Computer software is supposed to make your life easier, but it can be downright intimidating. With so many products out there it�s hard to know which is best. Names like
Quicken and Excel don�t explain anything. And multimedia software? What�s that? It�s difficult even for veteran computer users to keep up with all the available programs and latest versions.Relax. Using a computer should be productive and fun�that�s why you need software. We�ll show you what�s out there, what it does, and how to find it. And we�ll even throw in a few buying tips to help you make good choices.
Everything on your desk�your monitor, mouse, keyboard, CD-ROM drive, etc., plus all the interior components of your computer�is hardware. Software, on the other hand, is the set of instructions stored on diskette or CD-ROM that determines what the computer does. Without software, a computer is an expensive knickknack. It looks interesting, but it just sits there.
Two basic types of programs exist: operating system software and application software.
Operating System Software.
An operating system(OS), is your computer�s master program. It controls everything, including all your hardware and what application programs you use.
Although other operating systems exist, the three you�ll likely run across are Windows, Macintosh, and DOS. (For more information see, �What You Should Know About Operating Systems� in this issue.)
Windows, produced by Microsoft Corp., is the dominant force in operating systems. According to figures compiled by the Software Publishers Association (SPA) in Washington, D.C., Windows operating systems accounted for a phenomenal $5.4 billion in sales during the first three quarters of 1996.
A graphics-based OS, Windows comes in several versions, with Windows 95 being the most recent and a popular choice for new buyers. Its predecessor, Windows 3.1, is more appropriately called an �operating environment� because it requires DOS to run. While memory-hungry, Win95 can run software from Windows 3.1 and DOS programs, adding to its flexibility.
Like Windows, Macintosh operating systems are graphics-based and are praised for their ease of use. Macintosh OS sales, however, can�t compete with the marketing clout of Windows, which has always run on the vast selection of PC-compatible computers rather than just Apple�s models.
The maverick of the bunch, DOS is a text-based operating system. Without the windows interface, you have to type in commands at the system prompt before the computer does anything. Although the most difficult (and least popular) operating system, DOS has its defenders.
Application Software.
Unlike your OS, which handles the big picture, application software is task-specific. It tells the different elements of your computer to do such things as crunch numbers, play games, process words, and so on.
Application software is big business. According to the SPA, sales of personal computer application programs in the United States and Canada reached $10.6 billion in 1996, with Windows applications gobbling up 81% of the pie.
There�s something for everyone in software, and most software is categorized by the function it performs. The following is by no means a comprehensive list, but it does include those applications most useful for the PC owner.
Business Software.
Business software is an essential tool for any type of business.
Communications. Communications software has influenced the way we communicate as much as the telephone. With the right communications software, you can send faxes and electronic mail (E-mail) and surf the Internet. One popular program is Winfax Pro from Symantec, a comprehensive package that contains Microsoft Internet Explorer and Talk Works voice mail. To send and receive faxes you�ll need a fax/modem and fax software.
E-mail. E-mail lets you send messages using your computer to other computer users. One advantage to this is you can correspond with someone through E-mail as quickly as you can make a phone call. But, unlike the telephone, E-mail messages can be archived and you can send along files such as word processing documents or images. Also, E-mail can be sent even when the recipient isn�t around. The message stays in the computer until your recipient checks his computer mailbox. To send E-mail you need the right communications software and a modem. You�ll also need an Internet connection through an online service such as America Online or a local Internet service provider (ISP).
The Internet links millions of computers worldwide. To access the �Net you�ll need a modem, Internet application software like Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, and an account with an ISP.
Databases. Database programs, such as Claris Filemaker Pro, organize information that�s related in some way�names, addresses, birthdays, etc. Although databases store information, they�re even better for information retrieval. You can organize a database any way you like and later retrieve the same information in a variety of ways.
Let�s say you�re a restaurant owner wanting to send coupons to all customers who live within the ZIP code 12345. Even if customers are listed in the database alphabetically, the database can sort all ZIP code 12345 residents out and, presto, next week they�re getting coupons.
Desktop publishing. Desktop publishing (DTP) programs create pages for newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, advertisements, and almost any printed material with both pictures and text. People using DTP programs usually import text and graphics created with the appropriate software and then place them into their documents. It�s possible to type information in and draw graphics in DTP programs, but they are primarily page layout programs.
The advantage to a DTP program like Quark Xpress is it saves time. Editing text, moving graphics, or adding and deleting pages can be done quickly. If the changes don�t work, they can be changed back just as fast. Also, DTP programs feature What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) interfaces, so you can see what the page looks like before it�s printed.
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Personal Productivity Software.
Some of the most popular categories of software are designed for home users. While business application software saw losses in sales in 1996, sales of products designed for the average user increased. This is because as more people begin buying computers, they look for ways to be more productive and creative at home.
Financial. Although there�s probably no way to make keeping track of your finances entirely painless, financial software makes it easier. Programs such as Intuit�s Quicken are excellent tools for creating budgets, tracking checking and savings accounts, managing investments, and even running a home-based business.
Like spreadsheet software, most financial software lets you create �what if� scenarios. For instance, in creating a budget, you can see how an additional $50 a month toward your car payment or mortgage affects your payment schedule, interest costs, and the rest of your budget.
