Shareware is a method for marketing computer programs. In general, it means try before you buy, which is not normally possible with packaged programs that you buy in a retail store or via the web. Pre-packaged software cannot normally be tried before purchase or returned, although some come with a money-back guarantee from the seller. Shareware programs are available via the Internet and are also packaged and distributed in groups normally on a CD. After a suitable trial period, shareware authors expect to receive a license or registration fee which entitles one to use the program on a permanent basis. In order to encourage proper licensing, some shareware programs use the honor system, some use nag screens and some are partially disabled.
There is also a class of programs called Freeware. Freeware is exactly what it sounds like. You can use it without paying any sort of license or registration fee. If you can find Freeware that meets your needs, by all means use it. However, as you gain experience in computer usage, you will find that it is worth a few dollars to find a program that more closely meets your needs.
How can I tell if the program I am trying is a good program?
What isn't important ?
What about my programs ?