Freeware vs Shareware – Difference and Comparison | Diffen

Freeware is copyrighted computer software which is made available for use free of charge, for an unlimited time. Authors of freeware often want to “give something to the community”, but also want to retain control of any future development of the software. The term shareware refers to commercial software that is copyrighted, but which may be copied for others for the purpose of their trying it out with the understanding that they will pay for it if they continue to use it.

History

In 1982, Andrew Fluegelman created a telecommunications program for IBM PC and named it PC-Talk. He used the term freeware for PC-Talk and that was how this word was coined. Within a few months of this, Bob Wallace developed a word processor, PC-Write and called it shareware. But Andrew Fluegelman initially did not distribute the software freely, thus making it a shareware.

License and copyright

The Copyright laws are applicable to both Freeware and shareware, and the copyright holder retains all rights. The authors or developers of freeware and shareware are programmers and their programs are of comparable quality. The software license may impose some restrictions on the type of use of software including personal use, individual use, non-profit use, non-commercial use, academic use, commercial use or any combination of these. The license may be “free for personal, non-commercial use.”

Distribution

The main difference lies with the method of distribution. For freeware, ideally there is no charge for using the software. Under EULA, the author gives the permission to copy and distribute the software, either to all or to a specific group. Freeware distribution gives users a chance to try software and continue to use it for no payment or some acknowledgement (Ex. a thank you note, suggestions, comments, user experience etc.).

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try the software before buying it. If someone wants to use the shareware program for a long time then he may have to buy it. In shareware, the developer omits the normal distribution channel and the retail middleman and directly markets it to the end user. This results in a reduced end-user price. Also users of shareware are encouraged to copy and distribute unregistered versions of the software to friends, colleagues for the purpose of their trying it out with the understanding that they will pay for it if they continue to use it.

Criticism

The main problem with freeware is the lack of support if a program does not run properly. Some freeware have inbuilt advertisements, through which adware may get installed in the users system.
Many shareware projects are not updated regularly or offer support for the program. Some software might not include all fully functional features.

Time Frame

While freeware is a no strings attached software with no time limit to it, shareware may just be a limited feature software to be used free for a certain period. After which the user may be asked to purchase it.

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