ALL meanings of crippleware
- noun crippleware a computer program whose functionality has been deliberately limited, thus forcing the user to purchase additional software 3
- noun Definition of crippleware in Technology 1. Software that has some important functionality deliberately removed, so as to entice potential users to pay for a working version. 2. (Cambridge) Guiltware that exhorts you to donate to some charity. Compare careware, nagware. 3. Hardware deliberately crippled, which can be upgraded to a more expensive model by a trivial change (e.g. removing a jumper). A correspondant gave the following example: In 1982-5, a friend had a Sharp scientific calculator which was on the list of those permitted in exams. No programmable calculators were allowed. A very similar, more expensive, programmable model had two extra keys for programming where the cheaper version just had blank metal. My friend took his calculator apart (as you would) and lo and behold, the rubber switches of the program keys were there on the circuit board. So all he had to do was cut a hole in the face. For exams he would pre-load the calculator with any useful routines, put a sticker with his name on it over the hole, and press the buttons through the sticker with a pen. 1
- noun crippleware Software distributed with reduced functionality with a view to attracting payment for a fully functional version. 1
- noun crippleware (Uncountable Noun) (computing, chiefly derogatory) A program whose functionality is severely limited beyond that of shareware, often in the interest of its author having the crippleware user make a purchase of the uncrippled program. 0