Freeware Versus Shareware – What’s The Difference?

We line them up side by side

The term freeware was first used nearly four decades ago when Andrew Fluegelman, a programmer, created the PC-Talk program for the IBM PC, although it wasn’t freely distributed initially.

A few months later, Bob Wallace, a Microsoft software developer, developed the PC-Write word processor and called it shareware because it wasn’t distributed freely.

Ideally, freeware – or free software – is fully available for free, without any feature or time limits. Shareware, on the other hand, is a preview version of commercial software with limits on features, time and usage, plus other hobbling to nudge you to purchase the full version.

We’re going to look at each term individually with examples of each type of software, and show you why they’re different.

What Is Freeware?

Freeware is a portmanteau of “free” and “software”, and refers to software that’s 100 percent free, without no paid licenses, fees, expiration dates or restrictions on their use.

This shouldn’t be confused with “free software” though, which gives usersthe freedom to do whatever they wantwith the program as it’s void of restrictions.

Freeware is free to use, at no cost but is under copyright, while free software is copyright-free and has no constraints or limitations. Users of free software can make changes to the programs’ core elements, rewrite or overwrite whatever they want, and change it as they please.

Free software isn’t free as such because there’s no cost element to it, but, to be truly free, the software developer has to release it by giving away the source code. Some examples of free software includeLibreOfficeandGIMPamong others.

It’s legally redistributable and users can profit from it, whether or not they spent anything to get it or make more from it than the initial cost.

Freeware is completely free but copyrighted nonetheless, and its source code may or may not be freely available. Unlike free software, it isn’t necessarily editable or modifiable to create a whole new program.

It may be restrictive particularly where it’s used for commercial purposes and not private use, and a paid edition exists with more features. In this case, the developer may restrict its functionality.

Normally, developers have commercial and free software, so they give out the freeware version in a bid to advertise the commercial version, but with fewer features.

For instance, the freeware may come with ads, or the developer may lock down a few features until the user purchases the commercial version, or gets a license that unlocks the extra tools.

Freeware developers also grant users more or less access and freedom to the program and have the leeway to lock down the source code or restrict its usage in specific environments, among other restrictions.

There are some freeware programs that are freely available to the public for educational purposes.

Freeware comes from many sources and in different forms.

You can find freeware PC games, driver updater programs, data destruction software, and freeware mobile apps, antivirus software, image editing programs and more.

Skype,Google Chrome, PDF file readerAdobe Acrobat,CCleanerandAOMEI Backupperare some practical examples that are widely used today.

Also, be sure to check out our excellent list of99 of the best freeware programsyou can download.

What Is Shareware?

Shareware is commercial software that’s available at no cost but is designed for sharing with others. Developers distribute shareware on a trial basis or in a limited format with an expiry date, so that users can test run the software and hopefully decide to purchase the full versions.

A good example of shareware is the new games developers make available on a limited basis, allowing gamers to experience and share before purchasing the full version.

Unlike freeware that can be used at no cost and for an unlimited period of time, shareware is limited in the length of time you can use it for, even though it’s cost-free.

Another limitation with shareware is that you only get the full functionality of the software once you get a shareware license by buying the software. You’ll find most shareware programs constantly nagging users to buy the full version, or lock down functionality after the trial period has ended.

Some developers may use a login screen to grant access to a user account with valid registration details, or, offer aproduct key or license fileto upgrade to the premium version.

Shareware can be found in a wide range of categories, mostly focused on making it easier for users to fulfill specific computing needs. These categories include:

Popular shareware programs you may know about includeWinRAR,AnyDVD, Adobe and Microsoft programs, some antivirus software and more.

Shareware may come with a few security issues like malware, which cybercriminals send through URL links or ads that seem legit but redirect users to malware-ridden pages instead of the genuinely safe shareware application.

It’s particularly at risk because most such programs aren’t fully licensed and don’t have updates or patches, which may put your system at risk too, especially if left on the computer.

In Summary – Differences Between Freeware Vs Shareware

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

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Freeware Versus Shareware – What’s The Difference?#

What Is Freeware?#

What Is Shareware?#

In Summary – Differences Between Freeware Vs Shareware#