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Before you go to the store to buy software write down
your computers specifications. You'll need the type
and speed
of the processor. How much ram your computer has. What
kind of video card? How much disk space is available?
Usually, these things are easy to find on your computer.
On Windows you can navigate to "Programs >Accessories
>System Tools." Then click on "System Information"
and you should see a summary containing your computers
operating system, processor, and memory information.
Next click on the plus sign to expand the "Components"
category. There under "Display" you will find
your computers video card specifications. You may also
need to know what kind of sound card is installed. Select
"Sound Device" to see the name and manufacturer
of this device. Under "Storage" you can select
Drives to check how much available disk space you have.
This will be labeled "free Space." Other information
you may need, depending on the type of program, are
network and modem specs.
Once You have selected a piece of software make sure
that it is compatible with your computer. Most software
programs come on CDs now and will include their minimum
requirements somewhere on the packaging. They may require
that you have a special video card or adapter. It may
require that you have a particular type of processor,
so make sure that your computers processor is equal
or better. Make sure you have enough ram to run the
program. Usually, they will give a minimum and a recommended
amount, but I have always found that it is best to go
with the recommended amount.
Another thing to take into account is pricing. Sometimes
you can save a lot of money by purchasing an earlier
version
of a particular piece of software. Just make sure that
it has all the features that you want and that it is
compatible
with your computer. The best place to look is on the
Internet. You can compare pricing without having to
run all over town. Go to your favorite search site,
and search for the software that you are looking for.
Sometimes you can buy online for less, but make sure
you check the shipping costs.
About the author:
Chris Curtis is the owner of C-Double Web Development
and has been doing web design and development since
1997. He began offering affordable web hosting and design
in 1999 when he started his own business. http://www.c-double.com
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