Software that is no longer sold commercially or supported. The initial use of the term was for games that ran on obsolete hardware in the late 1990s, but all types of software may fall into this category. Although there are Web sites that provide links and downloads of abandonware, the software often remains copyrighted under international law. Proponents feel that abandonware distribution is not piracy because it would simply not be used otherwise, and no one is losing money as a result. For a list of abandonware sites, visit www.abandonwarering.com. See wares.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
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- Discussion threads 2003-10-31
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- Discussion threads 2003-10-29
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