What Is Shareware?

    Shareware is not a kind of software; it is a
 way of getting the software to the user.  Shareware
 programs come in every conceivable kind and level of 
 quality.  The one thing they have in common is their
 distribution method.

     Typically, shareware programs are made available
 to users at virtually no cost through on-line services,
 disk distributors, and other users.  The copyright is
 retained by the author but the user is given permission
 to try the program for a limited time to see if it will
 be useful.  If the user decides that this is a program
 he would use, he is required to send the purchase price, 
 sometimes called a registration fee, to the author
 directly.  Upon receipt of this payment, the author will
 frequently send a printed user's manual, additional
 utilities, or other incentives depending on the program.

     Why would an author make his software available to
 be used at virtually no cost?  Usually so that he can
 spend his effort and money developing the program
 instead of on expensive advertising and packaging.
 Because of this the author is frequently able to charge
 less than a similar retail product and still make ends meet.

     Why does shareware benefit the end user?  Simply
 because he is able to try the program before buying it.
 The purchase decision can be made based on lengthy trial
 of several similar programs and the best of these can
 then be purchased.  This is far better than basing a 
 purchase decision solely on advertising or packaging.


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         ____|__     |               (R)
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        |   ____|__  |  Association of
        |  |       |_|  Shareware
        |__|   o   |    Professionals
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           |___|___|    MEMBER

H. F. Buerer is a member of the Association of Shareware 
Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that the 
shareware principle works for you.  If you are unable to 
resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by 
contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help.
The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem 
with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support 
for members' products.  Please write to the ASP Ombudsman 
at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, 
FAX 616-788-2765 or send a Compuserve message via 
Compuserve Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536