Difference between freeware, shareware and software

Asked By Alfredo T Collins 30 points N/A Posted on - 04/03/2012

The title speaks for itself:

What’s the difference between freeware, shareware and software?

Thank you for answering!

• Status: Open
• Question Views: 984
• Answer Count: 2
• Vote Up 0 Vote Down

• Answer Accepted: Yes
• Question Category: Misc Software

Best Answer by Sharath Reddy

Go To Solution

Answered By Chung Opi 5 points N/A #132863

Difference between freeware, shareware and software

Good question, hope my answer will resolve your query. I will try to explain the difference by giving you example.

Firstly software, which is basically a computer program or set of computer program, that’s instruct computer what to do and what to do.

Freeware is now a type of software, that is available for free and anyone can use that, you can say it as free software.

Shareware is also type of software, which is initially free or trial version is free, but afterward they ask for some money.

Thus you can also say shareware as a trial ware.

Hope you now the difference between these three.

About Chung Opi

Questions
2

Answers
50

Best Answers
11

• Vote Up 0 Vote Down

• Posted on - 04/03/2012
• Question Category: Misc Software

Best Answer

Best Answer

Answered By Sharath Reddy 590495 points N/A #132864

Difference between freeware, shareware and software

Shareware also indicates trialware or demoware which means the software that you’ll be acquiring is in a trial version or demo version. With this program’s status, you only have a certain amount of time or a specific period to use the software after it was first installed. After the time has elapsed, you will no longer be able to use it and will now ask you for its CD key or activation code. During this period the software will usually disables itself to force you to either buy it or remove it from your computer. Shareware is usually offered with limited features. All its features and functions will only be unlocked and made available after purchasing a license key.

Generally, software can be referred to the application or program that you run or use on your personal computer. It means computer instructions or data. It is anything that can be stored electronically. Software is often divided into two categories. Systems software includes the operating system and all the utilities that enable the computer to function. Applications software includes programs that do real work for users.

Freeware also means “free software”. It is software that you can use on your computer for free. Meaning, you don’t have to pay for it to use it. But freeware usually has restrictions or limitations on the product’s usage. This is typically the opposite of commercial software which is clearly sold for profit.

About Sharath Reddy

Questions
1

Answers
14599

Best Answers
2290

• Vote Up 0 Vote Down

• Posted on - 02/16/2013
• Question Category: Misc Software