How to Choose Software
Choosing
software can sometimes be a daunting task if you don’t know how. There
are many key factors to remember when choosing software, and all of
them depend solely on what you are looking for.
1. Consider Everything, not just price
Though a factor, price should not be the only thing you base your
software decision on. Quite frankly, there are lots of high-priced
“crap” titles, inexpensive software “god-sends”, and even a few
freebies in-between. When choosing your software, you must keep a few
particulars in mind
Your Needs
Keep in mind exactly what you were looking for when you started your
search in the first place. If you are looking for something to keep
track of your business contacts, and you can not live without built-in
voice recognition, don’t get that incredibly feature-filled software,
without built-in voice recognition, it’s pointless. Though the other
features may be terrific, you won’t be satisfied because it is missing
the one feature you needed.
Features
This is the tricky part. You may find one title that has a ton of
features, and another with only three. Which one do you choose? Again,
choose the one with the features you need and want. There may be an
application with 200 features, but 197 of them may be POINTLESS to you.
These may be features you typically wouldn’t use or features you know
you are not going need. Having a boatload of features isn’t always
best, sometimes the application can be bloated or hard to use because
of all the features and can stall the performance of your device or
computer. The same is the case when an application has too little
features, if it doesn’t do exactly what you need it to do, it’s not for
you. Look at the features, determine what you need, compare it with
others, and choose.
Support
I can not emphasize the importance of support enough. There are so many
ways companies can provide software support, how many do they use? Is
it only an abbreviated F.A.Q., do they have a phone number? If they
have a phone number, is the support available only at awkward hours? Is
help built into the software? Is the support free or paid, how long do
you get support, how soon do they guarantee a response? All of these
factors and more are huge when looking into a company’s support. Again,
this is another case where it is all about what you want. I personally
could care less about a company’s phone support because I prefer to
beam an email off with my questions from my Blackberry, but what I AM
concerned about is the speed of their reply.
Speed and Ease of Use
It’s simple. You want the application to do what you want it to do,
when you want it to. You don’t want to stumble through menu after menu
hoping to find the option you were looking for, and then when you
finally find it, it takes two minutes to perform the function. That’s
just wrong. Make sure software runs smoothly and is reactive to your
interaction.
The Extras
And then, there are the extras. Are there any additional costs with
this software? Do I need special equipment to use this software? What
are the connection requirements, do I always need an internet
connection, or is the internet connection just for activation? All of
this and more should be factored into deciding on your software.
2. Do your homework.
Find out everything.
If the vendor has little to no documentation on their product, find it
somewhere else or find something else. Look for numerous F.A.Q. and
help guides, feature lists, screenshots, even video if they have it.
When looking at video and screenshots, don’t just look at how pretty
the software is, look at the menu options, notice the placement of
buttons on the screen, keep in mind how easy it will be to learn and
utilize.
3. Look for External Reviews
Testimonials on the vendor’s site are ok, but reviews from other
parties are priceless. I mean honestly, how many software companies you
think feature customer complaints for you to see? Before investing in
your software, make sure to read reviews from varied sources. Visit a
handful of sites that provide varied perspectives of the software’s
functionality and possibilities.
For instance, if you are looking for software that can help you
study, look to only three or four different types of sources. One
should be what is considered an enthusiast site/blog, often a website
dedicated to software on a particular operating system, technology,
segment of a particular technology, or device. Another should be an
industry website, which in the case of the business contact manager,
should be something focused on business software, or technology in
business, something possibly written by a IT administrator or business
owner. The last should be from a forum. Forums are a great resource
because there are so many users’ opinions in one place, but beware, the
knack for reading between the lines is essential when reading forum
reviews. Sometimes, users forget everything they should consider when
reviewing software, so it is important to read reviews from trusted
members of the forum, those with tons of posts, those who have
actually tried the software, not heard of it, those respected in that
particular forum community, or moderators.
4. Read the Terms
“OMG, READ THE TERMS!” everyone replies, I can hear it through your
monitor, but the truth is this is a “must-do” when choosing software.
