A demo is a program that will stop working or cause problems on a PC if used beyond a trial period. They are the product of commercial software authors asking the Shareware community to market their products. Demos guarantee a user will pay for the program if he continues to want it, which some authors find attractive. Every demo represents a product that might have been Shareware, but isn't. Demos are a threat to the Shareware concept and for that reason, most sysops refuse to carry them.
Demos are thoroughly commercial with no sharing involved.
They can be a source of income to sysops who recognize they are entitled to be paid to carry them. There is one form of Shareware that is free for individual use. It meets our definition of Freeware for individuals and is included in our collection. The Freeware Hall of Fame endorses ALL forms of Shareware because it makes good sense for software users and for software authors seeking payment. The higher price comes from the mark-up to cover distribution, marketing, and a profit at each step of the way.