What Is Shareware?

Shareware is proprietary software distributed for free to users for a limited time. It typically only gives users partial access to the tool and requires or “strongly encourages” them to pay for full and continued access to the platform. You might see shareware as paywalls or fully functional and backed solely by voluntary donations.

It’s important to note that shareware is not the same as having a free trial, although they are related concepts. As mentioned, shareware is distributed for free on a trial basis, with only partial access and the expectation that users will pay or that a voluntary payment will be encouraged after an undisclosed time. On the other hand, a free trial imposes a clear expiration of access to a specific software. For example, users can schedule their 14-day free trial with NinjaOne with full access to the platform for two weeks but must pay to continue using the software.

Shareware vs. freeware

There is some overlap between shareware vs freeware, but each serves two distinct purposes.

Freeware is software distributed at no cost to the end-user for an unlimited time. The software developer retains all rights to the program and controls its distribution, but you are free to use the software as you would. Sometimes, you can purchase additional services or features from your freeware, although this is absolutely not required. Some examples include VLC media player, LibreOffice, Google Chrome, and Adobe Acrobat.

With shareware, distributors “share” the software for a limited time to promote larger distribution and sales. However, users must eventually pay or donate to continue using it. Some examples include WinZip, WinRAR, MS Office, and AVG Antivirus.

Note: Shareware is not the same as open-source software, which is source code that people can modify as long as they have the software’s license. Open-source software is designed to foster collaboration between developers studying the code. In fact, the best free open-source tools are popular because they allow users to view, modify, enhance, and redistribute however they choose. Conversely, freeware and shareware do not allow you to change the programs. 

Types of shareware

There are many kinds of shareware, but let’s look at the most common ones.

• Adware: Adware is any program with built-in advertisements for revenue. This type of shareware repeatedly flashes ads when you execute the application. It’s worth noting that adware is not inherently bad. In fact, it’s one of the main ways developers keep their software free; however, some adware can be dangerous because it opens your system to malicious actors.
• Demoware: This can be further divided into crippleware or trialware. The former only allows limited access to certain features for a predetermined time and usually has many locked features, huge watermarks, and capped functionality. The latter, on the other hand, offers full access to a program for a limited time.
• Donationware: This type of shareware is a fully operational program that requests users to contribute a certain amount to support the developers.
• Freemium: This lies somewhere between crippleware and trialware. It’s initially installed as a fully operational program; however, certain features are grouped as either “free” or “premium,” and you only have access to the latter after you purchase a subscription.
• Begware: As its name suggests, begware repeatedly asks you to pay for a license. The goal is to irritate you with recurring pop-up messages so you are willing to pay to eliminate them.

Advantages of shareware

• It’s cost-effective:Users can initially access the software at no cost, providing a low-risk opportunity to evaluate software features without an upfront investment.
• Wide distribution: Shareware can be freely distributed, allowing the software to reach a larger audience.
• Frequent updates: Shareware developers often issue regular updates to keep users engaged and make it more appealing for eventual purchase.
• They’re easy to find and acquire: Shareware is easy to locate and download.

Disadvantages of shareware

• Limited functionality: At the end of the day, shareware is not freeware, and you need to buy the software to experience full functionality. In the meantime, you are limited to what you can do and may be bombarded with ads or messages depending on the type of shareware you have.
• Higher number of safety concerns: Arguably, shareware’s biggest drawback is increasing security risk. While shareware is generally safe, it is not without its limitations. Some security concerns of shareware include:
• Security vulnerabilities: All software has security vulnerabilities, but shareware is particularly at risk. Because the programs are not fully licensed, patches or updates are not readily available, which can place your system at risk. This is especially true when shareware software is no longer used but still left on a computer.
• Sponsored software: Some shareware offers the chance to download another application for additional features. Secondary and sponsored software help shareware developers earn a commission from each user download. However, this gives threat actors another chance to exploit any vulnerability.
• Malware: Bad actors can distribute malware using tactics similar to those in other socially engineered attacks. Users are manipulated to believe a URL link is legitimate and download malicious code instead of a safe shareware application.
• Enterprise data leaks: Shareware can contribute to the risk of a data breach, especially if there is hidden spyware trailing alongside shareware apps or from poorly managed app security.

How to safely use shareware

Shareware is a great way to “try before you buy” and test a software’s capabilities before investing in a subscription. Nevertheless, it is wise to always err on the side of caution and practice good cybersecurity habits to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Some tips to remember are:

• Download only from official websites or app stores.
• Research the shareware you’re attempting to download.
• Remain vigilant about bundled software. They could be hiding malicious software.
• Do not click on ads, even from a reputable adware.
• Use a comprehensive antivirus.
• Consider solutions that have built-in EDRs (endpoint detection and response).

Use shareware responsibly

Shareware lets you test the software before buying it, ensuring that you only pay for a product you can confidently rely on. This try-before-you-buy model reduces the risk of dissatisfaction and fosters innovation among developers as they constantly review user feedback during the early stages, leading to improvements before its final release.

Still, you must use shareware responsibly. Make sure you download any shareware from trusted sources to minimize the risk of malware and other cyber threats.