Shareware....and then?

from Stardock Forums
  I tried searching the forums and FAQ but I didn`t get a clear answer. What exactly will happen after my 30 days freeware versions expires? Can i still use it except some features or will all changes i made be gone? 
windowblinds
1,963 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Once the 30 day are up, it will not work any more.  ;) 
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
Once the 30 day are up, it will not work any more.
End of quote


so why do they say i could use it as a free version with some reduced features etc...?
On several sites...
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
so why do they say i could use it as a free version
End of quote

The program is 'shareware' which means you can use it 'free' of charge for a time period.  :)
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's not really shareware. It's trialware. In the latter case, you can bring a lawsuit against them and try your own case whereas in shareware you have to hire an attorney.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Much older versions of Windowblinds were trialware but the trial didn't expire.  This sis a much better model.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"Shareware is a marketing method for computer software in which the software can be obtained by a user, often by downloading from the Internet or on magazine cover-disks free of charge to try out a program before buying the full version of that program. If the "tryout" program is already the full version, it is available for a short amount of time, or it does not have updates, help, and other extras that buying the added programs has. Shareware has also been known as "try before you buy". A shareware program is accompanied by a request for payment, and the software's distribution license often requires such a payment."
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Nomenclature aside, the 'free' version of Windowblinds has features limited to the included skins, though others can be loaded they will lack finer detail. 

After 30 days this 'free' version's trial period ends and the program ceases to function, ie. it no longer applies skins to your Windows' GUI.

At that time there are two options [and only two] remove the program and move on, or purchase the full version of the program.  30 days is considered sufficient time to evaluate the proggy prior to purchase...to see how it interacts and interfaces with your system...;)

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
Instead of lecturing Philly on the definitions of shareware and trialware, perhaps someone should update this page, where it clearly tells you about the free version you can use:

https://www.stardock.com/stardock/articles/xpskinning.html

This comes up as the #1 selection when you google the term 'XP skinning', which is a good thing except that the payoff article is now dated and inaccurate.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top


Sigh. That article is about WB3.1 and is from 2002. It's not possible to go back and change everything ever written to bring it up to date.

There's this thing called common sense. Unfortunately a lot of people don't know it exists...