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- ** SHAREWARE **
-
- What is it? For those of you not familaiar with Shareware, let me explain.
-
- Shareware is not a type of Software, it is a marketing "concept".
-
- Shareware is a try before you buy concept. The program author releases the
- program to the general public, allowing you and others to try out the
- program and see if you like it "before" you shell out your hard earned cash!
-
- Many times you will find that a Shareware program will do the job that a
- commercial one will, at half the cost or less. Perhaps it won't have quite
- as many "bells and whistles" but who needs to pay another $100 just to have
- a pretty startup screen?
- Support on a shareware program is usually on a one to one basis with the
- programs "author", not some support person who only knows what he/she has
- been told. Dealing direct with the person who created the program is a
- definite plus!
-
- When you pay the registration fee asked by the author, you normally receive
- the latest version of the program, and possibly some additional utilities.
- Often there will be certian features that are not active in the shareware
- evaluation copy, that will be turned on in the registered copy.
-
- If you purchase the program on a disk from a "vendor" for a fee, you have
- paid a "copying" fee, NOT a registration fee! If you continue to use the
- program beyond the evaluation period specified by the author, the
- registration fee is due him.
-
- The author has placed his trust in you to be HONEST, don't let him down.
-
- And remember, program authors like to hear your comments, good or bad! If
- you have a complaint about how the program handles something, let him know.
- If you find a "bug" (God forbid.....) let him know about it.
- Most program authors are very good about correcting problems and making a
- "fixed" version available in quick time.
-
- And knowing what the users like or don't like about the program, helps him
- to produce a better product on the next release, and for future programs.
-
- Support Shareware....Register the programs you keep and use, and let the
- author know what you think about the program, again, GOOD or BAD, the author
- will appreciate your comments!
-
- Rand Nowell - RaLin Enterprises Software
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