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.
| 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.
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