Computer Software
What is "software"?
Software is the programs that you install onto your computer and it provides the instruction set for your processor. Without software, your computer would just be sitting there not knowing what to do. The software is what provides that information to the computer. Examples of software that you use everyday are: word processing, web browser and email.
What kind of trial software comes with my new computer?
Most new computers will come with anti-virus software, trial software for office applications, anti-spyware software, and some game software. Mostly it is all on a trial basis and you have to pay for it after thirty days or sixty days to unlock it.
What extra software will I need to buy?
You definitely need to buy Microsoft Office products. They're extras, they don't come bundled with it. Anti-virus software, if they don't come already on the computer. They may come with a limited trial version. You want to have anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Especially if you're not running on a Mac system or a Unix system, that is more prevalent to virus infection.
Does my operating system come pre-installed?
The operating systems come preinstalled from the manufacturers on your computer, but they'll provide you with disks in case you need to reinstall that system. So, the disks that come with the computer don't need to be installed at that time; it's already pre-installed on your computer, but you just have it there as a backup.
How do I know if the software with my new computer is legal software?
Generally you don't have to worry about that if it's a Mac based system. There is a lot of counterfeiting on Windows based systems, so you want to make sure that you see the Microsoft hologram on the Windows CD that comes with your system. Also, you should have a product key with a logo next to that product key, that when tilted shows a hologram of legality. If that hologram is present you can be fairly certain that the product is authentic.
What is "Linux"?
Linux is an operating system based on Unix. Linux was developed by Linus Thorvald and a group of developers throughout the world. It's a free or low cost operating system that a lot of computer enthusiasts like to install on their computer. Linux provides a really robust, solid operating system that doesn't get infected by viruses and is not susceptible to spyware either.
