Demo software is a trial version of a software program that allows people to use it for free while they decide to buy it or not. Not all companies offer software demos, but those that introduce new or competing software products almost always do. As a general rule, this type of software can be downloaded directly from the manufacturer’s website or through a central download site that offers a variety of downloadable products.
man holding computer
Various formats can be used for the demo software. One of the most common ways is to allow customers to download a full version that will expire in a set period of time, such as two weeks. If the customer decides to purchase the software, they can purchase an activation code that will prevent the software from expiring. Most companies offer customers a variety of payment options, including registering the software over the phone, on the company’s website, or through the demo software itself.
Trial software can also take the form of a full version with reduced functionality, allowing people to play with the software but not fully use it. For example, a program might not allow people to save files, which means that people can use the program to see how it feels, but they can’t save the work they produce. In other cases, demo software may have menu features grayed out, showing customers what they could do with the software if they purchased the full version. If customers decide they want the software, they can purchase an unlock code from the company that will make the program fully functional.
Some companies release demo software separately from the full version to prevent piracy. In this case, the demo is usually a stripped-down version of the actual product, and customers who purchase the software uninstall the demo version and install the full version. For expensive software, this method is often preferred, as hackers have a vested interest in cracking the activation codes of expensive demo software to avoid paying for it.
The term is also used for demo copies freely distributed to people in the computer industry. Many software companies offer evaluation copies of new releases to reviewers and other influential industry experts before the product hits the market. Demo copies allow people to use the software freely so they can write honest, thoughtful, and helpful reviews of the software, which can increase consumer demand for the product.
