1. Software that prescribes to, but does not provides any value or enhancement.
2. Software that provides nonsensical increasing or decreasing values to system resources.
3. Software that suggests, but does not deliver any improvements to lifestyle, productivity or success.
4. Software that makes the user happier once it has been run.
Below are examples of placeboware, but this is by no means an exhaustive list:
Memory Optimizers / Managers / Cleaners / Defragmenters
Flash Disk Optimizers / Defragmenters
Operating Systems that require a singlemousebutton
Ruler of Lake Titicaca. Rumored to have a bunghole that gets very angry if it does not receive toilet paper. Cornholio the Great is often seen walking around with his shirt over his head and his hands in the air, chanting songs about his power, and his bunghole.
"I am Cornholio! You do not want to face the wrath of my bunghole, for I need TP!"
Butthead: Shut up, Beavis! (uh huh huh huh)
Beavis: Um, okay. (heh heh heh heh).