Shareware is the online access platform where you can get to try different software for free and then buy the one that best suits you. You do not need to walk to a store, buy boxed software, then get it home, try it on your computer and find that it is incompatible! Imagine the degree of dissatisfaction! Worst, most stores won't even take it back if the only problem that you have is incompatibility. You are supposed to know that before you buy the software. Shareware lets you try it and only after you are satisfied with it you can buy it! What we mean by satisfied is that the software is compatible with your system and fulfills your requirement.

Not many people avail of the facilities that shareware offers, but frankly speaking it is one of the best options available for those who require constant upgrades and latest versions of their favorite programs. It has its niche follower base, but the truth is most people are not aware of its many advantages. Why is shareware better than commercial software purchase? Let's see:

It is cheap. A package of spreadsheet, word processor, and database can cost you anywhere between $15 to maximum $100 in shareware while in commercial shops the whole package will cost you upwards of $200 and the Microsoft Office suite would cost you almost the same.

It can be purchased easily. Once you are at the appropriate shareware site, you can download the version that you need for free and test it easily on your computer. If you decide to buy it just use your credit card and buy it online immediately.

It is latest. The software versions available through shareware are latest. If in the commercial shops you are getting version 3.0, then in shareware you will get version 5.0 already available for testing and download.

It can be tried. You can try shareware software before actually letting go off your moolah! This in my opinion is the best advantage of shareware. No commercial shop will take back your opened box of software for the reason that it is not compatible. There is no knowing either before you try a certain software, whether it is compatible with your operating system or not.

Shareware is available online. Search for the software that your are looking for in Yahoo or Google and the results will take you to one Shareware website or the other. You will also get shareware site links in different online forums on software usability and functioning. Many authors of software and independent programmers provide shareware links in their individual websites as well.

When you download shareware for trial purposes, note that you may not get all the features available in purchased software. However most of such features are rather inconsequential and will not affect the functioning of the software in your operating system. Remember shareware is not for free. It is just for your trial and eventually you must purchase one before you actually put the software for commercial use. Using shareware for commercial use is a criminal offense.