What is in the terms of service or end user agreement license spells
out exactly what a company can, can’t, or will and will not do with
YOUR software. Among many other things, software license agreements
typically spell out:
Exactly what information they need from you, what they will do with
it, and who they will share it with. With this information you can
determine if this company simply requires too much information from you?
The privacy of your data. Does the company have the right to see
data you may consider private? Will they sell it? Is the access to your
data just for backup or your security?
Just keep these things in mind when choosing software. You may not
be concerned if they can see your data, so that software may still be
an option for you.
5. If you can, just try it.
As the cliché goes, “What may not work for you, may work for someone
else”, just try the software people, others have, why not you? Most
software companies provide a free trial, take full advantage of them.
Test the software using real life scenarios and find any excuse to use
the trial. Remember, you only have a limited time, don’t just find
these trials expired on your computer or device.
Of course there are other factors to be considered when choosing
software , but these seem to most often determine the satisfaction of
the end user. Now go and get software!
Posted at 02:53PM Sep 27, 2008 by AshliN in Business | Comments[0]
Cram Receives Great Review - Rated 4.5 of 5
Cram just received an excellent review from the guys over at BBGeeks! Cram received an Editorial Rating of 4.5 of 5.0. Read the full review here.
Posted at 02:02AM Sep 22, 2008 by AshliN in Business | Comments[0]
Mobile Test Preparation and Study Tool Cram, Now Available on iPhone and iPod Touch
Atlanta, GA, United States, 09/10/2008 - SimpleLeap Software, LLC, today announced the release of their popular education and reference software Cram 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Cram is a mobile test preparation and study tool that allows users to create, share, import, and study for tests on the go, using their mobile device. Cram's newest additions through the release of the iPhone and iPod Touch application are one-touch test imports, randomized test answers, and the ability to include test descriptions for easy reference on the web. “There is now a test preparation tool that is stable and smart enough for even the most avid test taker on the iPhone and iPod Touch” says Patrick Chukwura, Co-Founder of SimpleLeap Software. “With the feedback of the users of Cram BlackBerry we have ultimately provided users a complete package; Cram has a complete web portal that allows users to create and distribute tests, set permissions for distribution, and includes new convenience features. We believe that Cram's quality and stability will prove to be invaluable to iPhone and iPod Touch users." Cram was designed with test takers seeking an easier and more efficient way to prepare for tests in mind. Cram is ideal for practicing for regular class exams, class quizzes, and even standardized tests. Cram's easy-to-use interface, random question and answer order setting, and automatic saves during test creation are all features iPhone and iPod Touch users are sure to appreciate. Cram has been rated One of the Top Back-to-School tools for the BlackBerry in both August and September 2008 in two different publications. Cram has also been a best seller in the Educational and Reference category for BlackBerry devices in a popular third-party mobile store. Device & System Requirements Cram 1.0 requires iPhone 2.0 software update. Pricing & Availability SimpleLeap Software's new Cram Version 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod Touch is available immediately to the public on Thursday, September 11, 2008 for purchase exclusively through the Apple AppStore for only $15.99 (US). About SimpleLeap Software Atlanta, Georgia based SimpleLeap Software ( Simpleleap.com ) was established in 2008 by founders Patrick Chukwura and Ashli Norton. SimpleLeap Software develops mobile education, business, and consumer applications for such smartphone devices as the BlackBerry, iPhone, and iPod Touch. With the successful release of Cram 1.0 for the BlackBerry, SimpleLeap Software has released the iPhone and iPod Touch version. SimpleLeap has received numerous accolades from the mobile enthusiast community and Cram users . SimpleLeap has partnered up with many groups to deliver the popular test preparation tool Cram, to educators and students all over.
