CMIIW, but doesn't the creator or publisher still have right how their shareware is distributed?
AFAIK with shareware all that is required is that the Credits list the original creators/owners, it not be modified, and that it be provided for free. It can be distributed in any form.
1st result when searching "shareware":
Shareware is commercial software that is distributed free to users, eventually either requiring or encouraging users to pay for the continued support of the software. You might see shareware in formats that paywall advanced features or offer the full package for a limited time.
I see, but few website shows conflicting information. For example,
Shareware
Copyright law also protects shareware. Shareware provides users the opportunity to try software for free before deciding whether to buy it. Shareware may be a more limited version of the program available for sale, and is also restricted by license. Typically, the license restricts shareware users from modifying, copying or distributing the shareware in any way. Continuing to use shareware after the designated trial period is an infringement of the copyright in that shareware and may constitute piracy.
Were Shareware CDs Legal?
Shareware CD sellers operated in something of a legal grey area. Ostensibly, they only collected fees that covered the cost of manufacturing, printing, and distributing the disks or CDs. But let's be honest: If it weren't profitable to sell a disc of free software, very few would have done it.
What do you think?
