There are many different types of software, which can be a bit confusing for the uninitiated. The following is a brief definition of each type and the differences between them.
A software package with a CD.
Retail software: This type is sold on the shelves of retail stores. It includes expensive packaging designed to grab the attention of customers and as such is often more expensive. One advantage of retail software is that it comes with printed manuals and installation instructions, which virtually every other category lacks in hard copies. However, when paper manuals and instructions are not required, a downloadable version from the Internet will be cheaper if it is available.
There are many different types of software that can be run on a PC.
OEM Software: OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” and refers to what is sold in bulk to resellers, designed to ship with the hardware. For example, Microsoft has contracts with several companies, including Dell Computers, Toshiba, Gateway, and others. Microsoft sells its operating systems as OEM software at a discounted price, without retail packaging, manuals, and installation instructions. Resellers install the operating system before the systems are sold and the OEM CD is delivered to the buyer. The “manual” consists of the Help menu integrated into the program itself. It is not legal to purchase OEM software separately from your original hardware system.
Shareware: This software can be downloaded from the Internet. The licenses are different, but normally the user can try the program for free, during the period stipulated in the license, normally thirty days. At the end of the trial period, it must be purchased or uninstalled. Some shareware has an internal clock built in that disables the program after the trial period unless a serial number is provided. Other shareware designs continue to work with “scolding” screens, encouraging the user to purchase the program.
Crippleware: This software is similar to shareware, except that key features will stop working after the trial period ends. For example, the “save” function, the print function, or some other vital feature needed to use the program effectively may become unusable. This “stops” the program. Other types of cryptoware come with features that are disabled during the trial period. Purchase required to unlock invalid features.
Demo Software: The demo software is not designed to work, although it may allow partial operation. It is primarily designed to demonstrate what a purchased version is capable of and generally works more like an automated tutorial. If a person wants to use the program, he must purchase a fully functional version.
Adware: This is free software that supports ads embedded in the program itself. Some adware requires a live internet feed and uses constant bandwidth to load new ads. The user should see these advertisements on the program interface. Disabling ads is against the license agreement. The adware is not particularly popular.
Spyware – Spyware is usually free, but it can be shareware. It surreptitiously “phones home” and sends the data to the spyware creator, most of the time without the user’s knowledge. For example, a media player can outline which music and video files the program should play. This information can be stored with a unique identification tag associated with the specific program on a user’s machine, mapping a one-to-one relationship. The concept of spyware is very unpopular and many programs that use spyware protocols have been forced to reveal this to users and offer a way to disable reporting features. Other spyware programs disclose their license protocols and make acceptance of the spyware feature a condition of agreeing to use the software.
Freeware: Freeware can also be downloaded from the Internet and for free. Free software is often only free for personal use, while commercial use requires a paid license. The free software contains no spyware or adware. If it is found to contain any of these, it is reclassified as such.
Public Domain Software – This is free software, but unlike free software, it does not have a specific copyright owner or license restrictions. It is the only type that can be legally modified by the user for their own purposes.
People are encouraged to read the licenses carefully when installing software as they vary widely.
