     SHARE.TXT -- (c) 1993, Craig L. Jones -- May 6, 1993 -- Page 1


     The term "Shareware" refers to copyrighted software that is
     distributed with a liberal "try before you buy" policy.
     Shareware is NOT public domain software.  There is a big
     difference.  With shareware, the author (or whoever is the legal
     owner) retains the right to limit the use of the software.  The
     user is granted a limited period of time in which to evaluate the
     software and determine whether or not it is suitable to his or
     her needs.  Once the evaluation period is over, the user is
     required to either pay for a license to continue using the
     software, or cease using it.  (Paying for a license is often
     called "registering" the software.)  In either case the user is
     still allowed to pass on the shareware for someone else to
     evaluate.

     If someone continues to use the software after the evaluation
     period has expired, and does not pay the licensing fee, THEN HE
     OR SHE IS BREAKING THE LAW!  Just like any other copyrighted
     software, shareware is protected by U.S. federal law and
     international treaty.

     (Note: Sometimes a program is referred to as "freeware".
     Freeware is special case of shareware, in which the owner retains
     the copyright but allows it to be used without having to pay a
     licensing fee.  There may be other restrictions, however.)

     To summarize:

     Commercial Software      Copyrighted.  Pay up front, then
                              evaluate.  Continue to use it or seek a
                              refund.

     Shareware                Copyrighted.  Evaluate first, then
                              either send in a payment and continue to
                              use it, or cease using it.

     Freeware                 Copyrighted.  Evaluate and insure
                              compliance with any restrictions imposed
                              by the copyright holder *, or cease to
                              use it.

     Public domain            Not copyrighted.  Use in any way
                              desired.

     * This is not to imply that commercial software and other
     shareware do not have restrictions.  They do.  (See the licensing
     agreement.)

     Sometimes multiple shareware, freeware, and/or public domain
     software packages are distributed together.  For example, a
     shareware disk vendor may combine similar programs on a single
     disk or CD.  The user is responsible for complying with the terms
     of each individual package.

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