Buying Software
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Knowing what software to buy… and when… can be tricky. Here are some tips sent in by a community member to help you with your choices.
- Decide whether you really need the software. Software can be expensive and the last thing you want to do is to go out on a whim and waste your money on something that you’re probably only going to use once.
- Check compatibility. This is more for less advanced users, I’ve never done it myself but family members have contacted me asking how to get the software to work when there trying to install software for a Mac on a windows machine.
- Read reviews etc. Websites claiming their software does something does not necessarily means it does it well, if at all. Third party reviews offer an impartial view and can always help you too understand whether the product is going to work for you or not. (I have found this is a great tip for almost all products I think about buying, not just software)
- Make sure your going to be able to use it. By this I mean, it would be no good giving my dad (who is not computer literate) a copy of Photoshop and expecting him to be able to get his money’s worth out of it, make sure the software you buy is within your computer knowledge range.
- Search for free alternatives. BY THIS, I DO NOT MEAN ILLEGAL DOWNLOADS! More often than not, the features of an expensive software package can be equalled by freeware. If you search around a little bit you can probably find many or at least 1 package that can match even the greatest and most expensive software.
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34 Comments
nenadfromserbia
March 7th, 2008
at 4:57am
First viewer and comment Yea
FlyingLawnMower123
March 7th, 2008
at 4:58am
Chris Pirillo is the man
HellMan1O1
March 7th, 2008
at 9:32am
he is, he is the jesus of computers
AdamDiddy
March 7th, 2008
at 10:17am
Geek Trigger Happy.
Adam
PwnrnumerounO
March 7th, 2008
at 11:44am
chris is soo 1337
RickArter
March 7th, 2008
at 11:58am
Great video I love software but hardware is my specialty.
Check out my channel and find out and subscribe me if you like.
billyuno
March 7th, 2008
at 2:23pm
I found a freeware alternative to adobe acrobat, or reader, that runs faster, with a smaller hardware footprint, called Foxit reader.
Laaabaseball
March 7th, 2008
at 2:46pm
I do not buy software anymore. I find all of my software through shareware, freeware or open-source software. I use several programs, such as Paint.net, CCleaner, VLC, and XChat2. There are several great places to find these on the web, such as Sourcefourge and CNET’s download center (by searching the freeware section). I cannot stand when people buy Norton or Mcaffee, instead of just getting AVG, because they are so bloated.
Razor70
March 7th, 2008
at 4:25pm
I agree with all the points you posted here whole heartedly. I have had so many people ask me how to get software to work on their systems, when it was either not made for their computers and/or their computers are not capable of running it. I have to say though, I remember doing this myself when I first started messing with computers, so I try not to get mad or upset when someone asks me things like that. Also, on the free alternatives..just as an example for people, if someone would need a copy of Photoshop for anything but couldn’t afford it..The Gimp is a great alternative and freeware. I use both from time to time and I find Gimp just as good if not better than my Photoshop elements package I purchased. I only wish I would of found out about Gimp before purchasing Photoshop. Would of saved me some money, so just remember always look around and shop around before buying any type of software.
002E00
March 7th, 2008
at 4:36pm
MS Word is a great example of programs people end up buying when there’s a free and in my opinion, better alternative to it is out there. “Abi Word” - Free & no stupid paperclip.
runjorel
March 7th, 2008
at 6:06pm
Also, check to see if you can special discounts. Of course Chris offers plenty of discounts through his website, but there are other ways too. If you are student, teacher, or affiliated with a teaching institution you may qualify for an academic license which is usually significantly cheaper than the average retail price.
If you work for a major corporation, contact your IT department to see if they have any special discounts on certain software as well. For example, I use to work for a major property management corporation, and we actually got discounts on various software from Microsoft, and hardware from other business the corporation had contracts with.
Another thing…check to see if the software developer offers a digital download, as usually they charge less for the digital download.
Lastly, check to see if you can purchase your software online as sometimes the savings in taxes alone on certain purchases may be more financially sound than any discount/coupon you may have been offered.
Hope you’re doing well.
Have a good one.
shadowmeyer
March 7th, 2008
at 7:49pm
If anyone is looking for an alternative for adobe photoshop. There is a really good program called Paint.NET.
kmcmatt1
March 7th, 2008
at 7:56pm
Very good tips. My sister wanted to buy some music creation software, so she went out and got some for around $30, but ended up getting something she didn’t know how to use. Now it’s been sitting on the shelf for several months and she still hasn’t learned how to use it. Instead she uses some music creation freeware. Next time I see her looking into getting some software, I’ll make sure to point her in the direction of these tips.
