Demo version is ... Analysis of test versions of paid software

We all heard such an expression as a demo version. This is the name of early or demo versions of computer software. The article describes in detail about its types and differences from the final product.

Demonstration

The demo version is a way to show the target audience of the future product its basic capabilities and the stage of development. It can happen both at special exhibitions and via the Internet. The program or other digital product is shared, where anyone can download it for review.

But it also happens that the product is completely ready, but the manufacturer still distributes its demonstration sample. In this case, the demo version is a kind of advertising "probe", after which a person can decide whether to purchase a full-fledged product. After all, such solutions are implemented mainly by producers of expensive commercial programs, and not everyone can afford to buy a license right away. And if, given the current realities, people often use pirated software without much fear, then for business or government agencies, a demo version is The only way to get acquainted with the program without buying it and without threatening to pay a huge fine.

Game industry

With games, the situation is very similar. Now, when the development of games on the budget is not much different from expensive movies, the future consumer needs to be interested in advance, so that by the time of release, players are already waiting for a digital blockbuster, and not stumbled upon it accidentally, half a year later and on some kind of torrent. So the demo version of the games is an effective way to interest the audience, to show competitors innovations, and just not let the fans get bored, because sometimes the game development process is delayed for many years or even postponed. And so there is a constant heating of interest, especially this is true when the release date is constantly shifting, and the usual articles, screenshots and trailers are clearly not enough to keep the target audience.

A striking example - STALKER The creation of the game took much more time, but on the network regularly appeared demonstration pieces of the game. However, according to the official version, hackers hijacked them from developers, but many are convinced that such statements are only additional ways to attract attention to the project, which many already did not believe.

Also, the cut-down versions of the games were popular in the 90s, when the sizes of computer disks were rather small, and often they were recorded several dozen "demos" instead of full-fledged games. And sometimes so did the sellers, giving them out for complete.

Demo version: antivirus with trial period

Antiviruses are free and paid. Free often you can freely use for any purpose, whether it is the treatment of a home computer or workstations PCs of enterprises and institutions.

To use paid ones, you need to purchase their license. The cost varies quite widely and depends on the purpose of use - commercial or private. In any case, almost all known defensive programs have a demonstration period so that users can evaluate their work and decide whether it is worth the money.

Unlike other software, the possibilities are not cut, and this is very logical. Usually the trial period is 30 days, after which the work of the program is suspended.

Conclusion

As we found out, the demo version is a good way to show the user what a product represents, for the use of which it is necessary to pay money. Each developer limits the functionality of such versions in its own way, but sometimes even such cut-down programs are sufficient for those or other needs, especially if you only need to use them a couple of times.