@stage7 It was a simpler, more egalitarian time. Back when you were almost guaranteed to have a file called "README.1ST" with a loving reminder that this program was shareware and that, if you liked it and wanted the full version, you could send a check or money order in a self-addressed stamped envelope to an actual physical address somewhere in Oregon.

If you didn't like it, there was literally an entry in the start menu to uninstall it: "Start > Programs > GregorySoft > Uninstall GregorySoft Widgetulator".