The Shareware Concept
---------------------


Definition of Shareware

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. Individual programs
differ on details -- some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. 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. (In both cases, there are good programs
and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
specific group. For example, some authors require written
permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
product, you don't pay for it.



Definitions

In this document, 'the author' refers to CHIAM YIH WEI.
'Programs' refer to software (whether shareware or otherwise)
written and released by the author.



Copyright Information

All of the author's programs, shareware and freeware, are protected 
under the copyright laws of the United States and foreign countries. 
All rights are reserved to the author. Violations of copyright laws
are investigated by the FBI. Distribution of the author's products
implies that you have read and agreed to the distribution terms
described below.



Intent

The author seeks to distribute his shareware as widely as 
possible.  However, the end-users of our software must be
properly informed that it is shareware.



ASP Vendors

If you are an ASP Vendor or BBS Member, then you have prior permission 
to distribute the author's packages.



Distributor Information and License Information

The license information and distribution requirements in this 
document supercede all previous license statements. To continue 
to distribute the author's products, you must adhere to the
licensing and distribution requirements below.

If you are a mail order or BBS-type distributor of shareware 
software, you may distribute these programs as they are, without 
any changes other than expanding files contained in the ZIP 
archives. However, you have a responsibility to check from time to 
time, at a minimum interval of 12 months, for new versions of these 
programs, and to update your copies in a timely manner.

You must fully identify all of the author's programs in your
advertising, by the program's full name and version, and indicate the 
registration fee in the program description.



Shareware Disclosure Required

All advertising and packaging information including references to 
the author's products must contain a statement explaining the
shareware concept. Specifically, that statement must explain that
shareware software MUST be registered by the user, after a trial
period, by paying a registration fee, and that all monies paid for
the shareware version are duplication and distribution charges only. 
The declaration specified by the Association of Shareware 
Professionals is a good model. All such statements must be 
clearly displayed in a position where they are likely to be read 
by potential customers.



Retail Rack and CD-ROM distribution

If you distribute shareware in a retail setting in racks, store 
displays, vending machines, at computer fairs, or in any way 
other than normal BBS or catalog-based sales, you must contact 
the author for permission to distribute any of the author's
program. Rack or retail-like sales require a special distribution
license, normally requiring royalties paid to the author. If you
distribute shareware on CD-ROM disks, you must also contact the author
before including any of the author's shareware program on a CD-ROM
disk. Normally, permission is granted, but current versions must be
included and except where authorized, all old versions of any of the
author's program removed from any CD-ROM disk containing the author's
products.



Contacting the author
 
You may contact the author at any of the following locations:

CHIAM YIH WEI
1, JALAN 119, KEPONG BARU,
52100 KL, MALAYSIA.

Internet: peter-chiam@mailhost.net

WWW:      http://mailhost.net/~peter-chiam


Dated: 19961003.
