of shareware is designed by authors who donít trust the basic honesty of the general public. Consequently, they cripple (disable) a critical element of the software before making it available. Many authors design a program that is fully-functional for only a certain amount of time(usually a month). When the allotted time expires, - nearly all of the programís options are disabled. In either case, when the user registers the product, the author provides a complete version.