How Do You Spell SHAREWARE?
Pronunciation: [ʃˈe͡əwe͡ə] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [ʃˈe͡əwe͡ə] (IPA)
Shareware is a type of software that is typically distributed or made available to users free of charge. It is characterized by a trial period or limited functionality, after which the user is encouraged to purchase the full version to unlock all the features. Shareware represents a form of marketing strategy that aims to promote software products while allowing users to try them out before making a purchase.
The concept of shareware revolves around the idea of partially sharing the software with users, providing them with a limited version that showcases its capabilities. This approach typically includes a provision for users to share the software with others, facilitating its wider distribution and exposure. Shareware often relies on voluntary payments from users to support its development, with the expectation that those who find value in the software will choose to contribute financially.
Shareware is often associated with independent developers, smaller software companies, or individual hobbyists who lack the resources or marketing budgets of larger software corporations. It allows them to reach a broader audience and gain market presence by employing a try-before-you-buy model. The flexibility of shareware makes it a versatile option for various software types, including productivity tools, utilities, games, and applications.
Overall, shareware represents a promotional strategy for software distribution that offers users the opportunity to evaluate the product before purchasing the full version. By combining free availability with limited functionality, shareware strives to strike a balance between showcasing the product's value and motivating users to support its continued development.
The word "shareware" is a portmanteau of "share" and "software". It was coined in the early 1980s by Bob Wallace, who is often credited as the creator of the shareware distribution model. The term was originally used to describe a type of software distribution where users were encouraged, or sometimes required, to share the software with others, typically by giving copies of the software to friends or colleagues. The concept of shareware was based on the idea of sharing software freely in order to gain wider distribution and to allow users to try out the software before deciding whether to purchase it. Over time, the term "shareware" became commonly used to refer to this type of software distribution model.
