Shareware is commercial software provided by the owner for trial use at no cost with limited functionality but which can be upgraded upon payment. Learn what shareware is and how it can be dangerous, too for users.

What is Shareware?

Shareware is commercial software provided by the owner free to users, eventually either requiring or encouraging users to pay for the continued support of the software.  The owner sends shareware for free with the motive that the user will use it, love it, pay for it. You might see shareware in formats that paywall advanced features or offer the full package for a limited time. Some software might even be completely free and give you an offer for voluntary donations.

The format enables software companies to get their products into the hands of potential customers for a test run in the hopes that they decide to purchase the fully functional version of the program. Shareware, like other types of software, isn't always a bad thing to avoid at all costs. Many shareware programs are safe to use. Even reputable items, though, can have flaws.

Shareware vs. Freeware 

Shareware and Freeware might sound the same, but not exactly the same. Shareware is intended to be free forever and is often permitted to be used in many different scenarios without a fee, shareware is cost-free but often severely limited, and can be used fully only after purchasing the paid shareware license.

Shareware can be downloaded for free and is often how companies provide a free, limited version of their application to users. After a specific length of time, the program may nag the user to buy the full edition or disable all functionality.

One good example of shareware is antivirus software that protects your computer at no cost but also offers premium packages with more sophisticated protection.

Types of Shareware

Shareware software can be divided into numerous categories.  Here is the most common type of shareware.

• Adware
• Demoware
• Donationware
• Freemium

Adware

Adware is advertising-supported software and refers to any program that includes advertisement in order to generate revenue for the developer. Adware is used by many companies for promoting their software products in the hope that it will convert users into subscribers.  This ad provides a free version of the software for a limited period of time with limited features or sometimes with complete features.

Demoware

Demoware is also known as “trialware,” means that this is just a demo version of the software, indicating the offers of free trial version to use the software. In other words, all the application’s functionality may be disabled so that you can look all you want, but have to pay to use it.

Donationware

Donationware software can fully depend on the user’s will, whether they want to donate the specific amount to support the software or not. However, there can be a different situation that asks users to donate.  Sometimes, donations can be asked to remove the interrupting ads from the software, to support the software willingly, or to unlock some premium-only features or etc. Donationware software comes with or without restrictions.

Freemium

There’s also a very common type of Shareware is Freemium. As its name suggests, Freemium offers some features available in the free version of the software, but you have to pay to unlock the full functionality or disable annoying ads.

How shareware can be dangerous

There is no harm with Shareware; it is like a tactic of promotion used by the company’s owner to promote their product. But, shareware software has some security concern as its start with free.  We can say the Shareware is generally safe, but it is never risk-free.

As you know shareware is about the promotion of software that is available for free.  In this way, cybercriminals can use shareware to distribute malware using phishing emails or other tactics that are similar to those used in other socially engineered attacks. 

Some shareware applications offer users the chance to download another application as an additional option.  Developers may earn a commission on downloads of the secondary programs and this may lead to distributing the malware; as the secondary programs could be legitimate, this is also a way for scammers to trick users into unwittingly downloading something malicious.

How to protect yourself from shareware 

Shareware is the best way to test software before making an expensive purchase. However, it’s important to be sure you’re protecting yourself from any shareware downloads.  Here are some essential tips to keep in mind with your shareware:

Shareware displays ads and ads can be dangerous. Even legitimate software can inadvertently show ads leading to sites infested with malware. Avoid clicking ads when possible.

To protect yourself from malicious ads, you can use Priil antivirus protection that blocks the malicious activity including ads on your system in order to secure your system.

Never fall for free software or the applications that comes with additional applications.

Shady apps can attempt to disguise themselves as popular, reputable apps. Before making the purchase, look for the website and the app developers. 

Always remember the site that offers free applications also comes with some risks. Therefore, it is important to make sure sites are legitimate with up-to-date security before downloading software.

Because shareware might not have the support needed to discover and fix security flaws, hackers have the perfect place to plug their malware. Avoid using software that has not been updated in a long time.

Final Touch

Hey guys! This was the guide about “what is shareware.” Shareware can be of different types but the major part of it that we cannot ignore is ads on your screen. Shareware can be used for legitimate and hacking purposes. That’s why, whenever you find shareware on your system, think twice before making any decision. Hope this guide would help you to understand the shareware and how it can be dangerous for you and your business.