Software Issues

It's been a while since I've had the chance to do a question and answer column, and I've just had some wonderful questions through e-mail that sparked a curiosity in me. The questions fit into three fields: hardware, software and the Internet. I'll try to address each of the most frequently asked ones in the next few articles. Make sure you drop me an e-mail if you have a question of your own.

What is the point of software agreements?
When we install software, we are basically entering into a legal contract. Most commonly (but read each one for specifics) they cover the following:
1. You, as purchaser, are recognized as the licensee, and not the owner, of the software. This means you may use the software but you do not own the software.
2. You can install and use the application on only one PC at a time. You may not rent or lease the software.
3. You may give or sell the software to someone else, as long you have uninstalled the software from your computer and don't keep any part of the product.

Do I need all the software that came with my PC?
Probably not. Three of the most commonly used pieces of software included with your computer are the operating system that runs the computer (Windows); a word processing application (Works or Word); and a personal finance manager (Quicken or Money).

Many computers also come with antivirus software. What we often don't realize is this is a trial version; you will have to update it (at an additional cost) or replace it to be functional.

Your PC may also come with other applications, such as an audio player; a fax; and games. Their usefulness varies. Realistically, apart from Windows, you'll use about 20% of your programs' potential.

Can I delete the programs I don't want?
You can remove any program that you don't want, but never delete them, always uninstall them. Applications are created to share system files in order to get the best efficiency and performance from our machines. Deleting a program rather than uninstalling can create problems.

When your cleaning up files, be careful there too. If you're not sure what a file does, do some research before deleting - it may be a system file that your computer needs to function. When we uninstall an application it removes what isn't needed.

Why can't we copy software?
Because It's stealing. Creating copies of software (or software piracy) is taking somebody else's intellectual property and using it without paying for it. When you "borrow" an application from a friend to install on your home PC, you're a software pirate.

What can I expect of technical support?
Technical support should be able to answer any questions you have about an application's installation, setup, and use. They do not, however, train you. When you call, the technician should stay with you until the problem is resolved. If technicians can't provide an answer, they should refer you to someone who can. In reality, we wait a very long time through a maze of voice mail, but eventually (if we can stand the wait) we do get the answers.