Shareware was a popular software distribution model on the Amiga that allowed users to try programs before purchasing them. Developers distributed their software through Bulletin Board Systems (BBS), Public Domain libraries, and disk magazines without copy protection, trusting users to voluntarily register and pay if they continued using the application. This "try before you buy" approach was particularly suited to the Amiga's enthusiast community and floppy disk-based sharing culture, distinguishing it from both commercial boxed software and completely free Public Domain software. Successful Amiga shareware included utilities like Directory Opus and various graphics programs, with registration typically unlocking full features, printed manuals, or removing nag screens.