Nagware

What Does Nagware Mean?

Nagware is a software utility that "nags" users into upgrading or buying a premium version of software by sending constant pop-up messages or notifications. Software developers use nagware as a marketing tactic to remind users to take advantage of special offers and purchase software.

Techopedia Explains Nagware

Generally part of a freeware or software utility, nagware works according to a predefined time or event set in the software. For example, after the nagware’s trial edition date has passed, users are continuously reminded to buy or upgrade the software and/or license. The pop-up, or nagscreen, displays when the user opens the software or starts the system – or cyclically after a predefined period. To avoid nagware, a user must ultimately buy, upgrade or completely uninstall the software.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…

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