CRIPPLEWARE
\kɹˈɪpluːˌe͡ə], \kɹˈɪpluːˌeə], \k_ɹ_ˈɪ_p_l_uː_ˌeə]\
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1. Software that has some important functionality deliberatelyremoved, so as to entice potential users to pay for a workingversion.2. (Cambridge) Guiltware that exhorts you to donate to somecharity.Compare careware, nagware.3. Hardware deliberately crippled, which can be upgraded to amore expensive model by a trivial change (e.g. removing ajumper). A correspondant gave the following example:In 1982-5, a friend had a Sharp scientific calculatorwhich was on the list of those permitted in exams. Noprogrammable calculators were allowed.A very similar, more expensive, programmable model had twoextra keys for programming where the cheaper version just hadblank metal.My friend took his calculator apart (as you would) and lo andbehold, the rubber switches of the program keys were there onthe circuit board. So all he had to do was cut a hole in theface. For exams he would pre-load the calculator with anyuseful routines, put a sticker with his name on it over thehole, and press the buttons through the sticker with a pen.
By Denis Howe
Word of the day
Platidiam
- An inorganic water-soluble platinum complex. After undergoing hydrolysis, it reacts DNA produce both intra interstrand crosslinks. These crosslinks appear to impair replication and transcription of DNA. The cytotoxicity cisplatin correlates with cellular arrest in G2 phase cell cycle.