There is a PC in almost every home in America. Two in some. Like the invention of the television did to the radio, the personal computer has taken the place of the most valuable electronic tool in the home. We plan our home budgets on them, play games, keep journals and store photos.
Our school aged children increasingly have all their assignments linked to the use of a computer. We can keep a check on the weather, message our friends and family, and surf the internet until we fall asleep at the keyboard. (You know you have.)
Be that as it may, what keeps all those things possible are the software programs installed on your PC. Buying the right software can be confusing at times. Below are three tips that can narrow your search for the best software for your PC.
Define Your Need
First, you have to know what you need. Do you have teenagers or college-aged students with research papers to type? Maybe you need a little help keeping track of the home budget. Are you running a small business from the comfort of home? Do you need to write software requirements for the company you work for?
Maybe you simply need help creating the perfect gaming experience. Whatever it is, you need to have a clear definition in mind. For example, if all you have at home are your elementary aged children who are just now being introduced to Word software, keeping Word 2010 on your home PC maybe all you need to satisfy the demand.
On the other hand, if you are still housing college-aged students or creating reports at home for your job, you might be more comfortable using Microsoft Office, which includes programs like Word and Powerpoint.
Do the Research
After you have narrowed your choice down to a more well-defined need, the next step is to reach out and do a little research. As much as we are sure Microsoft would cringe reading this, there are programs like Word and Powerpoint out there that do not cost quite as much.
Sometimes, you can find a good substitute that costs nothing at all. For example, QuickBooks is a popular budgeting tool found in the greater majority of homes that keep a close eye on their funds. Wave is a software program that does everything QuickBooks can do and more. . . for free.
If you simply can’t do that, there are several places that will offer the name brand software you are looking for at lower prices. Granted, if you want a lower price, nine times out of ten you are going to have to purchase a used copy, but that’s up to you.
Get the Best Version
How much do you know about the versions of software you choose? Most people simply don’t pay attention to the numbers on the back of the product box. There are three main things you can tell about a program by reading these numbers. Number one.
If you line up all the versions of a particular product, you will be able to tell which was released first and the order of the rest. Second, the number will allow you to know to what extent the program has been changed.
Later projects, by definition, are usually better because designers have had time to fix bugs and cater to the crowds wants and needs, but that’s not always true. Last, the number will tell you the date of release. Once you learn what each stands for, you will be able to narrow down the best version for your needs.
The software we choose to use is usually necessary for the ease of living in our home. Use these tips for making choosing what you need just as easy.
