[PL] Ware Glossary - Annual Review

  • Thread starter Thread starter Susan Bugher
  • Start date Start date
S

Susan Bugher

The Ware Glossary has been on-line for almost a year. This is the first
annual review.

The full text of the glossary is copied below. I have added proposed
changes in the descriptions - based on comments that have been made in
the newsgroup.

Please review and comment on the proposed revisions and propose
additional changes as needed. In particular, please review the proposed
change in the definition of Adware.

Susan

-------------------

Ware Glossary

A brief glossary of ware types shown on the Pricelessware pages and/ or
used in the alt.comp.freeware newsgroup. Ware types are listed in
alphabetical order.

---------
PROPOSED REVISION:

Software: the instructions executed by a computer. In theory software
does not include the data processed by the computer. 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 to describe a program (for example:
donationware and liteware and betaware). Ware types are listed in
alphabetical order.
---------

Abandonware: see Orphanware

---------
Adware: software that displays advertising for other products and/or
services (often downloaded from the internet by the software). Adware is
often but not always spyware.

PROPOSED REVISION:

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 at program startup, asking you to
purchase the software. You must press a button to get past the nag screen.

PROPOSED REVISION:

Nagware: has a popup (nag) screen, asking you to purchase the software.
You must press a button to get past the nag screen.
---------

Orphanware/Abandonware: software that the original author or company no
longer offers to the public (used when author cannot be located or
company is no longer in existence). May not be freeware. May not be
legal to obtain and use it.

PROPOSED REVISION:

Orphanware/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).
--------

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). Spyware may also install files
on your hard drive without your knowledge.

PROPOSED REVISION:

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.

=============
 
Susan Bugher said the following on 4/26/2004 10:43 PM:
[snip]
Adware: software that displays advertising for other products and/or
services (often downloaded from the internet by the software). Adware is
often but not always spyware.

PROPOSED REVISION:

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.).
---------
Click to expand...

I think it might also be good to note that adware is also sometimes used
as spyware (example: Kazaa, Gator, and various other annoyances).

[snip]
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.
Click to expand...

Does liteware also qualify as a type of demoware? I think it may also
be good to note that liteware often (but not always) qualifies as freeware.

I think the revisions are very good. They define the different wares
better than before.
 
Trey said:
Susan Bugher said the following on 4/26/2004 10:43 PM:
[snip]
Adware: software that displays advertising for other products and/or
services (often downloaded from the internet by the software). Adware
is often but not always spyware.

PROPOSED REVISION:

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.).
---------
Click to expand...


I think it might also be good to note that adware is also sometimes used
as spyware (example: Kazaa, Gator, and various other annoyances).
Click to expand...

In the revision I took the last sentence out because I thought it was
covered by the proposed revision at the beginning of the glossary which
now includes this sentence:

PROPOSED REVISION:

Several ware types may be used to describe a program (for example:
donationware and liteware and betaware).

---------
Does liteware also qualify as a type of demoware? I think it may also
be good to note that liteware often (but not always) qualifies as freeware.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure I understand - it says: "Liteware: free version. . . ."

Crippleware is also free and "more limited in features and
functionality" - but to the point of not being a useful program.
I think the revisions are very good. They define the different wares
better than before.
Click to expand...

Glad you approve. :)

Susan
 
REPOST (please comment and/or comment)
---------------------------------------

The Ware Glossary has been on-line for almost a year. This is the first
annual review.

The full text of the glossary is copied below. I have added proposed
changes in the descriptions - based on comments that have been made in
the newsgroup.

Please review and comment on the proposed revisions and propose
additional changes as needed. In particular, please review the proposed
change in the definition of Adware.

Susan

-------------------

Ware Glossary

A brief glossary of ware types shown on the Pricelessware pages and/ or
used in the alt.comp.freeware newsgroup. Ware types are listed in
alphabetical order.

