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In'side Shareware 1995 April
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ish0495.iso
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windfu
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vendor.tx_
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1995-06-08
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5KB
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111 lines
DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
differ on details -- some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
using the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are
of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs
and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
specific group. For example, some authors require written
permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
All Gulf Coast SoftWare programs, shareware and freeware, are protected
under the copyright laws of the United States and foreign countries.
All rights are reserved to Gulf Coast SoftWare and William Garnes, Jr.
Violations of copyright laws are investigated by the FBI. Distribution
of Gulf Coast SoftWare products implies that you have read and agreed to the
distribution terms described below.
INTENT
Gulf Coast SoftWare seeks to distribute its shareware as widely as
possible. However, we want the end-users of our software to
be properly informed when it is shareware.
DISTRIBUTOR INFORMATION AND LICENSE INFORMATION
The license information and distribution requirements in this
document supercede all previous license statements. To continue
to distribute Gulf Coast SoftWare products, you must adhere to the licensing
and distribution requirements below.
If you are a mail order or BBS-type distributor of shareware
software, you may distribute these programs as they are, without
any changes other than expanding files contained in the ZIP
archives. However, you have a responsibility to check from time to
time, at a minimum interval of 12 months, for new versions of these
programs, and to update your copies in a timely manner. Gulf Coast SoftWare
will gladly send you a diskette containing the current versions
on request.
You must fully identify all Gulf Coast SoftWare programs in your advertising,
by the program's full name and version, and indicate the registration
fee in the program description. The words Gulf Coast SoftWare must
appear in all program descriptions.
SHAREWARE DISCLOSURE REQUIRED
All advertising and packaging information including references to
Gulf Coast SoftWare products must contain a statement explaining the
shareware concept. Specifically, that statement must explain that shareware
software MUST be registered by the user, after a trial period, by
paying a registration fee, and that all monies paid for the
shareware version are duplication and distribution charges only.
The declaration specified by the Association of Shareware
Professionals is a good model. All such statements must be
clearly displayed in a position where they are likely to be read
by potential customers.
RETAIL RACK AND CD-ROM DISTRIBUTION
If you distribute shareware in a retail setting in racks, store
displays, vending machines, at computer fairs, or in any way
other than normal BBS or catalog-based sales, you must contact
Gulf Coast SoftWare for permission to distribute any SoouthWest SoftWare
program. Rack or retail-like sales require a special distribution license,
normally requiring royalties paid to Gulf Coast SoftWare. If you distribute
shareware on CD-ROM disks, you must also contact Gulf Coast SoftWare before
including any Gulf Coast SoftWare shareware program on a CD-ROM disk.
Normally, permission is granted, but current versions must be included
and all old versions of any Gulf Coast SoftWare program removed from
any CD-ROM disk containing Gulf Coast SoftWare products.
CONTACTING GULF COAST SOFTWARE
You may contact Gulf Coast SoftWare at:
Gulf Coast SoftWare
P.O. Box 2294
Sugar Land, TX 77487-2294
Phone: (713) 545-9151
CompuServe: 73232,412
Internet: will.garnes@bbs.hal-pc.org