"Shareware" is copyrighted software which is distributed by authors through
  bulletin boards, on-line services, disk vendors, and copies passed among
  friends. It is commercial software which you are allowed to use and
  evaluate before paying for it. This makes shareware the ultimate in money
  back guarantees.

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  The Shareware Concept:
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  Most money back guarantees work like this: You pay for the product and then
  have some period of time to try it out and see whether or not you like it.
  If you don't like it or find that it doesn't do what you need, you return
  it (undamaged) and at some point--which might take months--you get your
  money back. Some software companies won't even let you try their product!
  In order to qualify for a refund, the diskette envelope must have an
  unbroken seal. With these "licensing" agreements, you only qualify for your
  money back if you haven't tried the product.

  Shareware is very different. With shareware you get to use it for a limited
  time, without spending a penny. You are able to use the software on your
  own system(s), in your own special work environment, with no sales people
  looking over your shoulder. If you decide not to continue using it, you
  throw it away and forget all about it. No paperwork, phone calls, or
  correspondence to waste your valuable time. If you do continue using it,
  then--and only then--do you pay for it.

  Shareware is a distribution method, NOT a type of software. Shareware is
  produced by accomplished programmers, just like retail software. There is
  good and bad shareware, just as there is good and bad retail software. The
  primary difference between shareware and retail software is that with
  shareware you know if it's good or bad BEFORE you pay for it.

  As a software user, you benefit because you get to use the software to
  determine whether it meets your needs before you pay for it, and authors
  benefit because they are able to get their products into your hands without
  the hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses it takes to launch a
  traditional retail software product. There are many programs on the market
  today which would never have become available without the shareware
  marketing method.

  The shareware system and the continued availability of quality shareware
  products depend on your willingness to register and pay for the shareware
  you use. It's the registration fees you pay which allow us to support and
  continue to develop our products.

  Please show your support for shareware by registering those programs you
  actually use and by passing them on to others.

  Shareware is kept alive by YOUR support!