Which type of software typically has a cost associated with it before use?

Shareware is a type of software that typically has a cost associated with it before use, but it often allows users to download and evaluate it for free for a limited time. After the trial period, users are usually required to pay for a license to continue using the software or to access the full version with additional features.

Freeware, in contrast, is available for use at no cost and can be downloaded and used without any payment. Open source software is also free and allows users to view, modify, and distribute the source code. Productivity software, while it often incurs costs, is a broader category that includes various applications (like word processors and spreadsheets) that may be available as either free, shareware, or paid software. Thus, shareware is specifically designed to initiate a payment process after a trial period, highlighting its characteristic of typically requiring payment for ongoing use.