Many people are confused when it comes to making decisions about software. Installing, uninstalling, trouble-shooting, buying; there is much to think about. This article discusses some software basics everyone should understand.
Tip 1: To prevent unnecessary trouble, install one new program at a time. Be sure the program works correctly before installing another. Try to learn one new program at a time.
Tip 2: Many new software owners fail to register their software. One advantage of registration is the company tech support you can access if there is a problem. Also, special upgrade discounts are usually available only if one registers the software.
Tip 3: If you decide not to use a program anymore, uninstall it properly. Many programs have an uninstall option included, otherwise use Window’s uninstall function (use the help menu for exact instructions).
Tip 4: Software comes in a variety of formats; free, shareware, retail, and OEM. A visit to a site such as download.com is a good way to see examples of these types of programs. OEM software comes with a new computer. The computer’s owner does not have resell rights or reinstall rights with OEM software. Retail software is bought at a retail store or online. Shareware is created to be tried before one pays for it. Shareware can be excellent, but sometimes the quality of shareware is below retail. One is given a certain length of time to try it out, then you are expected to remove it from your computer or pay for it. Free software is free. Quality varies greatly. Rarely does this type of software offer any kind of tech support. What you use should depend on your expertise and what you want the software to do. How important is it to have tech support?
Tip 5: Buying software can be expensive. Three ways exist to save money. When buying a new computer, additional software at a discounted price is sometimes available. Be sure to ask your computer dealer. Some companies offer educational discounts to teachers and students. These discounts can be one-third to one- fifth the retail price charged to businesses and individuals. Software programs change regularly. If you own a previous version, the company may let you buy the new version as an upgrade. Upgrades are discussed later.
Tip 6: After buying a software program, check for updates. Software company may need to correct problems found after the release or may add minor improvements. Upgrades occur when the program undergoes major changes. Updates don’t cost more money. Upgrades will, but less than if you bought the software as a new package. If you registered the software when you bought it, an email or postal letter informs you of upgrades. Updates are frequently included as a menu choice within a program.
Tip 7: Not sure if you want to buy a software program? Many companies offer demo and trial versions. A demo version usually shows only a sample of what a program can do. The save or print function might be turned off. A trial version only operates for a set number of days, then no longer works. This is an excellent way to try before buying retail versions of software.
Following these basic tips will improve your computer experience, save money and time. These tips are offered for PC users only. If you have a Mac, check with a fellow Mac user for their advice.
L. C. Peterson is a freelance writer and web site consultant. More articles and writers’ tips can be found at http://www.salesandtales.com and http://www.lcpeterson.com.
