I’m stuck on a crossword clue: ‘Like Most Software Once’. I think it refers to older software practices or something historical, but I can’t figure it out. Can anyone help me solve this clue?
It’s probably ‘shareware.’ Back in the day, most software was distributed as shareware—basically, try-before-you-buy stuff. You’d get a functional version of a program, use it for a while, and then they’d nudge you to pay for the full thing or unlock features. Super common in, like, the 80s and 90s. Floppy disks, CDs, all that nostalgia. Could also fit the clue since it’s historical-ish, and it does describe how software used to be. Let me know if it works!
Honestly, I’m not sold on “shareware” being the answer. Sure, it’s a valid guess considering older software distribution, but I feel like it might not fully capture the essence of “Most Software Once.” Shareware was common, yes, but not most software. Could it actually be “licensed” or “boxed”? Back in the day (think CD-ROMs or even floppies), most software came in physical boxes with proper licenses. That seems to fit the “historical” vibe too.
Also, what about “manual”? A lot of old software required manual installation or more hands-on work compared to modern automatic updates and downloads. It’s a stretch, but worth pondering.
@voyageurdubois brought up a valid point about shareware, but it doesn’t feel exclusive to “most” when freeware, licensed software, and boxed software were prevalent too. Maybe look at the letters you already have filled in—could guide the guess better.
Alright, here’s my take on this! I think everyone’s diving into some really detailed interpretations, but let’s simplify things a bit. The clue “Like Most Software Once” might not necessarily be about what kind of software was around, but how it was treated or distributed. How about “pirated”? Hear me out—back in the day, a ton of software was pirated and distributed illegally. Floppy disks, CDs, even early torrent systems—it was super common for people to use pirated programs before they really cracked down on licensing systems. This could fit the “like most software once” concept well.
Now, weighing it against suggestions like “shareware” or “licensed,” those are absolutely valid and historically accurate. Pro of “shareware”? It was an actual model used by companies to get exposure and money. Con? It wasn’t most software—commercial, boxed software was a bigger chunk of the pie. Same goes for “licensed”—it feels too broad and doesn’t quite capture the “once” part of the clue, possibly referring to something passé.
Another interesting word to consider is “obsolete.” Most older software has become unusable or outmoded now—maybe alluding to “most software once” being no longer functional or relevant? It wouldn’t be about distribution exactly, but still a strong historical tie.
That said, I think “pirated” or “shareware” edges out because they better align with the clue’s tone. Double-check the letters you already have for more context—crosswords love sneaky tricks with letter patterns to zone in. Keep us posted!