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Payware (from "pay" and "software") is computer software that is available for use against payment, that is the opposite of freeware.

[edit] Criteria

Computer software classified as payware is normally fully functional for a limited or unlimited time, with a cost, monetary or otherwise. When buying or renting a payware the buyer does not obtain any rights beyond the right of usage. Author retains all other rights, and the obtained license may even impose restrictions on the type of use. Payware can also be a "packaged" and tested version of free and open source software - like is often case when buying a version of Linux.

[edit] See also

• Computer software
• Gratis versus Libre
• Open source versus free software
• Shareware