Computer Software
The base software required to run a computer is called the Operating System. The most popular PC Windows operating systems in use at the moment are:
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
There are different types of RAM and if you are upgrading the RAM size in your computer, you need to make sure you get a chip that is compatible with the type of RAM you already have installed.
One of the most popular software packages for windows users is Microsoft
Office. This includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook. A popular misconception
is that purchasing a new computer with Microsoft Windows means you also
get Microsoft Office. Many computers come with a trial version of Office,
but this usually only works for 2 months before you have to pay to activiate
the full version.
There are alternatives to Microsoft Office. Lotus has a suite of office-equivalent
programs, and a free alternative is Open
Office.
Another essential piece of software is a browser, which is used to view
webpages while surfing the Internet. The most popular browser program
is Internet Explorer. This comes as part of Microsoft Windows, so it doesn't
cost anything Other browser programs are Mozilla Firefox and Opra.
Some miscellaneous programs and utilities are:
Adobe Reader - Allows you to read PDF files
WinZip - compress files for archiving
Nero - CD / DVD burning software
Next topic - Slow Computers
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