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End User
The person who uses a software program, or the person or persons the program was designed for.
When a programmer or programming team creates a new piece of software, they design it based on the needs of their end user and how they believe the end user will be most comfortable interacting with the program. In many cases, programmers will seek early beta testers for their software, which are end users who provide feedback on pre-release versions of an application, so it can be improved prior to its official release.
If you are reading online, you are an end user for your Internet browser, the operating system it’s running on, as well as the device you’re using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not just call us “users”?
In most cases, anyone who uses the software and doesn’t work at the company that built it is an end user. However, some types of office software and web technologies may also have support users, such as a system administrator. While they still have to utilize the software, support users are not doing so to fulfill its intended function, but rather to make sure it works properly for the people who need it.
What is an End User Agreement?
Before you can install new software on your computer or mobile device, you usually have to approve an End User Agreement. These are primarily designed to protect the interests of the software developer, and contain lots of legal language about not copying the software, not modifying it, how the software was intended to be used, etc. Few people take the time to read End User Agreements, but to be an informed consumer and protect your rights as a consumer, you should review these carefully.