By Alissa Arford-Leyl
Web Wise
Software Available Online
Going to your favorite computer store to get the latest software is quickly becoming an activity of the past. Most software companies now allow customers to order, upgrade and even download products from the Internet.
Logistics
It may be easy to order or download software from a Web site, but it's not always the cheapest method. If you want the latest version of a specific program, you will probably end up paying close to the normal retail price from online vendors. Some software available on the Internet is freeware, downloadable for free, or shareware, downloadable for a nominal charge. Most popular software packages do not offer these options; however, many have a trial period where you can use the software for 30-90 days and then you are asked to register with the company. If you don't register, the program may deny access.
Sometimes companies place "beta" versions of software they are upgrading or developing online. Basically, you can download the software from the Internet for free, and in turn you are testing out the functionality of the software and finding the bugs.
Downloading
Downloading software may be slightly intimidating, but if you are getting the software from a reputable Web site, it should work out fine. Downloading can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of the file and the speed of your connection. Because most software packages do have a large file size, most are online in a condensed format. After you download them onto your computer, you will need to expand the files. Most computers automatically do this for you using applications like Pkunzip or Stuffit Expander. If your computer cannot find an application to expand the files, you can download them as well. (See sidebar.)
Software
The ADP Web site ( http://www.csg.adp.com) has online demos of their collision repair services products that are available for downloading. Automated Estimating, Database, Management System, Management Reporting, Digital Imaging and Parts Locators are some of the categories featuring demos.
If you have recently upgraded your computer system, you probably already have a hypertext markup language (html) editor, but if you're looking for a free and easy application to use to create pages for the Web, you should download Microsoft's Internet Assistant. Internet Assistant works in conjunction with Microsoft Word and is available on the Microsoft Web site ( http://www.microsoft.com).
If you use America Online ( http://www.aol.com) you can download the compatible version of Netscape ( http://www.netscape.com) and run it over your AOL connection. AOL's 32-bit version and the Netscape's 32-bit version, both for Windows 95, are compatible. Similarly, AOL and Netscape's 16-bit version for Windows 3.1 are compatible. You may find that Netscape offers a wider selection of options and usually displays Web sites using tables, frames and databases more effectively.
Other options
If you don't want to download software from the Web, you may want to take advantage of online ordering forms. At the QuarkXPress Web site ( http://www.quark.com), you can download software, order it or request more information. This site also has discussion forums and technical pages for online help.
If you're having problems with any of your current applications, help is just a click away! Apple ( http://www.apple.com) and Microsoft have detailed technical sections on their Web sites.
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