Low-Cost and Fast Software - Introducing You to Shareware

Walk into any software dealer today and you will discover what seems like miles and miles of software on sale. Certainly attractive purchases, however, there are a few difficulties when buying software off the shelf. Off-the shelf programs - otherwise known as "commercial software" - may be expensive, incompatible and out of date when compared to what's available over the Internet.

Happily, there's an another choice to commercial programs, and although it isn't new, it is one of the most under-exploited sources in the computer business. We are looking at shareware - programs that you are able to try out before you buy. And you can access it over the Internet, similar to receiving online PC support.

Shareware has a long history and was rather popular during the days when BBSes - bulletin board systems - reigned over the Internet-based software industry. It has not gone anywhere, but the competition with commercial programs is tough - so tough that shareware appears to be pushed to the sidelines with novice computer users. This is unfortunate, because shareware has quite a few pluses over commercial programs.

One of those pluses is its cost. On the whole, shareware is generally much cheaper than commercial software. But don't misinterpret the cost. With shareware, cheap doesn't equal low-quality, and there are lots of cases that show shareware frequently outshines the quality of commercial programs time and time again. What kind of economy are we talking about? You could buy a quality word processor, spreadsheet or database program, or a system utility program ranging from only $20 to about $100. This is almost unimaginable in stores like Office Depot, Circuit City or CompUSA, yet the programs available within this price range rival even MS Office.

One other plus which shareware has in comparison with commercial software is its compatibility. We're not saying that shareware is suitable for all operating systems. What we're implying is that because we can try out shareware before buying it, we can determine first if the software is fully suitable for our computers. This way, we may find out whether the software works like we need it to, but should anyone attempt to do the same with commercial software, he will experience a big shock. Commercial programs policy does not even allow for returns, let alone "borrowing" them to try them.

The last advantage that shareware possesses compared to commercial programs (but certainly not the least) is its being up-to-date. Plain and simple, shareware is the best bet when you have to stay on top of the most recent edition of a given program. Certainly, computer stores do their best to maintain their stock fresh, but when you are able to download the latest version 5.7062 of a shareware program as opposed to buying a commercial 3.0 edition from a neighborhood computer business, there's just no equal.

This us to the following point. Just how does a person get shareware? Shareware is just about everywhere on the Web and it's really difficult not to bump into it. The most popular locations to find shareware is from thousands of download websites, however, the firms (and even independent programmers) behind shareware are increasingly offering shareware from their proprietary websites. A simple search on Google or Bing for a certain kind of program can give all sorts of results that point you toward things that you can try out before buying.

Be aware, however, that because shareware is not commercial software, you may not experience a full features of the program in the way you would if you had purchased the program out of a box. Shareware may or might not be limited - which means that some functions may not be accessible to you unless the program is paid for. These limitations are usually small and do not interfere with the way its full version works. They're actually built in just as a method to prompt you to buy. Keep in mind that shareware is not open source software. You should not attempt to use shareware as a commercial program without purchasing it.

Just about the only point that is similar between shareware and commercial software is the manner in which they can be bought. Using a credit card, you can be the new owner of another application in just a few minutes. Even if you don't have a credit card, you can actually receive online PC support, yes, over the Internet!

Yours truly,

Bob Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"

Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has more than 30 years of professional work with computers. Starting in his teenage years he has set up and headed several profitable firms and charitable organizations. Get his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and see the most effective ways to work with your PC at online PC support, see his homepage, or write him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thanks!