Source : WordNet®
shareware
n : software that is available free of charge; may be
distributed for evaluation with a fee requested for
additional features or a manual etc.
Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing
shareware
/sheir'weir/ {Software} that, like {freeware}, can
be usually obtained ({download}ed) 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}.
{The History of Shareware
(http://www.pslweb.com/history.htm)}.
[{Jargon File}]
(2002-01-30)