Posted at 01:27AM Sep 11, 2008 by AshliN in Business | Comments[0]
Cram was rated one of the Top Tools for Students Heading Back to School
Tech Winter rated Cram as #3 Top Tool of 10 for students heading Back to School.
http://www.techwinter.com/2008/09/03/10-great-tools-for-students-heading-back-to-school/
Posted at 10:42AM Sep 06, 2008 by AshliN in Students | Comments[0]
Five Ways to Save Money in College
If you haven't noticed by now there is always something you need for school. Whether it's a supporting book to the other book you already spent a fortune on or money to replace that lost calculator someone else is now enjoying. Lucky for you, there is always an opportunity to save money but you just have to know how to seize it.
1. Go in groups.
It's just a part of college life to hang out in groups, so reap the benefits of it. Go in with your friends and make purchases. Share a warehouse membership (Sam's Club, Costco, BJ, etc.), go Deutch on the membership fee, and always purchase your items together. This way you would have saved on your membership fees, grocery bill, and on gas ( look into $35.00 student memberships SamsClub ) . Planning a spring break trip or visit back home? Go in groups (of at least ten), get group vacation discounts that save you money and quite frankly make the trip more enjoyable.
2. Get "all-around" tools.
As a student you are pulled in so many directions by school, work, family, and everything else in between, so you need tools that are suitable for such a hectic and versatile lifestyle. When appropriate, opt for tools that aren't so specific to a certain subject, event, or class. For instance, instead of getting a specific "school" calendar , get the calendar that will fit your entire work, school, and personal schedule. For those dreadful tests, instead of getting a tool specifically focused on that one subject, get a tool that will help you study all of your subjects or prepare for work-related training ( look into mobile study tool Cram ) .
Before you buy, get a clear understanding of the features you are looking for in the "right tool". You want to make sure this tool will really help you in your studies. There is no need to pay twice for the same thing, get the right tools the first time so you can use them during your entire collegiate career and beyond.
3. Use your student discount.
You would be more than surprised at what you could get using your student discount. From free oil changes and entry to concerts, to discounted software and hair cuts . All you need to know is where to find them. Checking with your school's Student Affairs Office, Alumni Services, or Student Goverment Associations are a few places to start, but please don't forget checking your student paper. Asking your friends is another way to save your dough, but simply asking your local merchant about their student discount, most often is enough. Just make sure you keep your student id with you!
4. Be Green.
"Being Green" is more than the right thing to do, it can also save you some money. Recycling can save you in trash pickup fees (for those off-campus students) and can get you some CASH. Take the cans to the nearest recycling center and rake in your well deserved change; just don't expect this to pay for your entire college tuition, they only pay a few cents per can ( nearest recycling centers @ Earth 911 ). Also, write or print on the back of those 20 page terms papers after they are returned to you to save paper. Walk, carpool, or bike to class to save gas and vehicle maintenance fees, setup e-statements for your student bank account (they usually provide some sort of incentive), and when you need ink for your printer, get it refilled, this could save you almost 80% on ink ( cheap inkjet refills @ Walgreens ) .
5. Get it used.
You always hear about purchasing used books over and over again, but everyone always forgets everything else you can get used. Buy used clothes, computers, cars, furnishings for the dorm, you name it and you most likely can get it used, but be careful not to pick just any old thing up. Make sure what you are getting is clean, current, and in great shape, you will waste more time, money, and energy if you get something you will have to replace in just a few months ( check Freecycle, Craigslist ) .
Put on your thinking caps, you are college students now. There are so many creative ways to save your money besides your daily diet of ramen. As the now cliche Nike slogan goes 'Just Do It'. Trust me, it will save you mulla.
Posted at 12:04AM Sep 05, 2008 by AshliN in Students | Comments[0]
The Cram Badges are Here!
Download Your Free Cram Badges. Multiple designs and sizes for all Crammers.
[Read More]Posted at 02:52AM Sep 03, 2008 by AshliN in BlackBerry | Comments[0]
Video: Cram 1.0 Demo for iPhone and iPod Touch
We have released the video of Cram 1.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch. It's a short video highlighting the main features of Cram. Enjoy!
Posted at 11:48PM Sep 01, 2008 by AshliN in iPhone | Comments[0]