Graphics. Nearly everyone can benefit from a graphics program. Designed for both professionals and home users, graphics software can create original drawings, pie charts for sales presentations, customized birthday cards, and much more.
Graphics programs are either paint programs or drawing programs. Paint programs work with tiny dots called pixels, the smallest definable part of a computer image. A portion of memory is assigned to each pixel, and all the pixels together form the image. The image is then saved as a bit-mapped file. When an image is retrieved, the computer takes each dot, places it in its proper place and�voila!�the entire image appears.
Many paint programs exist, but some of the most popular are image editors. Images are imported into the program and can be changed in a variety of ways. You can improve their color and contrast, add special effects, and more. While initially for professional use, many such programs for home users now exist.
Drawing programs such as Corel�s Print House use vector graphics to create images. Unlike paint programs� pixels, vector graphics consist of a series of points and lines. Each element you draw�each line, rectangle, etc.�is defined and saved as a separate object. The advantages to vector-based graphics are that they allow more control in changing individual elements of a picture, which makes them ideal for precise, technical drawings, and they can be stored in less disk space than a bit-mapped file.
Integrated/Office suite programs. Integrated software and office suite programs do many of the same things, such as write letters, create databases, add figures in a spreadsheet, and create graphics, but there are some differences between them.
The primary difference is that integrated software, such as Microsoft Works, is a single program that does all these things, whereas a suite, like Microsoft Office97, is a group of separate, full-version programs packaged and sold together.
If they do the same things, which should you buy? It depends. Integrated programs, while easier to use, contain weaker versions of their standalone counterparts. This means they�re missing some perks contained in the full version. This is fine if you don�t need the power of a complete word processor or spreadsheet, for example, but it can be limiting over time.
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PIMs often include calendars, word processors, calculators, database capabilities, and a to-do list. Some programs have complete interconnectivity of these functions, sharing information between them easily.
Utilities. Just as a good mechanic is invaluable to your car, utilities programs are vital to your PC. Utilities software encompasses such tasks as diagnosing and repairing computer viruses (Norton Antivirus from Symantec), creating zip files that compress data to save space on your hard drive, solving system problems, and even undeleting files that have been erased. These are just a few of the things utility programs do; many programs exist and their capabilities are almost endless.
Most operating systems include some utilities, so see what�s there before buying more. On the flip side, many utilities programs are better than what�s on the OS you buy with your computer, so don�t be afraid to enhance your system.
Word processing. Word processing programs take the headache out of typing documents. You can correct, delete, insert, and rearrange text quickly. You also can change fonts, spell check, find grammatical errors, use a thesaurus, and more. Some high-end programs like Microsoft�s Word 97 even have simple drawing tools�just perfect for that holiday form letter.
The Fun Stuff.
Multimedia. Multimedia combines text, graphics, full-motion video, and sound into one dazzling software program. You�ll need additional hardware to run multimedia programs�notably a sound card and speakers�but it�s worth the expense. Although multimedia first gained popularity through games, the format also is used for educational and reference software.
Educational. Educational software brings life to the learning process. There are programs for all age levels in many disciplines. Subjects such as math, science, social studies, reading, and grammar are presented in a fun, challenging way. Even preschoolers can enjoy multimedia story books with colorful, animated characters moving and speaking on the screen.
Researching reports can be fun, too, as several companies offer full encyclopedias in multimedia format. Even well-known encyclopedias such as World Book and Encyclopaedia Britannica are now available as software.
According to Diane Freedman, business manager for SofTrends of Port Washington, N.Y., which tracks sales and conducts consumer studies for the PC software industry, home education software sales are expected to increase.
�We�re seeing a definite increase in the education titles, particularly in the area of early learning,� she says. �As parents become more computer-savvy themselves, they�re purchasing more software for their children.�
Entertainment. Entertainment software runs the gamut from �find the bad guy and destroy him� games to family favorites like �Monopoly� and �Clue� and even vacation planners. In addition, many high-end games incorporate cutting-edge multimedia features like three-dimensional graphics and virtual reality that let the users feel as if they are part of the game.
�Net Software.
Freeware, Shareware, and Public domain software are programs categorized together not for what they do but for the way they�re distributed. Most of the time you can download these programs right off the Internet.
Freeware is software a developer gives away. Even though it�s free, the developer retains all copyrights to the program. This means he or she can place restrictions on its use or distribution.
Shareware works on a �try before you buy� system. You get the software, which is usually a partial version, for free on a trial basis. If you keep it, you send your money to the developer, who then sends you the full version. You also may receive a manual and information on upgrades.
Public domain software is similar to freeware because it is free. The difference is that it doesn�t have a copyright or restrictions.
Before You Buy.
Buying software is like ordering takeout from an unfamiliar restaurant: There�s good and there�s bad, but you don�t know what you have until you get it home. How do you avoid getting burned? Here are a few suggestions.
� Talk to friends who use computers. What do they use and like? Find out what, if anything, they don�t like about certain programs.
� Check out consumer reports or periodicals like Smart Computing. Have they reviewed the software? What features did they judge it on? What was their overall impression?
