User-supported software, or
"shareware" as it is popularly called,
is an alternative to the software in
the flashy boxes with the
corresponding high prices. The
concept is simple: You try the
program out on your computer, and
if you like it, you "register" your copy
by sending a check directly to the
author. The cost of registering
shareware is usually less than $25
and rarely more than $100. If you
don't like or need the program, you
either delete it or pass it on to a
friend who may find it useful.
Shareware is a cottage industry,
and literally thousands of programs
are available. Some shareware is
written to "fix" problems in
commercially-produced programs,
but the vast majority is inspired