Information and help with buying computer software utilities

Computer software utility buying tips

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Introduction
Considerations
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Introduction

Purchasing a computer utility can be a very important consideration. Below we have listed each of the considerations as well as a brief description on each of them.

Considerations

Documentation	Documentation can be a very important consideration when looking at a utility program that you may be unfamiliar with. While many utilities such as a virus protection program may only require very little documentation, other utilities such as backup software or other involved software may require more documentation because of the complexity and available options provided by that software.
Hardware	When purchasing a program that relies or requires hardware, such as a backup utility, ensure that you meet the hardware requirements or your hardware is compatible with the software. For example, not all backup utilities are compatible with all backup tape drives.
Operating system	Utilities such as a virus protection program or crash protection utility are very dependent on the operating system. If you have Windows 98, ensure you purchase a program that is designed for Windows 98. If a program is purchased that is not designed for the operating system, you may experience data loss or corruption.
Support	Verify that the developer of the software utility you are purchasing from has the needed support. Complex utilities such as a tape backup software may require help from a support staff.
Updates	Many utilities require updates; before installing or running the utility on your computer, ensure that all updates have been obtained from the software developer first to prevent possible corruption or data loss.
Warranty	While not all companies provide this option, see if the company provides any type of warranty program if software is to become lost, corrupted or bad because of the utility being run.