Crippleware
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Crippleware is a controversial form of shareware. It is a term of distinction used to differentiate between types of shareware software. Other types of shareware include nagware, demoware, freeware, adware, and even spyware.
Crippleware programs are free versions of computer programs, lacking the most advanced or even the crucial features of the original program. One of the canonical examples of crippleware is a word processor that cannot save or print. Crippleware versions are made available in order to increase popularity of the full program without giving it away for free.
The authors of crippleware defend their marketing practices by noting that regular shareware versions are often cracked, so that the author is not paid for his work. Users who disagree with crippleware argue that they cannot test the program under real life conditions and therefore do not know whether to buy it.
In comparison Nagware may be a less obstructive way to encouraging registration of shared software. But, this type of software can also be cracked to disable the nagging feature.
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