What is Shareware?

Both Message Pad and Invaders are released as shareware. This means that you can test out the programs before deciding to buy them. This document will outline what Io Development means by the word shareware, which may differ slightly from the definition given by other people or organisations. This is not a legal document, it is a plain English definition of shareware for you to be able to read and understand.

Demo Versions

The Io Development web site contains demo versions of our programs for you to download. Demo versions are sometimes called unregistered versions. These programs do not have all the features found in the full versions.

Distribution

You are allowed to make exact copies of the demo programs and give the copies to other people, but copyright is withheld by Io Development. The permission to distribute the software is a privilege, not a right. We do not allow modified or incomplete copies of our software to be given away, nor do we allow you to make money from the software itself, e.g. by selling it.

Registration

If you find the demo of a program to your liking, you pay for or register to receive the full registered version. The full version is to be treated as a normal software package bought off the shelf. That is, you are not permitted to distribute it or make money from it.

Benefits

The knowledge that you are helping to fund the development of future software packages is an incentive to register. Also, the registered versions of Io Development programs contain the full set of features. You will also find that the registration prices are low for shareware, compared to commercial software prices. This is because the software company has very low advertising and packaging costs.

Free Software

Please do not confuse shareware with freeware or public domain software (p.d.). Freeware and p.d. programs are distributable but unlike shareware, they are totally free of charge. The difference is usually that you are allowed to modify p.d. software. Freeware software has more conditions of distribution, usually specifying that you do not modify the software.

Clarification

If you are unsure about the status of a piece of software, consult the help/text file that came with it. Do not presume that any program is shareware, freeware or public domain unless told otherwise. Io Development software contains ample documentation, but feel free to contact us if you have any queries about anything.