Nicole Manktelow explains how the shareware taste test works. Shareware is software distributed under a particular licence, allowing it to be tried without payment, usually for a limited time. If users decide to keep the program they pay a licensing fee. If they don't like it they uninstall the software.
Shareware abounds on the Internet and is often distributed on CD-ROMs with computer magazines.
Some shareware programs are slightly disabled or have an expiry date. Some software makers also release products free of charge, called freeware. Shareware is not freeware, although some computer users treat it as such. Many chat sessions are conducted at Web sites, for which you will need nothing more than your browser. They are usually based on a particular topic or event.