---------
PROPOSED REVISION:

Software: the instructions executed by a computer. In theory software
does not include the data processed by the computer. 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 to describe a program (for example:
donationware and liteware and betaware). Ware types are listed in
alphabetical order.
---------

Abandonware: see Orphanware

---------
Adware: software that displays advertising for other products and/or
services (often downloaded from the internet by the software). Adware is
often but not always spyware.

PROPOSED REVISION:

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 at program startup, asking you to
purchase the software. You must press a button to get past the nag screen.

PROPOSED REVISION:

Nagware: has a popup (nag) screen, asking you to purchase the software.
You must press a button to get past the nag screen.
---------

Orphanware/Abandonware: software that the original author or company no
longer offers to the public (used when author cannot be located or
company is no longer in existence). May not be freeware. May not be
legal to obtain and use it.

PROPOSED REVISION:

Orphanware/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).
--------

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). Spyware may also install files
on your hard drive without your knowledge.

PROPOSED REVISION:

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.

=============
 
REPOST - PLEASE COMMENT AND/OR APPROVE THE REVISIONS
----------------------------------------------------

The Ware Glossary has been on-line for almost a year. This is the first
annual review.

The full text of the glossary is copied below. I have added proposed
changes in the descriptions - based on comments that have been made in
the newsgroup.

Please review and comment on the proposed revisions and propose
additional changes as needed. In particular, please review the proposed
change in the definition of Adware.

Susan

-------------------

Ware Glossary

A brief glossary of ware types shown on the Pricelessware pages and/ or
used in the alt.comp.freeware newsgroup. Ware types are listed in
alphabetical order.

---------
PROPOSED REVISION:

Software: the instructions executed by a computer. In theory software
does not include the data processed by the computer. 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 to describe a program (for example:
donationware and liteware and betaware). Ware types are listed in
alphabetical order.
---------

Abandonware: see Orphanware

---------
Adware: software that displays advertising for other products and/or
services (often downloaded from the internet by the software). Adware is
often but not always spyware.

PROPOSED REVISION:

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 at program startup, asking you to
purchase the software. You must press a button to get past the nag screen.

PROPOSED REVISION:

Nagware: has a popup (nag) screen, asking you to purchase the software.
You must press a button to get past the nag screen.
---------

Orphanware/Abandonware: software that the original author or company no
longer offers to the public (used when author cannot be located or
company is no longer in existence). May not be freeware. May not be
legal to obtain and use it.

PROPOSED REVISION:

Orphanware/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).
--------

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). Spyware may also install files
on your hard drive without your knowledge.

PROPOSED REVISION:

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.

=============
 
Susan said:
Nagware: has a popup (nag) screen at program startup, asking you to
purchase the software. You must press a button to get past the nag
screen.

PROPOSED REVISION:

Nagware: has a popup (nag) screen, asking you to purchase the
software.
You must press a button to get past the nag screen.
---------
Click to expand...

I would like to change
"You must press a button to get past the nag screen."
to
"You must wait a number of seconds and/or press a button to get past the nag
screen."

Because many nagware programs require you to wait for 10 seconds or so befor
you can even press a button. Other nagware just closes the nag dialog itself
after sometime.

an excample could be Spud City Software (http://www.spudcity.com/)

<Quote>
Jennifer says, "I love Trax Time, a punch clock. It's shareware, so you can
download it (2.2 MB) and try it for free, but it makes you wait a bit each
time until you get around to registering it (adds a second to the wait time
every time you open it; I won't tell you how high it got before I finally
paid for it).
</Quote> Source: http://www.comteck.com/~tanuki/info/software.html

And another random thought:
You also might think of adding a discription (or a linkt o a discription) to
words such as GNU and OpenSource. On the other side: 'Ware' will you stop?
if you list every ware anybody has thought up, you'll never finnish the
list. Maybe this request is more like food for thought

MightyKitten
 
Here's one you can consider...

ChameleonWare: Programs which have a license intentionally written in such
a vague way as to allow those who dictate the program's allowable use to be
interpreted according to whatever current state of PMS, indigestion, palm
blisters, etc. they may be experiencing.
 
MightyKitten said:
I would like to change
"You must press a button to get past the nag screen."
to
"You must wait a number of seconds and/or press a button to get past the nag
screen."

