COMPUTER INFORMATION SERIES NO. 3

COMPUTER INFORMATION SERIES NO. 3

After you've found the best computer for your needs at a price you

could afford, it's time to read over the manufacturer manuals that

come with your computer. Even if you can't understand them, at least

spend time to peruse the information over once. This step is

important in your learning process and to understand the particular

computer and printer you purchased.

If you purchased a brand new computer, the manufacturer has

probably already installed everything on your hard drive so all you

have to do is turn the computer on and work through the on-screen

learning tutorial to get you up and running quickly. If not _ and if

you're still confused after going through the tutorial, simply enroll in a

computer class in your area.

These classes are not expensive and shouldn't cost more than $10

for a 1-day class. If you purchased a brand new computer at a

computer store in your city or town, most of them will give you a free

lesson or two. Or, perhaps you know a friend or relative that already

has own of their own and can give you some one-on-one instruction.

Whatever method you choose to learn the basic operations of your

computer system is up to you; but do dedicate the first week or so of

your life with your new computer friend to learning how it operates.

This basic training ground is essential in your growth and the growth

of your business.

You Finally Got the Thing Ready to Go _ Right? So now you have

learned how to turn the thing on and do a few things. Perhaps you

have even advanced to the point of typing your first letter and have

printed it out on your printer. Great! You are progressing fine.

But now we're up to the costly part of owning a computer _

purchasing additional software. As previously discussed, software is

the programs that you buy in order to make the computer do what

you want it to do.

If you want to write a letter, you have to have a word processing

software program (e.g., WordPerfect or Microsoft Word.) If you want

to keep records of your checking account, you will have to buy a

separate software program to do that; and still another separate

database software to maintain your mailing list.

Most beginners will ask: "Isn't there just one big software program I

can buy that will do everything?" The answer is NO. This is how

software manufacturers stay in business. Besides, a computer is

customized to YOU and your particular needs. You may be an artist

and want to purchase a software program for drawing pictures on

your computer. I, on the other hand, would have no use for a program

like this since I can't draw.

Therefore, it would be impossible to have one great big software

program that could do everything for everybody and meet every

need that everyone would have.

There are some software packages that come as one entire

package and claim to have most of the software needed by a

generalized majority (small business owners, for instance.) One

popular, well-known program is WordPerfect 6.0. Another one is

AmiPro. Both of these are excellent packages and if you can afford

the $300 or so investment right now this would be the best

recommendation for your initial software purchase.

However, if you cannot afford to buy the system and spend another

$300 on software at the present time you can use alternative

solutions. There are a wide variety of medium-priced packages in

the under $100 range from such companies like Pro-Media

International, (800) 998-2822 and MicroWarehouse, (800) 367-7080

or Windows Exchange, (800) 845- 1900 to name a few.

You also might want to consider picking up a copy of Windows

Magazine at the newsstand, or order one directly from the publisher

at PO Box 5006, Pittsfield MA 01203-9951. Undoubtedly Windows

was already installed by the factory when you purchased your

system. Windows is an "operating environment" just like DOS is. An

"operating environment" simply means the major software that other

software programs need for them to operate themselves. DOS

means "Disk Operating System" but it also performs maintenance

and protection of your system too.

But an even lower-priced alternative is SHAREWARE and the little

known FREEWARE. What is it? What are it's disadvantages and

advantages?