Beginners Guide to Software

If your pretty new to computers and software or you just feel a little intimidated this article is for you. In this article I explain different software terms and what they mean. You may think you already know this information but I can assure that many users don't understand some of the software terminology.

Freeware

Freeware is just what it means that the software is totally free and the license to use it is totally free. At no time will they charge you to use the software. You may have to fill out a free registration and the software developers website so you can get updates as the software changes. An example of freeware would be AVG Anti-Virus 7.5. This of course is the free version that they give away.

Shareware

Shareware is software that you are allowed to use for free and if you like it you can send a donation to the developer of the software. Shareware is not software that you have to pay for to continue using. Most people put software of this caliber in this category but they are incorrect. Shareware means you can share the software with anyone and it is free and a donation is appreciated. Many developers have colored this category over the years.

Demo

Demo is normally a software that has some features turned off and you can try the software in its limited version. If you like it than purchasing the full version will turn on all the features with no limitations. This is similar to Free Trial but some of the features are turned off.

Free trial

Free trial allows you try the software with no limitations for so many days. After that time the software is either locked or limited. In order to use it after the free trial you must purchase the software or you will not be allowed to use it after the free trial has expired.

Beta

This is where a piece of software is still in development but for a time you are allowed to use the software until the final release. This happens a lot in online games where players can enter a beta and play until the beta has expired. After this they must purchase a subscription to continue playing. Microsoft, Google, and others have software in beta and sometimes after the beta the software is still free. Examples of this are Internet Explorer and Windows Defender just to name a few.

Full version

This would cover any software that has been released. Some are still free and others you have to pay for like games, applications, utilities, etc. When a software is in its released status it is considered a full version even if there are updates down the road.

Now that you have a good understanding of the different terms you will be able to better fill your software needs.