Computers

Are you confused by computer software? Don’t know the difference between Nero and Norton, and totally flabbergasted by anything other than iTunes? Then maybe reading software reviews could help. I have to admit that I am a bit of a novice when it comes to knowing my software. Don’t get me wrong, I am a computer genius, but when it comes to knowing the subtle differences in computer packages, I am somewhat of a dunce. I tend to go with what is recommended, or more frequently, what comes with the computer as part of a software package.

Recently I bought myself a new Mac laptop, actually I say recently, but as it was slightly over a year ago, it is probably the technological equivalent of buying something in the dark ages. Anyway, whilst perusing the various laptops available, I was being offered software packages that I didn’t know I needed, but that the sales people knew I should have to make the machines work.

Having never read a software review in my life and having last purchased a PC about ten years previously that came with windows already installed, I experienced somewhat of a culture shock when it came to purchasing my new lap top. It seemed that nothing came with software any more, and so I needed to brush up on my knowledge of available packages.

I was quite amazed that Microsoft’s Vista needed the additional purchase of a patch to ensure that it worked and that separate security software was needed to ensure that the machine remained bug free. It was at this point I turned to investigating the Mac packages. At least the Mac came with a built in firewall, and the iWorks package combined with Office for Mac made my laptop instantly useable without the need for updates and patches.

I did recently find out, with the aid of a top notch software review that there are software systems available for PCs that are classed as open source software. Essentially this means that the software can be modified and improved by anyone that can make the changes and offered up in it’s new and improved version to those that use it as an operating platform.

The difference between this type of software, and the sort that comes with a PC package is that the inherent glitches in the programme can be ironed out as they are found, resulting in a software system that functions as it was intended to in a short amount of time. Closed systems, such as Vista are released before all the glitches have been found, and once enough have been detected and reported, a patch becomes available to update the software, which can take rather a long time.

It is information like this that makes software reviews an invaluable tool. With so many people out there that really know what they are doing with their computer, it is a wise move to listen to their opinions on how to make it work best, and to your specific needs. Without this knowledge you could well be buying a security system instead of studio software and patches for byte size holes that you didn’t know needed fixing.

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the computing industry.
Find out more about Software Reviews to help you decide what packages you might need for your PC or Mac at Pocket Lint.