� Join a computer user group. These groups normally charge a small fee for membership, but they often hold meetings and publish newsletters with software reviews. At the very least, they have members who can help you make a good decision. Call the Association of Personal Computer User Groups at (914) 876-6678 for more information.
� Check out your system. Most new PCs come with some software installed. What you want might already be on your system.
� Make sure your computer can handle the software you�re buying. For example, do you have enough megabytes of memory? Is your central processing unit (CPU) speed high enough? Is the software PC- or Macintosh-compatible? Will it take too much room on your hard drive? Every box of software you look at will list system requirements. Study this list and compare it with your computer�s capabilities.
� If possible, try the software before you buy it. Many retail stores let you do this.
� Check out all manufacturers� and vendors� return policies. For example, can opened software be returned? What is the expiration date for returning purchases?
Where To Buy.
There are many obvious and not so obvious ways to purchase software. Which is the best way? A lot of it depends on your needs as a customer.
Direct from the publisher. More than 16% of all consumers tracked by SofTrends in 1996 purchased their software this way. The advantage to this is you�re guaranteed the newest version of the program you�re buying�a big plus. Most people don�t want to buy a program only to discover an upgrade is coming out the following month. Sure, the older software still works, but it�s no longer cutting-edge.
The downside to buying directly from the publisher is you�ll normally pay more and support is available only through a telephone call.
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For new users, this might be the best way to buy software if there truly is a �best� way. Although you won�t get the lowest price for your program, some of the services these stores provide are second to none.
The advantage to buying retail is the support, which varies according to the store. For example, technicians from stores such as Best Buy will come to your home to install your software for a fee.
Generally speaking, computer superstores such as Egghead have the greatest selection available with competitive prices. Many even match competitors� prices. These stores also have demo versions of popular titles, so you can try before you buy. On the other hand, because they carry so much, their expertise with a single product might be weak.
Other national retailers, such as Office Depot, carry software as a side item to the many other products their stores carry. This is convenient because you can buy things for your home and office in the same stop. The downside is a lack of selection, usually higher prices, and potentially limited knowledge of products among employees.
However, SofTrends� Freedman says this situation is improving. �Many of the larger retailers are becoming more conscious of their customers� needs,� she says. �They�re starting to present their products better and becoming more aware of what customers want, making it easier and more enjoyable for the consumer.�
For the brand-new user, buying from a local retailer�whether a chain or an independent store�is a smart move. They�re familiar with the software, have general computing expertise, and know what�s happening in the computer world. Products will be more expensive, but you�ll have someone to call if there�s a problem. Also, many local retailers offer training classes, which is a bonus.
Mail order. Nearly 9% of software purchases were made this way last year, and for the price-conscious shopper it�s a great way to go. Because these companies buy in volume, they pass the savings on to you. Also, by browsing in catalogs, you almost always can find what you want. You can shop at home and at pretty much any time of day.
There are disadvantages, however. Sales representatives� knowledge varies. You also take a risk because you can�t see the product or try it out before buying. Also, ensure you�re buying from a reputable company. A call to your local Better Business Bureau is a good idea before you place the call to a mail order company.
A few such mail order companies are:
� PC Connection: (800) 800-1111
� PC Zone: (800) 258-2088
� USA Flex: (800) 723-2261
Online. If you know what you�re doing and where to look, buying online is total shopping convenience. You never have to leave home, you can almost always find what you want, and you can shop day or night. Better yet, some software can be immediately downloaded and be ready to go.
What�s the catch? Credit card security is a big issue. This may explain why only 0.4% of consumers purchased this way in 1996. Purchasing software online requires transmitting your credit card number through �cyberspace.� Although protected transactions alleviate some of the worry and the risk is no greater than handing your card to a gas station attendant, it�s still a concern for many users.
Freedman says online shopping should increase in popularity. �There are some security issues that need to be worked out,� she says. �However, the buzz is that as those things are taken care of, you�ll see more people buying online.�
A Final Thought.
One last consideration when entering the ever-growing world of software products: Give yourself a break. You can�t learn everything about every program overnight. Discovering what your computer can do is half the fun. There�s no need to rush through it all at one time. Above all, don�t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Even the computer experts had to start somewhere.
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For More Information:
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Claris Corp. (800) 544-8554 (408) 727-8227 http://www.claris.com
Corel Inc.
Intuit Inc.
Microsoft Corp.
Quark Inc.
Symantec Corp. |
Top-Selling SoftwareThe best-selling application programs and their manufacturers in October 1997, as tracked by PC Data. | ||
| 1. | Microsoft Flight Simulator | Microsoft |
| 2. | Riven: The Sequel to Myst | Broderbund |
| 3. | Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II | LucasArts |
| 4. | Myst | Broderbund |
| 5. | Lego Island | Mindscape |
| 6. | Command & Conquer: Aftermath | Virgin |
| 7. | Microsoft Age of Empires | Microsoft |
| 8. | Deer Hunter | GT Interactive |
| 9. | Ultima Online | Electronic Arts |
| 10. | NHL Hockey '98 | Electronic Arts |
