Crippleware

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Crippleware is any product whose functions have been limited (or "crippled", thus the name) with the express purpose of requiring the user to pay for those functions (either paying a one-time fee or continually paying a service). Crippleware is also used to describe software that makes use of Digital Rights Management. Crippleware programs are usually free versions of computer programs that lack the most advanced (or in some cases, even crucial) features of the original program. Crippleware versions are made available in order to increase the popularity of the full program without giving it away for free. An example of crippleware is a word processor that cannot save or print.

There are several types of crippleware programs. A crippleware version can be the full program with the features disabled; this type can be "unlocked" into a fully functional version of the software, usually via a serial number. A crippleware version can also be a special trial version of the program that does not even include the executable code for the disabled features. In this case, only users who buy a license are given access to another version of the program, which is fully functional. A third type is where the functionality of the software or hardware is permanently compromised from full functionality due to third party agreements and a fourth is where the vendor includes a clause that features time limits or time-consuming nag screens to mar functionality.

For something to become crippleware, it usually requires the manufacturer or author to take active steps to reduce the capabilities that the hardware or software could otherwise handle. As can be inferred from the name, crippleware is generally not held in high regard. The authors of crippleware note that regular shareware versions are often cracked, so that the authors are not paid for their work.[citation needed] Therefore, crippleware can be a solution to that problem. Ironically, crippleware tends to be cracked more frequently than other shareware as a result of demand.[citation needed] For this reason, most companies that are serious about crippleware have a separate trial version of the program. A disadvantage to crippleware compared to other trial software is that users cannot test the full program under real life conditions and therefore do not know whether it will truly meet their needs.

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