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HostagewareHostageware is defined as software that operates with major features blocked or limited unless the user provides payment in order to receive an "unlocking" code or similar enabling mechanism. It can also describe programs that time out after a certain number of days or after the program has been opened a certain number of times. Sometimes this protection can be foiled by simply resetting a computer's system clock, but this tactic does not work with most professional demos, and is arguably unethical. Most software demos available for free download fall under this category, as does a large proportion of shareware. Many shareware programs request that their users "register" them, which usually entails sending money directly to the creator in exchange for either a code or an expanded version of the entire program. Software employing "nag boxes" is partially hostageware; the program works normally, but produces messages reminding the user to register and pay for the software. See also: Crippleware
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