S
Susan Bugher
There has been a lot of discussion about Freeware and other "wares"
recently. Below are the Ware Definitions agreed upon by
alt.comp.freeware newsgroup participants (last reviewed in April 2004). see:
http://www.pricelesswarehome.org/acf/WareGlossary.htm
alt.comp.freeware's Ware Glossary
Software: the instructions executed by a computer.
In theory software does not include the data processed by the
instructions. In practice a combination of instructions and data is
often called software.
Below is a brief glossary defining ware types shown on the Pricelessware
pages and/ or used in the alt.comp.freeware newsgroup.
Several ware types may be used when describing a program (for example:
Donationware and Liteware and Betaware). Ware types are listed in
alphabetical order.
Abandonware: software that the original owner no longer offers to the
public. Abandonware refers to a product that is no longer marketed or
distributed by the author/company that published it. Orphanware is used
when the author cannot be located or the company is no longer in
existence. Copyright laws apply to Orphanware and Abandonware. The
programs are freeware only if they were released as freeware (or given
freeware status by the owner at a later date).
Adware:
1. software that displays advertising for other products and/or services
(often downloaded from the internet by the software).
2. software that places advertisements on the end product (photos, web
pages, PDF files etc.).
Betaware: a preliminary but useable version of what will be the final
version of a program. Beta versions are intended for testing by users
(alpha versions are test versions for the developers).
CDWare: promo CDs included with magazines, books or other products
Commercial Software: software that is sold.
Crippleware: free version of a commercial program. More limited in
features and functionality than the commercial product. Crippleware has
severe limitations. Functionality that is important to the average user
has been disabled.
Demo-ware: software that is intended to give potential purchasers an
idea of how the program works. Not a full version, type of limitation
varies.
Donationware: monetary contribution requested (optional)
Freeware: Legally obtainable software that you may use at no cost,
monetary or otherwise, for as long as you wish.
Liteware: free version of a commercial program. A useful program that is
more limited in features and functionality than the commercial product.
Liteware is not time-limited.
Malware: software that contains malicious programming
Nagware: has a popup (nag) screen, asking you to purchase the software.
You must press a button to get past the nag screen.
Orphanware: see Abandonware
Registerware: you must provide personal information via registration in
order to download and/or use the program
Requestware: you are asked to do something. Examples: send a postcard or
email to the software author, perform a good deed, make a contribution
to charity
Shareware: commercial software that can be downloaded. Payment is
required for legal use of the software. Some authors use the honor
system, more commonly code is included to prevent the use of some or all
functions if payment is not made in accordance with the shareware agreement.
Spyware: software that sends information about you and your computer to
others (usually without your knowledge and consent). Spyware may also
install files on your hard drive without your knowledge.
Trialware: software which stops working after a period of time or number
of uses.
Warez: Software that is stolen, and/or enabled, by illegal means.
*******************
recently. Below are the Ware Definitions agreed upon by
alt.comp.freeware newsgroup participants (last reviewed in April 2004). see:
http://www.pricelesswarehome.org/acf/WareGlossary.htm
alt.comp.freeware's Ware Glossary
Software: the instructions executed by a computer.
In theory software does not include the data processed by the
instructions. In practice a combination of instructions and data is
often called software.
Below is a brief glossary defining ware types shown on the Pricelessware
pages and/ or used in the alt.comp.freeware newsgroup.
Several ware types may be used when describing a program (for example:
Donationware and Liteware and Betaware). Ware types are listed in
alphabetical order.
Abandonware: software that the original owner no longer offers to the
public. Abandonware refers to a product that is no longer marketed or
distributed by the author/company that published it. Orphanware is used
when the author cannot be located or the company is no longer in
existence. Copyright laws apply to Orphanware and Abandonware. The
programs are freeware only if they were released as freeware (or given
freeware status by the owner at a later date).
Adware:
1. software that displays advertising for other products and/or services
(often downloaded from the internet by the software).
2. software that places advertisements on the end product (photos, web
pages, PDF files etc.).
Betaware: a preliminary but useable version of what will be the final
version of a program. Beta versions are intended for testing by users
(alpha versions are test versions for the developers).
CDWare: promo CDs included with magazines, books or other products
Commercial Software: software that is sold.
Crippleware: free version of a commercial program. More limited in
features and functionality than the commercial product. Crippleware has
severe limitations. Functionality that is important to the average user
has been disabled.
Demo-ware: software that is intended to give potential purchasers an
idea of how the program works. Not a full version, type of limitation
varies.
Donationware: monetary contribution requested (optional)
Freeware: Legally obtainable software that you may use at no cost,
monetary or otherwise, for as long as you wish.
Liteware: free version of a commercial program. A useful program that is
more limited in features and functionality than the commercial product.
Liteware is not time-limited.
Malware: software that contains malicious programming
Nagware: has a popup (nag) screen, asking you to purchase the software.
You must press a button to get past the nag screen.
Orphanware: see Abandonware
Registerware: you must provide personal information via registration in
order to download and/or use the program
Requestware: you are asked to do something. Examples: send a postcard or
email to the software author, perform a good deed, make a contribution
to charity
Shareware: commercial software that can be downloaded. Payment is
required for legal use of the software. Some authors use the honor
system, more commonly code is included to prevent the use of some or all
functions if payment is not made in accordance with the shareware agreement.
Spyware: software that sends information about you and your computer to
others (usually without your knowledge and consent). Spyware may also
install files on your hard drive without your knowledge.
Trialware: software which stops working after a period of time or number
of uses.
Warez: Software that is stolen, and/or enabled, by illegal means.
*******************
