Definition of shareware

shareware    

noun - uncountable

• software that is free to share with others and is - at least initially - free to use. The author requests (or requires) a "registration fee" to continue using the software, and perhaps enable additional functionality.
  • See more words with the same meaning: software.

  Last edited on Nov 15 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

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Related words

Slang terms with the same meaning

Other terms relating to 'software':
freeware	Definitions include: "Freeware" was originally the trademark of "PC-Talk" author Andrew Fluegelman.
crapware	Definitions include: software that comes installed by default on PCs sold by some vendors.
bloatware	Definitions include: computer software that occupies too many resources due to its preponderance of features.
abandonware	Definitions include: software still under copyright, but which is no longer distributed, sold, or supported.
vaporware	Definitions include: product(s) announced far before any release (even beta) has been made.

Slang terms with the same root words

Other terms relating to 'share':
lion's share	Definitions include: the majority.
Other terms relating to 'software':
abandonware	Definitions include: software still under copyright, but which is no longer distributed, sold, or supported.
adware	Definitions include: legitimate software that is free to use, but displays advertising.
annoyware	Definitions include: a type of shareware that interrupts use of the software to display a message asking the user to "register" the software (i.e. pay for it.)
bloatware	Definitions include: computer software that occupies too many resources due to its preponderance of features.
careware	Definitions include: a form of shareware where, in lieu of the "registration" fee, the author asks that users donate to a charity.
charityware	Definitions include: a form of shareware where, in lieu of the "registration" fee, the author asks that users donate to a charity.
crippleware	Definitions include: software that has had features disabled to entice people to upgrade to a for-pay or more expensive version.
freeware	Definitions include: "Freeware" was originally the trademark of "PC-Talk" author Andrew Fluegelman.
guiltware	Definitions include: shareware that uses guilt to encourage users to pay the "registration" cost.
malware	Definitions include: software that does bad things.
nagware	Definitions include: shareware software that nags the user if it hasn't yet been purchased.
postcardware	Definitions include: a type of shareware that only requires users to send a postcard to the author in order to purchase it.
shelfware	Definitions include: software that was purchased or written, but never used.
shovelware	Definitions include: low-quality software.
shrink-wrapped software	Definitions include: software delivered in physical form.
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