Programmer 7500/MAX_PROGRAMMERS.iso/PROGRAMS/UTILS/DOS_HELP/PCLEARN.ZIP/SOFTWARE.TUT

Text File | 1988-12-13 | 7.1 KB | 147 lines

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SOFTWARE
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With so much software in the marketplace sometimes the hardest job is
to select from overabundance and arrive at the useful. Software
comes in three basic flavors: commercial, public domain, and shareware.

Commercial software is sold by mail or through retail outlets and is
generally protected by both legitimate and stringent copyright laws.
Commercial software may in addition be copy-protected (difficult or
impossible to make spare disc copies) or non-copy protected (can
be copied to another disc for safe-keeping or archival purposes.)
Commercial software is usually of good quality and can range
in price from 10 dollars to several hundred dollars (or more.)

Public domain software represents computer programs which have been
released into the public domain, do not require payment or registration
fees to the author, and are frequently available from computer clubs,
some libraries, and modem BBS telephone systems.

Shareware, a third area of software interest represents programs
whose author(s) request a donation or registration but are otherwise
available in much the same manner as public domain software. Frequently
"enticements" such as a documnetation manual of program instructions,
an upgrade disc or other offer is made within the program to secure
a registration fee.

Which type of software is best? Probably a little of each, to be honest.
Many people find that starting with several affordable commercial
programs (to ensure fast, productive results) and then sampling
shareware over time (to continue trying new software) to be
of value. Other computer owners find that starting with shareware and
public domain software (to get a broad sampling of software variety
at little cost) and then buying additional commercial programs as
sophisticated needs grow also to be useful.

Let's look for a moment at the wellspring of shareware resources that
run well beneath the surface of the conventional computer landscape.
You do not have to be a hobbyist, hacker or computer guru to
utilitze shareware and public domain software.

Membership in a local computer club or user group is probably the easiest
way to obtain shareware. Many retail software and computer equipment stores
maintain lists of local clubs. Frequently a local and friendly Radio
Shack salesman can give you a clue as to computer clubs. The clubs
frequently augment club treasuries by sale of shareware discs. Membership
with many clubs is optional - purchasing a shareware disk is convenient
whether you are a member or not. Disk distribution or copying fees
hover around $3 to $5.

A second, perhaps more convenient source for some people is mail order
sources of share. A list of several shareware sources is listed at the
end of this article.

A third avenue for locating shareware is either a small BBS modem system
(a computer in someone's home or office hooked by modem to telephone lines.)
or the larger commercial on-line services such as Compuserve, The Source,
Delphi and BIX. These larger commercial services can be the fastest
way to locate and obtain shareware. The on-line modem route has the
additional advantage that shareware can be located by electronic
searches and sorting which certainly speeds up the process. Cost is
obviously a factor. With a local BBS service the cost is simply that
of a local phone call. Commercial services generally charge by the minute
or hour and (sometimes) can also involve long distance charges if a local
line is not available.

Next a list of popular mail order shareware services (not to be confused
with mail order software distributors of commercial software.)

PC-SIG-------------------------------------------------------------------

1030D East Duane Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086; [phone]; in Calif.
[phone].

PC-SIG is perhaps the largest and best known of the shareware distributors.
With a bi-monthly magazine, slickly packaged software, over 1000 disks
and a printed 424 page catalogue PC-SIG is perhaps also the best organized.
PC-SIG boasts authorized dealers throughout the United States (most
major cities) and many foreign countries! Marketing and customer
service are the PC-SIG trademark. A 30 day return policy
covers mislabelled or defective disks. Telephone orders can
be placed toll free on weekdays. There is also a techical service
hotline. Memberships list at $20 per year which allows members
to purchase disks for $5.50 per disk in lot orders of 10 or more.
Non-members will be asked to pay $6.00 per disk.

PSL-------------------------------------------------------------------


POB 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705; [phone]

Over 800 disks which are kept constantly up to date and current. All
programs are carefully tested for content, bugs and other
problems and are not added to the collection if of dubious value.
The keynote here is flawless and meticulous attention to detail
and continuous updating with the latest program version available.
Disks cost $5.00 per copy plus $4.00 shipping and handling. Liberal
exchange and return policies are in force. A monthly newsletter is
available for $18 per year with excellent software reviews and
commentary.


Public Brand Software, Inc.-----------------------------------------------

POB 51478, Indianapolis, IN 46251; [phone] or (800) IBM-DISK.

$5 per disk plus $5 shipping and handling per order. 77 page catalogue
of software available.

Shareware Express-----------------------------------------------

31877 Del Obispo, Ste 102, POB 219, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693-0219
[phone]. For Hawaii and Alaska [phone].

$6.95 per disk copy of each program plus $4.00 shipping and handling.
30 day moneyback guarantee. $15 minimum order.

Sizzleware/Disk-O-Mania---------------------------------------------------

POB 6429, Lake Charles, LA 70606

Sizzleware offers a $5.00 annual membership fee which includes the
right to purchase program disks for $1.49 each in 10 disk packages.
Each package is arranged into a category such as educational, games
and so forth. Disk-O-Mania is a "software-of-the-month" type arrangement
with a subscription of $89. Each month members receive 5 of the club's
"best bets" selection. Members can then purchase them or return them
after trying the software. Cost varies from $4 to $10 depending or the
package or number of disks selected. Charges are then deducted from
your initial club deposit. A $10 trial membership is available. A
catalogue listing the entire library/club selection is $1.00.

Software Distributors Clearinghouse---------------------------------------

3707 Brangus, Georgetown, TX, 78628;  [phone]

Features an easy to search disk catalogue index of software available.
The three disk catalogue sets sells for $6.00. Program disks
from the library cost $3.00 each plus $3.00 per order shipping and
handling. New user's guide available for $2.50.


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