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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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