Types of Software

There are many different types of software.  Software can be divided into three different categories: Purchased Shareware Open Source Purchased software is software that is bought or acquired in a monetary way.  It can be downloaded over the internet or bought in store. Shareware is computer software distributed without initial charge but for which the user is encouraged to pay a nominal fee to cover support for continued use. Open Software is software that is permitted for users to use, change, improve, and redistribute in modified or unmodified form without cost.  This type of software is often developed in a public collaborative manner.