The terms shareware, freeware, and postcardware refer to small software applications or utilities created by non-profit developers. They are usually designed to do small, specific tasks. Traditionally, this kind of software has been designed by amateur developers, or playful anti-capitalist hackers.

Shareware is usually usable free of charge for a trial period. After the trial period, the user is expected to pay a small fee for continuing to use it.

Freeware is completely free.

Postcardware is free, but the user is asked to send a postcard to the creater.

Shareware, freeware, and postcardware can be downloaded from a lot of Internet sites, including the following sites.

• Tucows
• Shareware.com
• Download.com

The creators of this kind of software usually make no claims or warranties about its appropriateness or performance. Use this kind of software with caution! Also, and very importantly, remember to check all programs you download from the Internet for viruses before you use them!

Note: Sympatico Member Services does not provide phone help for any kind of shareware, freeware, or postcardware.

Related questions:

What is WinZip?
What is Stuffit Expander?
How do I configure my Sympatico Software to automatically open files once they are downloaded?

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