Frequently Asked Questions About the TPA

Q. What is Trialware?

A. Trialware stands for trial software. Trialware is any time-limited or feature-limited software that allows users to try out the software before they purchase it.

Q. What's the difference between "shareware" and "trialware"?

A. Mainly the name and the fact that no large successful companies refer to their trial or demo software as "shareware". See Symantec for example. The term "shareware" is also old-fashioned and non-descriptive. The word "shareware" was coined to describe software that was obtained and then shared freely with others, usually by diskette. Today with the Internet this meaning is entirely obsolete. Plus, the reference to sharing might give people the impression that it is OK to purchase shareware and then share the registered copy with others. Trialware, on the other hand, means what it says, trial software.

Q. Why didn't the TPA let me join?

A. You probably didn't reach the minimal requirements needed to be a TPA member. Most that are refused membership clearly do not support the TPA mission, do not have a web page or the web page contains personal not purely company material.

Q. Why was my PAD file rejected?

A. You probably neglected to include the TPA PAD extension in your PAD file. PAD submissions not containing the TPA extension will be rejected without warning.

Q. How do we update our PAD files?

A. There is no need to update PAD submissions as they will be polled every week. Just make sure to include the TPA PAD extension in your PAD file. PAD submissions not containing the TPA extension will be rejected without warning.

Q. Does the TPA compete with the ASP (Association of Shareware Professionals)?

A. Not really. The TPA and ASP have vastly different areas of focus. The TPA mainly exists to promote the "trialware" concept and the professionalism of its members. The ASP appears to mainly exist to promote the old-fashioned "shareware" concept. The TPA does not need to compete with the ASP as unlike the ASP, the TPA does not require membership fees. The ASP may however see the TPA as competition because of this important distinction.

Q. I am an ASP member, is my company allowed to join the TPA?

A. Absolutely, the TPA has no problem with members of the ASP joining the TPA provided they agree with the TPA mission.

Q. I have changed my e-mail address. How do I notify you of this.

A. Just re-submit the join form or e-mail us with your new address.