shareware
    n 1: software that is available free of charge; may be
         distributed for evaluation with a fee requested for
         additional features or a manual etc.

	

	shareware
 /sheir'weir/, n.

    A kind of freeware for which the author requests some payment, usually in
    the accompanying documentation files or in an announcement made by the
    software itself. Such payment may or may not buy additional support or
    functionality. See also careware, charityware, crippleware, FRS,
    guiltware, postcardware, and -ware; compare payware.

	

	shareware

    /sheir'weir/ Software that, like freeware, can
   be usually obtained (downloaded) and redistributed for free,
   but most often is under copyright and does legally require a
   payment in the EULA, at least beyond the evaluation period
   or for commercial applications.  This payment, as well as
   fulfilling the user's legal obligations, may buy additional
   support, documentation, or functionality.  Generally, source
   code for shareware programs is not available.  Shareware is
   sometimes also nagware and/or crippleware, which muddles
   the term and is frowned upon in the community.

   See also careware, charityware, guiltware,
   postcardware, and -ware; compare payware.

   [Jargon File]

   (2002-01-30)