Differences between Freeware and Shareware

Don't know the type of the software you have downloaded? By reading the differences and the example below, you could make it clear. Both shareware and freeware are terms that are used to describe software that can be downloaded from the Internet. The basic difference between shareware and freeware stems from whether the person downloading the software must pay for it at some time. Freeware is just that, free software, while shareware means that payment will eventually be necessary.

When someone downloads freeware, they are often getting software without paying for it. With some freeware downloads, there is an optional charge. This charge may be in the form of a donation or to upgrade the freeware to the full version of the program. While this software is free, it is still subject to license terms and conditions to protect the intellectual rights of the software developers.

(Remember: Do download the freeware that you confirm it is clean and safe as there are a lot of freeware traps.)

Eg: Freeware VLC Media player

This program is a multimedia player that could play nearly all your media files including audio, video, DVD, VCD for free. People can free download and install the program on computer. It is safe and clean.

Shareware is software that is provided for a free trial before the user must pay for it. This allows users to try software before committing to the purchase price. Usually, the free trial is for a specific amount of time and there is no obligation to buy the software when that time is up. Shareware software products can also have some features limited, similar to freeware.

Eg: Shareware Rekusoft DVD Ripper

This program is used to convert all your DVD movies to Android/Apple/Windows devices like iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPhone 5S/5C, iPhone 6, Apple TV 3, Galaxy Tab 3, Galaxy Note 3, Kindle Fire HDX, Surface 2, Google Nexus 5, Nexus 7, etc. for enjoyment. It allows people to use its trial version before purchasing. The limitation is that you can only convert 5 minutes of each video.

Many different limitations can be placed on shareware and freeware files. Some of the most common include watermarks on images, advertising throughout the program, screens reminding you to purchase the full program, time trials and limits on saving.