The Software Trap

Compete is the operative word here. Before we actually buy a product, we agonize over it. We read reviews online (we can’t find them in our collections of computer magazines). We read the boxes. We put competitive boxes side by side in the store. If we order online, we download trial versions of each product. We spend more time deciding which 99 dollar pieces of software to get than we do choosing a college for our kids.

You don’t have time to evaluate every software title. Most of the “new” features are things you will never use. Learning a new program takes time. Installing a new program, all too often, leads to a software or hardware conflict. Those new features are frequently buggy. Software manufacturers have to release an update every 12 to 18 months to compete. Instead of spending time to make things more reliable, they pack new features into their products. Once it’s in your hands, they let you do the troubleshooting and let them know what doesn’t work. Then they issue an update or a patch. Before you update any program, go to their Website and check for fixes and updates to the version you have. The short answer to all software decisions is that we only need upgrades when the new version adds features you really need. New versions always say they will make you more productive. Don’t fall for it. Invest time in de cluttering, and you’ll gain far more productivity. Some computer experts only buy every other version of programs. It usually takes two generations to make significant improvements to most software. Most of the upgrades are little more than window dressing.
Ask yourself these questions before any software or hardware purchase:
1. Is there something wrong with the old one?
2. Does the new one really solve problems for me?
3. Before blithely answering “Yes” to the above question, make a list of the problems it will solve.
4. Do I really need all the added “benefits”?
5. How much “downtime” will be used by installing or learning how the new software/hardware works?
6. Could I use that time better in getting rid of some of the computer junk or old software clogging my current system?
Clutterers are like agent Mulder in The X-Files. We want to believe. We want to find an outside solution that will make us more productive. We like to buy things.

Tags: Software Trap, technology

How to Make What You Have Work Better

Declutter those files on your hard drive. Run Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter weekly. Delete programs you don’t use by using their own “delete” feature or get a good decluttering program like Fix-It, or Norton Cleansweep. Back everything up before running them, as they sometimes delete stuff you don’t want them to, but overall, they are safe. If you are running Windows XP, make sure you have the latest versions of these programs. If you are considering “upgrading” to XP, you should be aware that some older hardware will not work with it, although there are drivers online for some of the products. Also, XP sends an inventory of your system to Microsoft when you install it, to prevent piracy. You have to buy a copy for each computer in your office. I have nothing against that, but if you upgrade your system more than a few times, XP will not boot. It will “think” you have installed it on a new computer. Microsoft says you can call them and explain the situation, but it sounds like a pain to me. At this writing, I know of several companies and small business users who have removed XP and gone back to Windows 98, Millenium, or NT, whichever they had to begin with.
Declutter Internet Explorer by going to “Tools/Internet Options/Temporary Internet Files” and click Delete Files. Say “yes” to “Delete All Offline Content.” In Netscape Navigator, click “Edit/PreferenCes/Ad vanced/Cache.” Click on “Clear Disk Cache” button. Then click on “Clear Memory Cache.”

Tags: computer, declutter, technology