Software

Software Defined

Software is a program. Hardware is equipment. Software is the engine that makes things like computers, televisions, and cell phones run. A wide variety of online resources sell software for downloading onto the computer. Another group of resources offer programs for use that are entirely online - the user does not need to download anything to use the program. There are benefits and drawbacks to each type of software.

Exclusively online software includes programs like hotmail or gmail - internet based email programs. The benefit of these exclusively online programs is that they are accessible from any computer terminal. The drawback is that if you store information in programs over which you have no control, you could lose valuable information if something happens or changes with the service provider. This is less of a worry for paid services - they are more likely to back up the information.

Software for downloading and running on the computer is great because it is not subject to internet availability. The drawback is that it is not as easily updated.

Reviewed Sites

ARS Tehnica: The Art of Technology: arstechnica.com

This website provides constantly updated news and information about all things technology and computer related. Users of PCs and Macs find many resources here. Equipment and software reviews help high-powered computer users find the information they need to make decisions about new software and hardware. The site also provides a comprehensive summary of the state of the personal technology industry.

HTML Dog: htmldog.com

HTML Dog provides free online tutorials for those who want to learn basic HTML and CSS. The site teaches users how to use properly code less bug-susceptible programs. The handy glossary of HTML tags and CSS references is useful for newbies to the web and power-bloggers.

FlazX: flazx.com

FlazX is the most comprehensive source for software related ebooks and resources on the internet. You need to have an idea about what you are trying to find for FlazX to be most useful - but it is comprehensive and the go-to resource for online books and information about extremely technical code.

Wordpress: wordpress.com

Wordpress is one of several blogging software sites. Wordpress allows users to sign up and create blogs, public or private, with their extensive software. Wordpress bloggers and techies are constantly creating new templates and tools for Wordpress. Its content management system makes blogging easy and fun for even the most computer-illiterate chatterbox.

Coffeecup.com: www.coffeecup.com/free-editor

Coffeecup.com develops and sells website creation software or HTML editors. Their free WYSIWYG (wizzywig - What You See is What You Get) is one of the best. The company started in 1996 inside a coffeehouse, and has grown to include dozens of products and services for web-building hobbyists and professionals alike.

Tips for Success

  1. NEVER, EVER download any software to your computer without a virus checker running with the latest updates.
  2. When creating a blog via Wordpress or any other blog software, post only things that you wish to share with the whole, entire world. You never know, you might run for president someday and you don't want your college party pictures to end up in the campaign.
  3. Just as typing skills are essential for business, a basic knowledge of HTML is becoming more necessary. Social networking is the frontier of marketing, and the ability to add links to blog posts and websites without a WSIWYG editor is important.
  4. When hiring a web designer, ask the designer to create a site that you can edit yourself with a WSIWYG editor. You will save money on website updates.
  5. For free software, try applications like openoffice and Mozilla firefox. These applications are constantly updated and require no license to use.