Because many nagware programs require you to wait for 10 seconds or so befor
you can even press a button. Other nagware just closes the nag dialog itself
after sometime.
Click to expand...

"Splash screens" close themselves, nag screens do not. IOW - having to
push a button is the key difference between the two.

Pricelessware programs may have splash screens - nagware is generally
regarded as unacceptable (I believe Trillian is the first exception -
and many users never see its nag screen - see the PL description for
details).
an excample could be Spud City Software (http://www.spudcity.com/)

<Quote>
Jennifer says, "I love Trax Time, a punch clock. It's shareware, so you can
download it (2.2 MB) and try it for free, but it makes you wait a bit each
time until you get around to registering it (adds a second to the wait time
every time you open it; I won't tell you how high it got before I finally
paid for it).
</Quote> Source: http://www.comteck.com/~tanuki/info/software.html
:)

And another random thought:
You also might think of adding a discription (or a linkt o a discription) to
words such as GNU and OpenSource. On the other side: 'Ware' will you stop?
Click to expand...

I think you are right - since they are used in the PL ware descriptions.
I'll see what we need to define - off the top of my head can add GPL to
the list - I know the are some others. . .
if you list every ware anybody has thought up, you'll never finnish
Click to expand...
the list. Maybe this request is more like food for thought

Been there. Done that. :) That's why we have "requestware" - aka
allthoseotherwares.

Susan
 
"Splash screens" close themselves, nag screens do not. IOW - having to
push a button is the key difference between the two.
Click to expand...

I've come across apps that will show the 10 second countdown,
proclaiming that the program is not registered. After the 10 seconds,
the app starts w/o having to press a button. This is still nagging: has
nothing to do with program load up time.
 
Spacey Spade wrote:
I've come across apps that will show the 10 second countdown,
proclaiming that the program is not registered. After the 10 seconds,
the app starts w/o having to press a button. This is still nagging:
has nothing to do with program load up time.
Click to expand...

Yes, that is what I was talking about... A splash screen (IMHO) is a screen
that shows during loading time (and maybe a second or so after it has been
loaded. But when you show a screen with an counter like
Continue in 7... 6... 5... ect. I still think it is nagware.

Thanks for enlightening what I found to difficult (somehow) to clearly
write.

MightyKitten
 
Spacey said:
I've come across apps that will show the 10 second countdown,
proclaiming that the program is not registered. After the 10 seconds,
the app starts w/o having to press a button. This is still nagging: has
nothing to do with program load up time.
Click to expand...

The last time this was discussed the consensus was that *all* nags
should be described but that *Nagware* should be reserved for programs
that require you to push a button to close the screen. Other kinds of
nagging behavior are hard to quantify.

IMO MK's proposed language for the definition of Nagware is too fuzzy.
"You must wait a number of seconds and/or press a button to get past the
nag screen."

How many seconds do you have to wait before it's Nagware? If the splash
screen can be disabled (many can) is it still Nagware? Is a splash
screen that just shows the name of the product Nagware?

IMO it's good to describe nags - and it's not good to have arguments
about whether or not an app is *Nagware*. . . IOW. . . KISS. . .

FWIW - several PW2004 programs have splash screens (Zone Alarm, THE
Rename. . . ).

Susan
 
Susan Bugher said the following on 4/28/2004 1:37 PM:
Trey Hunner wrote: [snip]
I think it might also be good to note that adware is also sometimes
used as spyware (example: Kazaa, Gator, and various other annoyances).
Click to expand...


In the revision I took the last sentence out because I thought it was
covered by the proposed revision at the beginning of the glossary which
now includes this sentence:

PROPOSED REVISION:

Several ware types may be used to describe a program (for example:
donationware and liteware and betaware).
Click to expand...

That phrase is much better than my suggestion. It really covers it all
that way.

[snip]
I'm not sure I understand - it says: "Liteware: free version. . . ."

