Software

Part 5

Software applications (programs) are the guides of the computer. They include the operating system (O/S), discussed in Part 4, and all other software applications. All software programs work under the O/S. Except for a few games, software programs are written for specific operating systems, and not for the CPU or Memory.

Because software programs are written for specific operating systems, make sure the exact versions (such as Version 3.1, Version 4.3) of software programs you wish to use are "compliant" to the operating system installed on that computer.

This will be stated clearly on the front or the back of the software box.

Note: Software (and hardware) compatibility can be an issue with Windows Vista, as discussed in Part 4 - Operating Systems.

Office Suites

Many new computers come with an Office Suite, such as:

Microsoft Office
WordPerfect Office, by Corel
SmartSuite, by IBM
Works, also by Microsoft

These may typically include a Word Processor, a Spreadsheet, a Database Manager, a Presentation Graphics application, a Bookkeeping/Accounting application, and a Desktop Publishing application. These are all the programs you would likely use to run a typical small business. But they are equally useful for just about everyone.

Word Processor

The most popular type of computer program, this is commonly used by students, writers, journalists, secretaries, programmers, executives, managers, business owners, and a long list of others. They make it possible to create letters, reports, articles, and even a book. The programs available include:

Word, by Microsoft (by far the most popular)
WordPerfect, by Corel (very popular, as well)
Word Pro, by Lotus/IBM

Spreadsheet

This is typically a business application used to crunch numbers and organize then as needed. Spreadsheets can be used to create journals, ledgers, financial statements, as well as display graphs and charts. Popular programs include:

Excel, by Microsoft (the most popular)
Lotus 1-2-3, by Lotus/IBM

Database Manager

If you will deal with a very large amount of data (large business, etc), and you need a database manager, then programs include:

Access, by Microsoft (the most popular)
Paradox, by Corel
Filemaker, by FileMaker

Presentation Graphics

This program is used by some business people and students. Some programs include:

PowerPoint, by Microsoft (the most popular)
Corel Presentations, by Corel
Flow, by IMSI

Bookkeeping & Accounting

If you need bookkeeping, programs include:

Quicken, by Intuit (very popular)
QuickBooks, by Intuit (very popular)
MS Money, by Microsoft
MYOB Accounting, by MYOB

Desktop Publishing

If you need desktop publishing, programs include:

Publisher, by Microsoft (very popular)
PageMaker, by Adobe (very popular)
Visio, by Visio Corp.
QuarkXPress, by Quark

Image Editors

A graphics tool, they can be used in graphic arts and on photographs. Most people will not need this. They include:

PhotoShop, by Adobe (popular - requires time and effort to learn)
Painter, by Corel
PhotoDraw, by Microsoft

Email

Applications include:

Outlook, by Microsoft (the most popular)
Pegasus, by David Harris (free) (popular at some universities)
Eudora, by Qualcomm (not especially user-friendly)
CC Mail, by Lotus/IBM

Utilities

A variety of utilities are available to help your computer work better. They include:

Norton Utilities, by Symantec
McAfee Utilities, by Network Associates

Anti-Virus Programs

I strongly recommend you use an anti-virus program.They Include:

BitDefender (Recommended) This is a newer company with an excellent product. Much more user friendly than Norton or McAfee.
Microsoft AVG 2011 (Recommended) Another excellent product, also more user friendly than Norton or McAfee.
Norton
McAfee
SurfinGuard, by Finjan
F-Prot, by Frisk

Firewall

I strongly recommend you use a firewall. If you have a router, that serves as a firewall. If you don't use a rounter, firewalls include:

ZoneAlarm, by Zone Labs
VisNetic, by C C Software
LockDown 2000, by LockDown Corp

Web Browser

In addition, to surf the Internet you will need a browser. The most popular are:

Mozilla Firefox (www.mozilla.org/) is rapidly becoming a popular alternative to IE and Netscape. Surfing is easier with Firefox and it has functional advantages. Firefox has a small but devoted "community" of supporters. Even some Netscape employees volunteer their time at Mozilla. Note that some programs may not work quite as well with Firefox than with IE.
Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx) is the most popular browser in use today. I would recommend IE as an occassional back-up for Firefox, sometimes a website will function better with IE.
Netscape Communicator (http://browser.netscape.com/ns8/) is also popular. Some people prefer Netscape's interface. I don't like the spyware aspect of Netscape.
Opera (www.opera.com) is a browser with a very small devoted following. Opera also has advantages over IE and Netscape, especially its very quick loading speed. It has a good pop-up filter as well as other features. You may want to check it out first because Opera is not free. Cost is $39.00 US.

And Others...

Of course, there are many other software programs you may wish to consider. When considering these, don't forget games. Computer games are ever popular and take on a wide dimension on the computer, including playing opponents online. But be warned, games require more space and power (not to mention your time).

On to the next Part...