Aaron Barton
March 7th, 2008
at 9:38pm
havnt been able to check your videos for the past couple days, but i found this one interesting
i have had the same problem when i bought my new video camera, it turns out that the software that came with the disc is not supported in craptacular vista
im still able to use it i just dont get any updates for it because aiptek decided that they were not doing any updates for this camera. i learned my lesson the hard way
MasterTutorial
March 7th, 2008
at 9:54pm
Why did he have his face like that when he said he’s from England, makes it seem that he hates us English… Anyway good list of tips.
Tim
March 7th, 2008
at 10:03pm
I cant say it enough research your software before you buy it is the best advice that can be said.When you buy software don’t expect to be able to return it if you don’t like it ,also don’t expect the software company that made it refund your money because its not going to happen.
Don’t expect the company to make the software work on your computer even though it says on the box it will work with your setup.Buying software is such a **** shoot.Its ridiculous on the amount of junk software that’s on the market.Consumers really need to step up and say were not going to get stuck with **** ware and if it doesn’t measure up then there should be a refund system setup.
logic
March 7th, 2008
at 11:45pm
I’m definitely a hardware geek, but at the same time i love to have software that pushes the limits of my hardware. In addition to your list, people need to make sure they buy software from reputable vendors, that way they are sure to get the product they pay for. Shouldn’t buy software from “a guy you know” because 9/10 it would be a pirated copy.
Sirjj
March 8th, 2008
at 12:40am
Paint.Net is one. But i used others they seem better billy. I have done research on all of the programs and i say that… Well i forget the name. But i think the first word starts with altacro or something i’ m sorry i forget.
yafranco
March 8th, 2008
at 12:53am
Please, you geek, stop making random videos trying to help people, they suck. Your videos don’t really seem to get a lot of views, why don’t you just stop making them? You’re not gonna get ANYWHERE.
Windows Vista Torrent
March 8th, 2008
at 3:23am
Tech Interviews Live Streaming Tips for you and your Community Jobs for Teenagers Identity Theft Food From PeruBuying SoftwareSoftware and Life Choices Wireless Carrier Wish List Teleport Installing the Time Capsule for Time Machine Apple Time Capsule Unboxing
marc1189
March 8th, 2008
at 8:27am
He gets plenty of views, but I’m sure he’ll stop just for you.
BiosNova
March 8th, 2008
at 9:23am
Chris is one of the most respected bloggers on the net, he does these vid to help people, you say they don’t well they do. Just because you can’t do better, go cry in a corner
Jr4594
March 8th, 2008
at 10:04am
whats this buying thing you speak of
marctc3
March 9th, 2008
at 6:30am
yafranco
if you just sat down and watched the videos that interest YOU. you’ll find that he is so smart and helpful in the tech world. ever since I’ve started watching I’m hooked and I’m learning so much. AT HOME!! and i like learning through his videos!
THANX CHRIS AND EVERYONE WHO RESPECTS.
Aisomar
March 9th, 2008
at 7:02am
love it but not physicaly
Aisomar
March 9th, 2008
at 7:07am
he just added a couple of days ago how can he have a lot a views in a couple of days?
pspaddict01
March 9th, 2008
at 8:14am
I love being called a greek as it says look at that guy he knows a lot. :D
pspaddict01
March 9th, 2008
at 8:23am
Chris is a god compared to this sad act yafranco hes wishes he could be like him but hes not. yafranco you mark you name with shame. For a comment like this i can only wish you bad things in life. Chris has dedicated viewers, if your so better why don’t people donate money to you to make videos? Go back to the corner and stay there yafranco.
pspaddict01
March 9th, 2008
at 8:35am
Is that his nipple?
gamer2502
March 9th, 2008
at 11:46am
im a hardware geek
Untitled Page
March 11th, 2008
at 5:04am
Original post:Buying Softwareby at Blogdigger Media search for youtube
livvidd
March 12th, 2008
at 12:20am
Software is just like ***! Some people have to pay for it, Most of us get it for free.
livvidd
March 12th, 2008
at 12:24am
You mean software isn’t free? Say’s who!
weelilmatt
March 23rd, 2008
at 12:39pm
CRYSTAL!