Crippleware is also free and "more limited in features and
functionality" - but to the point of not being a useful program.
Click to expand...
[snip]

I was thinking of crippleware when I wrote that. I used liteware as a
combination of demoware, crippleware, and freeware in one. Maybe I
should refer to this glossary more often myself. :)
 
Susan said:
MightyKitten wrote:


I think you are right - since they are used in the PL ware descriptions.
I'll see what we need to define - off the top of my head can add GPL to
the list - I know the are some others. . .
Click to expand...

Not too many as it turns out. . .

(open source GNU GPL)
(open source: Mozilla Public License 1.1)
(open source: Python License)
(open source: dual LPGL & SISSL license)
(open source: custom; GPL-compatible license)

I think a revision in the About page may be the best way to handle this.

http://www.pricelessware.org/2004/about2004PL.htm

<q>
The alt.comp.freeware definition of Freeware is: legally obtainable
software that you may use at no cost, monetary or otherwise, for as long
as you wish. When a program does not completely conform to the above
definition the program description will have a special notation. The
program may be liteware, registerware etc. See The Ware Glossary for
definitions of ware types. Other notes such as "Last available freeware
version" may also be present.
</q>

PROPOSED REVISION

The alt.comp.freeware definition of Freeware is: legally obtainable
software that you may use at no cost, monetary or otherwise, for as long
as you wish. When a program does not completely conform to the above
definition the program description will have a special notation. The
program may be liteware, registerware etc. See The Ware Glossary for
definitions of ware types.

Licensing restrictions such as "free for personal use only" are noted.
Other licensing information may also be noted. For example: open source
(the source code is available for use and/or modification), GNU GPL (The
GNU General Public License). Other notes such as "Last available
freeware version" may also be present.


----------

Additions, corrections, comments?


Susan
 
Susan Bugher wrote in
The alt.comp.freeware definition of Freeware is: legally
obtainable software that you may use at no cost, monetary or
otherwise, for as long as you wish. When a program does not
completely conform to the above definition the program description
will have a special notation. The program may be liteware,
registerware etc. See The Ware Glossary for definitions of ware
types.

Licensing restrictions such as "free for personal use only" are
noted. Other licensing information may also be noted. For example:
open source (the source code is available for use and/or
modification), GNU GPL (The GNU General Public License). Other
notes such as "Last available freeware version" may also be
present.
Click to expand...

Hi Susan,
The revised version lays things out pretty explicitly. I'm not sure
that the definetion needs to be quite as explicit. I can certainly
support it though.
 
Kurt said:
Susan Bugher wrote in
Click to expand...
Hi Susan,
The revised version lays things out pretty explicitly. I'm not sure
that the definetion needs to be quite as explicit. I can certainly
support it though.
Click to expand...

It does state the obvious, doesn't it? Do you think this is better for
the second paragraph?

Licensing information may also be noted. For example:
Susan
 
Susan Bugher wrote in
Licensing information may also be noted. For example:
Click to expand...

I like this better. It still lays things out, but cuts out the non-
necessary "free for personal use" statement. The 'Other notes such as'
could be expanded to include the 'free for personal use' clause. But if
people would read the licensing portion of the EULA or whatever they
would already know that.
 
Kurt said:
Susan Bugher wrote in


I like this better.
Click to expand...

Me too, thanks for the help.

It still lays things out, but cuts out the non-
necessary "free for personal use" statement. The 'Other notes such as'
could be expanded to include the 'free for personal use' clause. But if
people would read the licensing portion of the EULA or whatever they
would already know that.
Click to expand...

Susan
 
Susan said:
It does state the obvious, doesn't it? Do you think this is better for
the second paragraph?

Licensing information may also be noted. For example:

Susan
Click to expand...


Never accept guff for being too thorough :)

SOS

--

Some you wont find anywhere else...

http://www.sover.net/~wysiwygx/index.html

. --- . . - - - - - - - - - - - -
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/ / \ ( ) / - - - - -
/ / / / / / / \/ \ - - - -
/ / / / / / / : : - - -
/ / / / / ' ' - -
/ / //..\\
=====UU==UU=====
'///||\\\'
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