When getting a new laptop for use at school or university it is essential to not just look at the hardware, you will need to ensure you have the programs available to let you do your work. Most people do not know that Word, Excel, Publisher, OneNote, Outlook and Powerpoint are not included with Windows but as a separate suite called Microsoft Office, at CCL we would recommend all students purchase a copy of Microsoft Office Home and Student so they can get the most out of their new laptop or desktop.
Buy Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010 and
download Outlook, Publisher and Access for free!
What is computer software?
Computer software is the programs, applications, games and utilities you use every day to perform the tasks you want to do on your computer. For example Microsoft Windows is an operating system, Adobe Photoshop is an image editing suite and Microsoft Office is a suite of applications to enable you to perform word processing, spreadsheet and database tasks. In most cases there are several options available for most required uses ranging from software designed for novice users right up to professional programs that can be used to create anything you can imagine.
What is an operating system and why do I need one?
The operating system is the heart of the way you interact with your computer, it provides the bridge between the physical components in your computer and the programs you use to complete tasks on your computer. The operating system allows all software compatible with it to interface and uses the components in the computer.
Without an operating system you would not be able to use your computer as no programs, applications, games or utilities would be able to be installed and run, your PC would just display a blank screen waiting for an operating system to be applied. Almost all laptops CCL sell come with Windows pre-installed while our pre-built machines give you the option to choose between no operating system and all of the current versions of Windows.
What types of operating system are available?
There are three major operating systems currently available for mainstream computers. These are Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OSX and Linux. Other operating systems are available however they usually have specific uses such as medical research.
- Microsoft Windows: Currently the most popular operating system with around 90% of the market share. Most programs are written for Microsoft Windows and it is the premier format for PC gaming.
- Mac OSX: Designed and marketed by Apple Inc and pre-loaded onto all Macintosh computers. A very easy to use operating system with a lot of built in functionality.
- Linux: Linux is a generic name for a family of open source (free) operating systems. Because its components are open source, anyone can read and modify the code that makes it up. Due to this it has been modified into a huge variety of versions. It is only used on around 0.5% of personal computers due to its historical nature of being a more complicated operating system to use when compared to Microsoft Windows and Mac OSX.
What software do I need?
Almost everyone will need to add more software to the included features of the operating system. The major additions most people will look to purchase are an Office suite and photo editing software. An Office suite will give your PC the capability to process word documents, create spreadsheets and databases, take professional notes, send and receive large volumes of email and create flyers and brochures. With photo editing software you will be able to touch up your digital photos by completing such tasks as removing red eye, changing the contrast of the image or applying special effects.
There is software available for almost any use you can imagine from accounting to interior design, word processing to gaming and even software to enable you to create your own programs and applications.
What is a software licence?
As soon as you install your software you will be asked to agree to an End User Licence Agreement or EULA. This is a contract between you and the software vendor that sets out the responsibilities of the vendor and the fit for purpose nature of the product. Read this agreement and ensure you understand the terms and conditions.
When you purchase boxed software you will receive a copy of the optical media and a proof of authenticity certificate complete with anti-forgery devices such as holograms and silver strips like those found in bank notes. Many software programs also utilise licence keys and internet activity to verify the genuine nature of software.
Over the past few years software piracy has been prevalent and the pirates have been very effective at copying legal software and selling copies cheap at venues such as car boot sales. This is an illegal activity and will result in you receiving an inferior product. Your business can also be at risk from legal action if you are seen to be using pirated software.
The simple answer is do not use illegal software.
Can my computer run any software I buy?
If you have a PC that is more than 2-3 years old then it may have a problem running some of the latest software from some of the manufacturers. This is due to the speed of your PC and its capabilities to process the more complex newer software. For very intensive applications such as professional video editing and CAD (computer aided design) you will need a PC with a very high specification to run the software optimally.
You can usually find “minimum system requirements†and “recommended system requirements†on the web pages of the software manufacturers or on CCL’s product descriptions. It is always recommended to ensure the software is compatible with your operating system and hardware before purchasing.
What are software upgrades?
The software manufacturers are constantly working on their programs and applications. They constantly add new features, improve the interface and fix bugs and issues. This means every 12-18 months or so there will be a new release of most major software.
The process of moving your current version of the software to the latest one is called upgrading. There are usually upgrade licence versions of the new software available to offer a discount to existing users, often as much as 75% of the normal retail price. The software manufactures want to keep you using and recommending their product so they can gain new customers.
It is worth looking at each new version of the software that is released as they may have introduced new features that may be of benefit to you.
Why do I need an Anti-Virus or Internet Security program?
Security software on a modern PC is a must and should normally be one of the first pieces of software you install on a new computer. These programs are essential tools to protect your computer from virus’, worms, Trojans and other internet threats.
What is the difference between Anti-Virus software and an Internet Security Suite?
An Anti-Virus program protects you just from viruses, an Internet Security Suite contains a variety of programs to protect you online.
The programs you can expect to find in most Internet Security Suites are the following:
- Antivirus – Protects your computer from worms, Trojans and other computer virus.
- Antispyware – Protects yourself from identity theft and online fraud.
- Firewall – Protect your computer from unwanted intruders like hackers.
- Anti-phishing – Authenticates web pages and emails so you can surf, shop and bank safely online.
- Spamfilter – Keeps your inbox clean from junk mail and phishing attempts.
- Backup – An easy way to protect for your important files from computer crashes, damage and theft.
- Instant Messenger Protection – Interact and exchange files over IM programs like MSN, Yahoo and Skype without risking exposure to virus’ and malware.
