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• Operating System Choosing Guide

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Software is another name for sophisticated programming that performs functions on your computer that help you to do things such as: hold information (database), work with budgets and other math functions (spreadsheets), and writing (word processing). Every time a piece of software gets updated and improvedit's called an upgrade. Upgrades are generally noted numerically (WordPerfect 6.0,7.0,8.0, etc.), although many programs now note releases by attaching the year released (i.e., Windows '95,'98 or Word '97). Keeping up with the latestsoftware releases can be a difficult and often-confusing task.

Here are some important things to ask before making any software purchases:

Does it do everything my organization needs it to do?

Create a checklist of all the functions you'd like your software to do. Most companies now have websites that list product information that you can compare your list against. Also, give it a test spin by getting hold of an evaluation copy, which is also usually available on the company's website for downloading.
Will it run smoothly on our existing equipment?
The latest and greatest software often works best on the latest and greatest hardware. Check the system requirements on the box or on the company website before acquiring to make sure you have the capacity to even run the program.
Can my organization obtain it via donation or at reduced cost?
Many software companies have philanthropy programs which will donate software to non-profits. This is usually not well publicized, so the only way to find out is to ask (see chart below)!
Once we get it installed, will we be able to learn how to use it?
This is the biggest mistake that organizations make when acquiring software. What's the point of purchasing something that nobody knows how to use? Assess the learning curve before you acquire the software and then develop a training plan that involves one-on-one training with everyone on staff. (For help with developing a training plan for your welfare-rights organization contact the LINC Project.

GettingSoftware Fast and Free

Want to get new software now? Check the Internet. Most software companies are now doingbusinness on the Web. The companies website often will offer trial or 'lite'versions for free. There is plenty of free software available over the Internet in theform of freeware (download it at no cost) or shareware (download and evaluate it beforebuying). Here are some examples of what's free out there and where to look:

 Getting Software Donated

Before purchasing any software, check to see if the company has a giving orphilanthropy program. Major application programs such as Microsoft Office and AdobePageMaker are not available for free; in fact, they are very expensive, often costingseveral hundred dollars per copy. However, many major software manufacturers havecorporate philanthropy programs through which they give away software to nonprofitorganizations.