Shareware is a "Try-Before-You-Buy" concept of marketing software. You are allowed to give the shareware (time-limited trial version) to your friends to try. However, you can not share the paid version with other people. The paid version has full functions and will not expire, therefore, it is no longer "shareware".

Usually, shareware or evaluation version only let you have limited functions than the fully registered/paid version. If you find the product to be useful or intend to continue using it beyond evaluation (normally 30 days) period, then you make a registration payment directly to the author/company.

Payment of the registration fee enables the author/company to continue developing the software. It also entitles you to receive the fully registered (normally on CDROM) copy, and often brings you additional benefits such as notification of major updates, free technical support, and special offers.