Software which is not yet ready for public consumption, which
contains bugs known and unknown, and is still in testing.
Alpha software is usually tested in house, until a mostly bug free
version is completed.
Beta software (more commonly found on the net now, since
distribution is easy) is the next step after Alpha software, and is ready for testing.
Many companies release beta software to the public, to help iron out bugs caused by
different machine configurations and so on. Also, many users try combinations of features
that in house testers do not, and this helps kill bugs.
Commercial Software
Software which is fully working, usually sold by the author (usually
a company) for profit. Redistribution, copying, modifying, and so on, is usually
prohibited. User manuals usually accompany the software in printed form (though some
companies use text files on disk). Commercial software is usually found in computer
stores, from a distributor, mail-order outfit, or direct from the author.
Crippleware
Shareware which has features disabled as an incentive to pay the
author his or her "registration fee."
Demo Software
Software provided as a "try before you buy" measure to see
if the software lives up to your needs and expectations. This type of software is usually
crippled, but has enough of it working to get an idea of how it works. Documentation is
usually thin, if at all present. The demo version usually has as its counterpart, the
commercial version.
Freely Distributable
Software which may be distributed according to terms presented at
the original distribution site, and/or within the archive containing the software. The
author usually retains copyrights, et. al., and there is usually a clause against
modifying the software, or at least modifying the software and redistributing it.
Redistribution is almost always on a non-profit basis, with charges for copying (cost of
materials like disks) being allowed.
Giftware
Software, usually under the same terms as Shareware, usually with no
restrictions, which the author requests a gift for. Many times you can send money (an
amount you feel deserving), or records, CDs, tapes, videos, beer, cookies, and so on, as a
registration fee.
Licenseware
Software which is usually "shareware" in uncrippled form,
and distributed by a "Licensed Software Vendor." Redistribution by the general
public is not allowed. Fees paid to the vendor, are usually split between the vendor and
author of the software. Terms and conditions are usually like those found in commercial
software.
Public Domain (PD)
Software which has been entered into the public domain. The author
has given up all rights to the software. You may sell it, modify it, redistribute it, burn
it, and so on. You can do anything you want to the software (except copyright it, since it
is "PD").
Once software has entered the public domain, it cannot go back. It
is forever free. HOWEVER, if a new version is released (updates, etc.), then the status
may be changed. A simple change in something like the name or author may not be enough,
but changes or upgrades in functionality usually are.
This type of software is usually the only type in which the author
gives up his or her rights. For the other types of software here, the author usually
retains full rights, including copyright, unless otherwise noted by the author.
Shareware
Software for which an author has requested a sum of money be
returned to him/her. Distribution is as described in Freely Distributable software, or may
fall under other terms and conditions.
Sometimes the software may be complete, with all features enabled, or with certain
features (like save and print) disabled. This is commonly referred to as
"crippleware." Sometimes, there is a timed requester which pops up to remind you
to register (you usually must click an "ok" gadget to continue).
________ware
Fill in the blank on this one. Usually whatever is added where the
blank line is, is requested as payment. Examples are, Beerware, E-mailware, Postcardware,
and so on. This type of "shareware" is usually cripple free, though some authors
will have a requester version publicly available, and a version without a requester when
you register.
Warez (Cracked, 0 day, Negative Day)
Pirated Software. This is the term that "elite"
people (couriers, distributors, and recipients) of illegal software distribution tend to
use. We all know it. Piracy hurts everyone. That's really debatable as
many people just hoard software and never use it (they just want it). And some who
do use it, claim they'd never buy it anyway (sort of an oxymoronical idea)... Anyhow, as
one who works for a software company.. you should know my stance.
Cracked software is software which has had serial numbers
tampered with or removed, and/or copy protection altered or removed--along with any
mechanisms which report installation or use back to the company which produces the
software (Software companies using this information without informing the user BEFOREHAND
is also illegal--illegal search and seizure--Microsoft found this out the hard way).
0 Day Warez are copies of software which are released
and/or cracked on the same day as its public release from the software company.
Negative Day Warez are copies of software which are
released and/or cracked on a day prior to its public release from the software company
(and usually indicates that someone within the company is involved in the product's illegal
distribution.
