Software Terms

Software - Generic term for computer programs and data.

Anti-Virus Software - Used to help the prevention of viruses on your computer.

Computer Game Software - Commonly called video games. Used to provide enertainment.

Crippleware - Software that usually has full funcionality for a period of time and after that time key features are disabled. This "cripples" the program until you purchase the full version and unlock those features.

Demo Software - Demo software is not intended to be a functioning program. It is designed to basically show you what the real software could do.

Freeware - Freeware is downloadable off the Internet and free of charge. Often freeware is only free for personal use, while commercial use requires a paid license. Freeware does not contain spyware or adware. If it is found to contain either of these, it is reclassified as such

Firewall Software - Used to keep out unwanted traffic on your computers or networks.

FTP Software - Used to transfer files over the internet.

OEM Software - Original Equipment Manufacturer - Software sold in bulk to retailers.

Open Source Software - Software where the source code is openly available. There are certain guidelines that must be followed with open source software.

Operating Systems - An operating system is the virtual machinery of a computer. Examples include Linux, Windows, BeOS, QNX , Atheos, Gnu Hurd, Linspire , ReactOS, VisOpSys, Amoeba Operating System, Plan9, HyperOs, Symphony OS, MSDOS, etc.

Public Domain - This is free software, but unlike freeware, public domain software does not have a specific copyright owner or license restrictions. It is the only software that can be legally modified by the user for his or her own purposes.

Retail Software - Software sold off the shelves to consumers.

Shareware - This software is downloadable from the Internet. Licenses differ, but commonly the user is allowed to try the program for free, for a period stipulated in the license. At the end of the trial period, the software must be purchased or uninstalled. Some shareware incorporates an internal clock that disables the program after the trial period unless a serial number is supplied. Other shareware designs continue to work with "nag" screens, encouraging the user to purchase the program.

Software Piracy - Illegal distribution and/or reproduction of software.

Software Upgrades and Updates - Often when you purchase software you have free rights to any updates to that version of the software. For example, windows seems to have new updates every week. Updates help fix any errors, bugs or security issues related to the software. It's always a good idea to register your software and get the latest updates.

Word Processing Software - An application for entering, editing, formatting, and printing text.