Try Before You Buy Shareware is downloadable software distributed on a trial basis. There are thousands of shareware programs out there. Demos are timed or crippled versions of commercial software that can be downloaded for preview purposes. They sometimes take hours to download, but can prevent buyer's remorse down the road. If you don't like it, you don't buy it.
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This site isn't as comprehensive as others, but it comes with common-sense commentary. Zero in on the downloads that you really need. This computer publishing giant has spotlighted editor and surfer favorites. Check the Weekly Top 10. DaveCentral A shareware archive for Windows and Linux.