Family Tree Software

We found out and reported in the Online Family Tree Maker Post; that there are three types of Family Tree Software offered. Those three types were Desktop, Online Tree Sites, and Software plus Online Tree Sites Combination. Conversely, it was surprising to find out; that all desktop software can be broken down even further into “ware” categories.

Albeit, I had a vague idea about the ware categories, I never gave it much thought. Nonetheless, while researching information for this article, Family Tree Software offered. I stumbled over these terms and thought it interesting enough to share. I had no in-depth knowledge about this stuff before now. For example, within the shareware Desktop Software Industry, there are Adware, Demoware, Donationware, Nagware or Freemuim. Who knew?  I certainly did not, and perhaps you are not fully aware either.

Five Types of “Wares” Explained

Therefore, let us talk about each one.  Adware, for instance, is software supported by advertisement and produces revenue for its creator. Usually, the ad may be visible during the install process.  It shows the relevant goods and services of sites the user might have visited while surfing the internet in the past. Adware often shows up in Shareware, and the user has to agree to terms of use or to licensing information of the software to use it.

Next, we have Demoware, which can be one of two types:  Crippleware and Trialware.  Crippleware has some vital features disabled until the user buys the software; like printing or saving.  The users have the opportunity to use and carefully examine the program’s features but cannot generate output.

On the other hand, usually, most Trialware has a built-in time limit. Users have full functionality of the software until the trial ends. At which time it may regress to Crippleware or Nagware until the user buys a license and receives a registration code to unlock it. Software reverting when the trial period ends is standard practice for Software as a Service (SAAS) online, however.

Now we come to Donationware, licensed software that has no restrictions whatsoever. The owner requests voluntary donations: paid to a non-profit agency or the programmer.  The user determines the amount given and the contribution based on the user’s perception of the value of the software.  Thus, Donationware; also, known as a type of freeware as well.

Quite Annoying

Next term up is Nagware.  Shareware that begs and may continually remind the user to buy a license for it.  Wow! As its name suggests, it can be annoying; for example, it may display:

• A message that covers parts of the user’s screen
• Flash a message box that closes fast
• Alternatively, the message remains for an extended time, so the user must wait for the message box to go away if they wish to use the program
• If the user uses an unlicensed version, the output can contain a printed watermark
• These messages can pop up at the start, or sporadically during it use.
• Sometimes dialog boxes for payment appear and advise buying will eliminate these annoying messages

Finally, we reach the term Freemium.  It starts out being free, but when the users decide to buy it, it is at a premium price.  The free version excludes advanced features.  Thus, the term Freemium is a combination of “Free and Premium” and is a popular business model.

Useful Informative Tidbit

Consequently, we identified the different ware names of software offered online: Adware, Demoware, Donationware, Nagware or Freemuim. Not only is this tidbit of information interesting, but it could also be useful.   It arms customers with what to look for when downloading Family Tree Software as well.

In conclusion, learning this information has helped me to categorize our software too. Therefore, Photo Family Tree Builder ware is a combination of Crippleware and Trialware.  When I asked the programmer to design it, I merely laid out the requirements; and he developed it based on the specifications. As the inventor, I had no inkling about the term Crippleware or Trialware.

Nevertheless, we can say definitively, that the Photo Family Tree Builder (PFTB) is a Crippleware. It also has a component of Trialware, but it does not have a time limit.  So, how did we derive at this determination?

What Type of “Ware” is the Photo Family Tree Software?

First, PFTB is Crippleware, in that, the user cannot save the trial family tree until after they have made a purchase.  Second, the Trialware portion of the PFTB allows the user full use and evaluation of all the App’s features. Third, our trial never reverts in any way; even, if the user decides against buying it.  For instance, when the user performs a File, Save as, from the main menu while in the trial mode. Some family tree templates are also available on the site, so the user can check how beautiful and unique designs can make in the photo family tree builder.

 

The Trial dialog box displays and tells the user “This operation not allowed in Trial mode.   Please buy a Tree Plan.” If the user hit the “Cancel” button, they can continue to make any number of trial trees without losing any functions until they grow tired of creating family trees.

 

If the user clicks the “OK” button instead, they receive another message that says, “Waiting for a tree Plan to be bought.”

Immediately, after the “Waiting for a tree Plan …” message.  A new browser automatically opens with the Family Tree Plan Page for the user’s review.   Once the user makes their selection, the Cart appears with the user’s chosen Tree Plan.   The user then clicks the “Proceed to Checkout” button and then taken to the PayPal Login Screen to make payment.

After payment completed; PayPal redirects, the user back to the PFTB, where a thank you for buying a plan awaits the user.

 

Then, at last, the user saves their sample trial tree file and can use later if desired.

At this point, the user can close the trial family tree.  Then open their new family tree Plan just purchased; by clicking File, New from the main menu’s pull-down, and build their chosen family tree in earnest.  So, enjoy using our Family Tree Software.

 

Photo by Marco Molinari
This work is licensed under aCreative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.