Software Buying GuideNew computers seldom come with free software anymore. Most of the software installed is trial software that expires after 60 days and needs to be purchased to keep it active. If you decide that you want the software, it's best to check around the Internet for the best price. Before making any software purchases, check out my online shopping guide. If you did not get Microsoft Works or Word on your computer and you need a basic word processor, try WordPad which comes with the XP Operating System. You can find WordPad under START, All Programs, Accessories. See my software tips for alternatives. Begin your software search process by writing down the features you want in the software. After reviewing several programs, you may want to add to your feature list. Then find a Freeware, Shareware, or Trialware program to try out before making any final selection. The program doesn't have to be a real good match. The process of trying before you decide may change your mind on what you want. Let the trial be a learning process to better define what you want. Another tip when buying software is to see if older releases are available. If the older release contains all the features that you need, than there may be a considerable savings in the purchase price. Full, Upgrade, Academic, and OEM VersionsDifferent versions of the same software product is a pricing strategy based on the targeted market. This strategy is used mainly by large software companies. Full Version Software means that you can install it on your computer regardless of whether you have a current release, previous release, or qualifying software installed. The Full Version is the most expensive so its best to see if you qualify for a cheaper version. For instance, Microsoft Works is qualifying software for Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003 Upgrade. Upgrade Version means that you must have a current release, previous release, or qualifying software already installed on your computer. The Upgrade Version is always cheaper than the Full Version and is an enticement to continue using the product. Academic Version means that the software version is restricted to students or teachers or a household member of a qualifying person. An Academic Version usually has a steep discounted price. This year, Microsoft has changed their marketing strategy for home and academic users with Office Home and Student 2007. OEM Version means Original Equipment Manufacturer Version. OEM software is generally only sold by hardware manufacturers who include the OEM software as part of the total product. OEM software is a full version which includes the CD and the product key code. The software runs the same way as the Full Version including automatic updates. The differences between OEM and Full Version are:
Freeware, Shareware, and Retail BoxFreeware is software that is offered at no cost. However, it is copyrighted so that you can't incorporate its programming into anything you may be developing. Also, while free for personal use, you need to check the license agreement for details for commercial use, since this may not always be free. See my software tips for descriptions of freeware that may be of interest to you. Shareware is software that is distributed free on a trial basis with the understanding that you must pay for it if you keep it. This method of distribution is sometimes called trialware. Generally when you pay for it you are given a registration key which activates the program. Some software developers offer a shareware version of their program with a built-in expiration date, generally 30 days, and others might allow you to run the program for a number of times before it expires. This method of marketing is a great benefit to the seller and user alike. The user is more likely to try out programs to see if it fits their needs. Retail box software is what you find on the store shelves and in online stores. Normally with this software, you need to know something about it before you buy it. You don't get to try before you buy. In the past, a user manual was included in the box. The latest trend is to include a reference manual in electronic form on a CD. More and more the trend is to offer software on a trial basis from the manufacturer's website or from a download site like CNET Downloads. These highly rated sites offer freeware and shareware. If you have never downloaded software before, check my file download tip. • CNET Downloads • SnapFiles • No Nags A final suggestion before making your decision, is to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements to run the software program. |
