Computer Software may be one of the single biggest factors in determining how useful your PC investment is for you.  Without the right software you could struggle to perform some of the tasks you would like! 

Software can be so simple that you can't perform more advanced tasks, or it could be so difficult that relatively easy tasks become nightmare projects.  It's important to know what you want to be able to do, BEFORE you purchase software!  For example, if you simply want to download photos to your PC then Adobe Photoshop software could be MUCH too advanced!

Also, beware of products referred to as Limited Edition (LE) or Special Edition software.  Many times this type of software is limited in capabilities, and is intended to perform the basic functions you may need.  Often they require an upgrade (at an additional cost to you) to get to more advanced features.  This type of software is sometimes distributed with new PC's, and included with hardware purchases like modems, TV cards, and other devices.  If you purchase a device that comes with software, try to make sure it's the FULL and latest version!

Software can also be downloaded from many web sites.  Using the Internet, you can search the web for software that can perform just about any function.  Almost all software developers offer download capability of full featured software from their web site these days. 

If you download software from independent developers, you may find that the download is free but the software is limited in function.  It's one way of offering you the ability to use and evaluate the software before purchase, but you may have to pay the purchase price and then register it before full software features are unlocked.  For example, the software may allow you to edit a document, but restrict you from saving your changes.  This is a fairly standard way of distributing software from independents, so don't be alarmed!!

For independent software there is one web site I have counted on for years!!  That web site is NONAGS.  They list so many software programs I won't even begin to try and figure out how many...  And it's all neatly categorized for you.  I know what you are thinking...  Yea, Yea, but what's the really truly amazing part???  A lot of the software listed there is ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!  And when I say a lot of the software, I MEAN A LOT!!  As my own personal testimonial, "I have used a LOT of software downloaded from this site, and the vast majority has been truly quality software!".

NONAGS does all the work of selecting what really works, what's really free, and what's worth your time and effort to download.  One of their main requirements has always been that the software have NO disabled features, nags, time limits, or any other tricks.  And did I tell you they also download, virus scan, install, test, rate and list the software?  Well, they do!  Maybe they could offer Jelly Donuts to enjoy while the download progresses, but that may be asking too much!!

Have you been looking for a home office suite to do spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and the like?  One that doesn't cost hundreds of dollars maybe?  Well, I have one more software recommendation...  If you are feeling bold and adventuress, try this one out!

OpenOffice.org is [quoting from their web site] a "multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an open-source project. Compatible with all other major office suites, the product is free to download, use, and distribute"  I find it amazing that people around the globe could come together as a team to develop a FULL FEATURED and FREE product offering like this one!  The download is big...  about 50Mg or so at last count...  But it does offer just about everything you could need in an office suite all nicely bundled together!  Try it out!!!  I use it today!!

If you prefer tried and true commercial software, there are many software stores where you can purchase what you need. I find that often times you can get better prices from online software stores. Check out the great selection of Best Buy Software. You can purchase online and request pickup at the nearest store! Best Buy also offers the option of making returns and exchanges at your local store.

You can also pick-up the software you need at the BJC Online Store powered by Amazon.com! Microsoft Money, QuickBooks, Web Design software, Music & Video, TurboTax, we have it all!

When making software purchases, be sure to read the license and return requirements. In some cases software cannot be returned after the seal has been broken!  So, do what you can to make sure the software description closely matches your needs and expectations!