Pricelessware
Definitions - definitions of types of
softwareI've been struggling for months trying to
figure out what to call some of the software I review. Now I find that
someone's done all the hard work for me. This list can help
you to be more aware of what you are downloading and why you should or
shouldn't use it. I feel they left out an important category called "Ad
Supported". It's not the same as Adware. Ad Supported software will
never be targeted by Spybot S&D or Ad-Aware scanners, because it's all
upfront with no hidden catches. Google search engines are Ad Supported. So
are most of the others. Will that stop you from using them? I can tell you
that I am a big Google fan, and I'll stick up for them. Unobtrusive and
discrete advertising is no problem for me, and Google does it
best.
Website -
Cool Website
Quote from the website - Glossary -
Definitions
Software that is no longer being offered for distribution by its author. The Copyright to the program is retained by the author.
Software that displays advertising for other products/services in the interface of the program or on the output of the program (photos, documents, etc.).
A program being tested in its pre-final release stages. Beta versions are intended for users willing to test the software for the author after the program has already concluded its alphatesting, which is conducted by the author.
Promotional CDs included with magazines, books or other products.
Software that is typically sold through retail store operations, or directly to the user from a representative of the author. Commercial Software can also be obtained via the Internet, but usually not downloaded.
Version of Shareware that is feature disabled. This is supposed to be an incentive for the end user to purchase the product if they find they require all the features enabled.
Demonstration version of either a Shareware or Commercial product. This type of program is intended merely to give you a feel of the program. It is very similar to Crippleware.
Author asks for donations if you like using the software. The donation is not mandatory.
Software that is licensed to the end user free of charge. It is not feature disabled, time limited or restricted in any way. Author still retains the copyright. This is not the same as "Open Source" or "Public Domain".
A version of a full-featured program. This version is built without many of the features in the full program. This is similar to Crippleware, but features are not disabled in this version, merely left out of the program completely. Continued use is allowed without purchase.
Software that is specifically made to damage your operating system or files on your computer.
A version of Shareware that will in some manner ask you to register the program if you continue to use it. Typically, this is in the form of a popup dialog from the program which stops you from using the program until you acknowledge the popup and dismiss it. To remove the Nag, you must purchase the software.
Source code to the program is available for anyone to use or change, but under one of many various license terms.
Abandonware for which the company or the author cannot be located.
Author claims no copyright to the software or it's source code and allows you to do with as you wish with the program and or it's source code. Source code is usually included with a Public Domain distribution.
Software which requires information from the end-user before the program can be downloaded or used. The program is then free to use and no purchase is required.
Software for which the author makes a specific request, such as a postcard or a charity contribution, in return for the use of the program. No purchase of the program is required.
Software that is specifically made to be downloaded from the internet and purchased by the end user. Typically, Shareware is either time limited or feature restricted until you purchase the software.
Software that compiles information either once, or on a continual basis while you use the software into which it is built. This information is sent via the internet without your knowledge or consent. Typically, this information is used to track your web browsing habits. Spyware can typically be found in Adware. The information gathered is used to select the type of advertising that will be served to you in the Adware program.
Version of Shareware that is time limited. You are only allowed to use the program for either a period of time, or for a selected amount of uses until the program no longer works at all. In order to use the program after the trial is over, purchase is required.
Shareware, Commercial Software or Abandonware that has not been legally obtained by the end user. Use of Warez is illegal and users found using Warez can be prosecuted.