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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
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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?
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