With the increasing use of computers by all segments of society and all age groups, the demand for software has also increased tremendously. Further, the rapid upgrades of all computer-related technologies have created a big demand for newer software, and upgrades to existing software. Software also needs to be regularly protected from viral attacks, which means that a constant vigil over all internet activity must be ensured, and security upgrades must be regularly released to the users primarily through the internet, since most users have internet access. For users without internet access, offline methods need to be employed to ensure they upgrade their software and install the latest security upgrades.
Software is big business, and most of the major software comes at a steep price. These include the operating systems, as well as all major packages. Some software may be free, but these are all non-critical in nature. Most of such software is available as free downloads from the parent sites. In addition, many software companies provide trial versions of several options as free downloads. These trial versions are only valid for a limited period which may be a week or fortnight, and in rare cases for a month. Beyond this period, the user has to convert to the paid version, or otherwise the particular software shall not function. The software manufacturers thus ensure that they get their returns from the user at some stage.
In addition, there are several small software packages that come free with magazines, or can be downloaded from various sites. These may be for small applications, released by various companies for business promotion, and with the hope that demand for these packages might increase, in which case they could start charging for it.
The usually high prices of most critical software have created a secondary market for software in all global regions. Piracy of software is among the major issues that face the computer industry today. Despite adequate laws in all countries, this practice is rampant, and creates major losses to all software manufacturers. Law enforcement to prevent piracy is also among the major issues.