Software Conferences

Software Store

Software Developer Glossary

Author - the person responsible for coding a software application (also referred to as a software developer).

Demo - a preview version of an application, normally not fully-functional, but just an example or "demonstration" of what the software is capable of and how it works, looks, etc.

Developer - the person responsible for coding a software application (also referred to as a software author).

Download Site - a website that contains a variety of downloadable software, or download links, usually segregated and searchable by category.

Electronic Registration Key - a code that "unlocks" the evaluation version of a product, and turns it into a fully-functional program, eliminating the need for the customer to download and install a different version of the program.

Evaluation Version - a version of a software product that can be installed and evaluated by the end user prior to purchase; also known as a "Shareware" version, a "Trialware" version, or a "Try-Before-You-Buy" version.

Full Download - a fully-functional licensed version of a software application that does not contain any evaluation limitations or restrictions.

Malware - Malicious software, containing viruses, trojans, spyware, etc.

MicroISV - A term used to describe an independent software developer or a small software company.

PAD - the acronym for "Portable Application Description", which is a standardized system for meta data that describes a software product, it's author/developer, distribution rights, etc., and which can then be used by software developers to feed their product data to download sites and distributors in an automated way.

PAD File - An XML file that contains the specific PAD meta data pertaining to a specific software product. The PAD file contains information regarding download links, software descriptions in various lengths, links to screen shots, pricing information, distribution rights and restrictions, etc. Download sites often extract the information contained in a PAD file to create the software application listing in their download directories.

Registration - The process of unlocking an evaluation version and turning it into a fully-functional and licensed version. Also refers to the process of purchasing an appropriate license.

Shareware - a method of marketing computer software, which allows the end user to install and test a software program prior to purchase. Also known by other lesser-known terms, such as Trialware.

Software Submission - The process of submitting software information or download links to the various download websites such as download.com, tucows.com, etc.

Source Code - The programming code files that can be converted into an executable file that runs a specific application.

Spyware - Software that collects information from users and passes information back, without the users knowledge.

Trial/Trialware - Software which is made available online for use over a limited time, or made available in a limited capacity. (aka Shareware).

Trial Version - A version of a software product that usually contains all the functionality of the full licensed version, but can only be used for a limited time.