The shareware version of any shareware program produced by ASP developer members must contain text that informs the user of the Ombudsman office of the ASP and how, if needed, to contact the Ombudsman. The ASP is consumer oriented. Developer members must meet certain requirements with their software. The ASP has the interests of shareware customers and the growth of the shareware market in mind with its policies. Visit the Association of Shareware Professionals Home Page to learn more about this organization.
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. 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. The main difference is in the method of distribution.