share·ware / ˈshe(ə)rˌwe(ə)r/ • n. Comput. software that is available free of charge and often distributed informally for evaluation, after which a fee may be requested for continued use.

shareware Software freely distributed with the expectation that anyone wishing to use it on a long-term basis will send a fee to the author. The method of payment and magnitude of the license fee normally forms part of the accompanying documentation. The incentive to register the software may be the promise of future versions, documentation, or extensions to the software.