shareware

shareware
    n 1: software that is available free of charge; may be
         distributed for evaluation with a fee requested for
         additional features or a manual etc.
    

shareware
 /sheir'weir/, n.

   A kind of {freeware} for which the author requests some payment,
   usually in the accompanying documentation files or in an announcement
   made by the software itself. Such payment may or may not buy
   additional support or functionality. See also {careware},
   {charityware}, {crippleware}, {FRS}, {guiltware}, {postcardware}, and
   {-ware}; compare {payware}.
    

shareware

   <software> /sheir'weir/ {Software} that, like {freeware}, can
   be usually obtained ({download}ed) and redistributed for free,
   but most often is under {copyright} and does legally require a
   payment in the {EULA}, at least beyond the {evaluation} period
   or for commercial applications.  This payment, as well as
   fulfilling the {user}'s legal obligations, may buy additional
   support, documentation, or functionality.  Generally, {source
   code} for shareware programs is not available.  Shareware is
   sometimes also {nagware} and/or {crippleware}, which muddles
   the term and is frowned upon in the community.

   See also {careware}, {charityware}, {guiltware},
   {postcardware}, and {-ware}; compare {payware}.

   [{Jargon File}]

   (2002-01-30)