Twelve Things You Should Know to Save on Computer SoftwareWritten by Larry Andrew
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8.Find out how often company provides updates to their software. Check out cost for getting updates. For example, many companies will include updates for a specific period of time with purchase price of software. Companies that actively listen to their users update their software. If a computer program has not been updated for a long time, you probably won’t get further updates. 9.If you get a “Freeware” software program, you need to know four things: First, freeware is a software program that does not cost you any money. That means you will not be able to receive support from author. You are basically on your own. Sometimes that is good. However, if you have a time sensitive task and run into a software problem, free software may not be your best option. If you miss a deadline and have to pay a penalty of some type, that free software isn’t so cheap after all. Second, many times freeware is an “introductory” version of a program. That means you may still have to pay for “complete” program or ability to use all program options. Third, if there is no charge for a program, program may include software options that gather information about you, your computer, your surfing habits, etc. and then return this information to company via Internet. This is sometimes referred to as “Spyware” and can cause some real problems with your computer. When you use a program to eliminate spyware on your computer, your “free” software program may no longer work. Finally, if you are fairly computer literate, have no specific deadlines and know that a freeware program does not contain spyware, then, a freeware computer program can be a great bargain. 10.If you get a “Shareware” software program you need to know three things: First, shareware is a software program that lets you try it out before you buy it. The author is “sharing” program with you. If computer shareware program does what you want it to do, then author expects you to pay for it. Many shareware programs allow you to use program for a set period of time. After that period of time, program (or at least some of program options) will not continue to work. Don’t make mistake of entering a lot of important data and then decide you “don’t want to pay” for program. You could be left high and dry. Finally, some shareware programs will continue to operate regardless of how long you use them. If you come to rely on a shareware computer program, it is wise to pay author nominal fee they usually request. This will help author continue to develop and enhance program. Besides, you’ll probably get support and help from author if you need it. 11.Beware of companies that send you unsolicited emails offering “name brand” computer software at huge discounts. These are often overseas companies selling “illegal” software. You will not get support, but you could get a letter from company’s lawyer telling you that you’re using a pirated copy of their software. Some people have even reported giving their credit card information to purchase these “great bargains” only to learn weeks later, they had paid for software they never got. 12.Last but not least, always order your computer software from a reputable online company. You’ll experience best service, best warranty and best computer products available.
Larry Andrew is an educational consultant, author and publisher of www.ez-software-review.com. Learn how to purchase cheap, reliable and quality software for your home, school and business.
| | Seven Ways for saving your digital images for ever!Written by Chris Thomas
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4 Store your images on a public web site If you are connected to internet you will be able to find sites on world wide web which will store your images for posterity. Furthermore, they may let others view your images, or restrict access to them by a password. Some sites charge for this service. What long term prognosis is for any of these sites is – well – who knows. But they might be useful in short term. 5 Print your images at home for viewing You might want to put your images in an album to keep for yourself and to show family and friends. Photo printers are available for home use – either from manufacturer of your camera or from another. The convenience of being able to print your own images at home immediately will be offset by cost of consumables, which can be high, and slow print speed of many home printers. Further there has been discussion regarding longevity of prints made at home compared with conventional prints made on photographic paper. 6 Use a professional laboratory to make photographic prints. A more practical way of printing your images is to take your camera memory card or a CDRom to you local film processor for prints. You will be able to collect your printed images either same or next day and they will be photographic prints with a very long life expectancy. The laboratory will be able to crop your images or enlarge full image or a section of it to further enhance your photo. 7 Put your pictures on to a photo gift For a lasting memento, why not put your pictures into a frame or even get your laboratory to put them on a gist such as a mug or mouse mat. Such object will have a long life and attract interest and attention. To see some of possibilities when it comes to photo gifts feel free to visit http://www.view-link.com/photogifts.html Christopher Thomas Viewlink Ltd
Christopher Thomas is both keen photographer and company director of Viewlink Ltd based in Amersham, Uk. The company provides digital photo developing for both amateur and commercial photographers. For more articles by Christopher Thomas please visit the company website at http://www.view-link.com
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