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More Articles
Sept. 1998 - "Now is the Time"
Oct. 1998 - "What is the Internet?"
Nov. 1998 - "It's an Email World"
Jan. 1999 - "Little Help from a ..."
Jan. 1999 - "Is the Internet Safe?"
Mar. 1999 - "Desktop Clutter"
Apr. 1999 - "Searching the Net"
May 1999 - "What's in Domain Name?"
June 1999 - "Inernet Chaperones"
July 1999 - "Mind Your Online Manners"
Aug 1999 - " Chasing the Porsche"
Sept. 1999 - "Buying Hardware"
Oct. 1999 - "Buying Software" |
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(This article was originally published in The Tahoe Daily Tribune)
Last month’s article dealt with purchasing the computer itself;
this month I want to deal with software, but first I should clarify
something brought up following September’s article.
The computer industry changes daily, in some cases by the hour.
My method for buying a computer (anything, for that matter) is
based on the “Median” philosophy. When deciding on a purchase,
I discard both the bottom segment and the top segment while shooting
for somewhere in the middle. Why?
Throwing out the bottom discounts antiquated technology whose
useful lifespan is compromised; the high end, cutting-edge technology
is always overpriced, especially in regard to the level of efficiency
gained compared to something lower on the scale. Hence, the better
value lies somewhere in the middle.
It’s simple economics. If you buy an old computer, you will have
to upgrade something, perhaps many things, in order to use the
newest technology. That could end up costing you a bundle when
all is said and done.
The latest and the greatest price is always inflated, perhaps
as much as 60% compared to a few months later. Either waiting
a couple months or buying the technology that was top-of-the-line
a few months ago could save you 60%. That savings can then be
used for something else, like a printer, scanner or more memory.
Bearing all that in mind, let’s talk about what software you need
to get started. Here are three points involving basic software.
Point #1:
Get a good word processing program.
If you are a relatively new user, I would suggest a "bundle program"
such as Microsoft Works or AppleWorks (formerly Clarisworks).
The advantage to these programs are many. One, they are pretty
inexpensive at around $100 - $150.
More importantly, they have many types of applications "bundled"
together into the single program. Their features include word
processing, database, spreadsheet, draw, paint and oftentimes
a communication (internet) section.
Learning this program with its different features allows you to
learn the basics of every sort of program so when you gain experience
and have a better idea of what the marketplace offers, you can
purchase the program that is just right for you. For example,
the word processing portion of Works is a downgraded version of
Word, their database portion a lesser Access, the spreadsheet
a beginner's Excel. When you master Works, you will have mastered
how each "type" of program works.
Additionally, they have preprogrammed stationary templates that
can give you a head start on creating business cards, flyers,
menus, mortgage analyzer, recipe books, address and phone book,
video library, and a host of others. Many are equipped with rudimentary
graphics that start those creative juices flowing.
It is a good place to start. For those of you who are more experienced,
you have your favorites and perhaps you can write in and let us
know what they are.
Point #2:
All newer computers come with internet software. Forget about
America
Online, CompuServe, EarthLink, and all the rest of those mass
market services. Your computer has the necessary ingredients to
get on the internet, that is, modem and software, a Browser (Netscape
or Internet Explorer, usually) and an email program. You will
only need to find a local ISP (Internet Service Provider) to provide
you the means with which to tap into the Superhighway.
Point #3
A good financial program to help balance a checkbook is also helpful.
Quicken is the best for home use, while QuickBooks is a popular
application for small businesses.
If you are beginning your computer adventure, the software applications
mentioned here will suffice until you learn enough to make further
choices.
Happy hunting!
Rick Langford is founder of Tahoe Mall, The Tahoe Net and Cache-World
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