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Computer and information technology: Software
Computer and Information Technology: Software DENISE O'BRIEN, BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA You have that new computer and you are ready to start computing, right? Not quite. There is another essential to get started---software. This article focuses on software necessary and nice for your computer, and resources that can help you in your quest for creating the best possib]e and easiest to use computer system. Once you have gotten everything installed and functioning, you will be ready to take the next step--going online. In the next issue of the Journal we will get you online and traveling on the information superhighway. Happy computing! 9 1998 by American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses.
I
IMAGINE you have been avidly watching your mailbox for this issue of the Journal. You have had your new computer set up, and now you are ready for the next essential--software. Am I right? Not likely. Today, the purchase of a new computer usually means much of the software you will be using with the new system is already installed. You can just plug the components together and play! Not too many years ago, computers came in pieces, with minimal software included. The disk operating system (OS) (on 5.25 inch floppy diskettes), a cumbersome technical manual, and good wishes were what you started with. Today, software for the operating system and other applications are pre-installed, few if any paper manuals are included, and a CD-ROM for reinstallation might be found in the packaging materials of your system.
until installed or written onto the computer system's hard drive for use by the computer. Necessary to the operation of any computer, the OS software allows the hardware of your system to work together and provides directions for data to move in and out of the system. The OS software underlies all other applications and translates what the software is doing into something the machine understands. When you turn on the power, or boot the computer, the computer is reading files (basic input/output system [BIOS]), telling it what to do and testing all the hardware components to see that they are in working order. The primary operating systems in current use are listed below. Remember that new systems and enhancements to the present systems are under development, and new releases could be on the market as you read this.
WHAT IS SOFTWARE, AND WHY DO YOU NEED IT?
Hardware is the actual machine and components that are physically present} Software has no physical form but consists of a list of instructions to help the hardware function. These instructions are flashed through the computer's memory? The software instructions are recorded on CD-ROMs or disks Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, Vo113, No 2 (April), 1998: pp 99-103
Denise O'Brien BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA, is an Educational Nurse Coordinator/Clinical Nurse III in the PACU/ASU, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI. Address correspondence to Denise O'Brien, BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA, 8383 Geddes Rd, Ypsilanti, M148198-9404. 9 1998 by American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. 1089-9472/98/1302-0004503.00/0 99
100 9 DOS--text-based command driven system requiring strict rules of syntax and knowledge of terms; it is considered by many as unfriendly. It can run on any PC system, especially older, slower microprocessors. 9 Windows 3.1 (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA)--when introduced, it was the first program for PCs to offer a graphical user interface (GUI) in the form of the Program Manager. It is an operating environment built on top of DOS, made the PC easier and more intuitive to use, and can run on a 286 processor with 2 MB of RAM. 9 Windows 95 (Microsoft Corp--if you have purchased a computer in the past 2 years, most likely, this system was pre-installed on the hard drive. As a major revision of Windows 3.1, it requires a more powerful processor (486+), more hard drive space (50+ MB), and at least 8 MB RAM. If you have the hardware, it has the features to make computing easier, more intuitive, and friendlier. 9 OS/2--for the PC and developed by IBM (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) OS/2 was one of the first user-friendly operating systems that actually has more features than Windows 95, but not as much software is available (it can run Windows 3.1 and DOS applications but not Windows 95). It is not as popular as Windows 95; one reason may be that it is extremely difficult to install. 9 Windows NT (Microsoft C o r p - - a version of Windows for networking environments. It does not require DOS and is notable for its reliability. 9 U n i x - - a high-end, powerful, multi-user operating system; used primarily for programming in highly technical environments, and is the operating system of choice for many Internet servers. 9 MacOS--first to use a graphical user interface, allowing users to work with files and programs via pictures and an input device called a mouse. Before the introduction of MacOS 8 in mid-1997, MacOS 7.X for Apple (Apple Computer Inc, Cupertino, CA) computers, fell between Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 in terms of features and usability. Favored by graphic artists and publishers, it is still considered the easiest to u s e . 3
DENISE O'BRIEN GETTING READY FOR THE NEXT STEP
After you have installed or upgraded the operating system software and have it running, where do you go next? A great place to start when setting up your new computer is with the tutorial that is usually part of the operating system. If you are unfamiliar with computers, or just with a new system, take the few minutes required to complete the tutorial. Often, you will discover features you can use to make your computing time more productive and fun. Once you have mastered the operating system, consider the applications you are going to want and need to make your computer functional and useful to you. Ask yourself some of the same questions you asked when considering your hardware purchase:
What Should You Buy? (Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE You Go Shopping/) 9 What kinds of programs (applications) will I use? 9 Who else will use the application? 9 What do you already have? 9 How much do you want to spend? Unfortunately, no application exists that "does it all!" Of course, you can purchase (or they may have come pre-installed on your computer) software application packages or suites that include the more commonly used office, home, or personal applications bundled together. These applications include word processing, presentation, financial, educational, graphic, and, now, communications software. However, you may wish to purchase your applications separately for cost or usage reasons. BUYING THE SOFTWARE
Walk into any computer store today, and you will most likely find racks or shelves filled with software of all types and with all kinds of features. Pick up a computer magazine or catalog and you will be faced with pages of software available for all kinds of applications. Spend a few minutes looking at titles, reviewing features, and checking operating requirements. Chances are, you will be overwhelmed for a few moments and feel increasingly indecisive. Table 1 offers some software buying tips. 4 How can you best prepare yourself for this potential nightmare? Read reviews in computer magazines and books and talk to your friends and
COMPUTER SOFTWARE Table 1. Shopping 13ps Get prices from several dealers Check on incentives, such as free software or samplers Some dealers may be willing to match or beat competitors' prices Check out the return policy Read the fine print Keep your sales receipts Charge it Your credit card company can help you if problems arise Write down all information when ordering by mail Get the name of the representative, order number, total charges, and availability Find the best price Always askfor the best price from dealers Problem solving Most software works out of the box Defective disks or CDs will be exchanged by the manufacturer Keep your sales recepts Data from Cahlin. 4
co-workers about software. Find out what people like and dislike about the applications they are using. Consider what you want to use your computer for and how much you want to invest in software. If you plan to spend hours at your computer writing and creating manuscripts for publication, you may want to invest more money in a high-quality word processing program. If you plan to create impressive newsletters and brochures for your professional association, you may want to purchase a better quality, richer-featured desktop publishing program. Again, spend some time before the purchase thinking about your plans and what you want to do with any software you want to buy. Sometimes, running a demo program or trying out a shareware version of the software will help you decide whether it is the right software for you and if you should purchase it. Before purchasing any software, be sure to know what system you have and the capacity of that system. Read the software package or any descriptions carefully to make certain it will operate on your computer. Nothing is more frustrating than finding out that the brand new software you bought for your children does not work on your system! WHAT APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Word processing programs make creating documents easy, compared with the standard typewriter. Personally, I doubt I would have ever become a writer if it had not been for my first word processor,
lol archaic as it was. As a frustrated typist, I struggled through nursing school, typing papers well into the night, usually running off the page, or spelling more words wrong than right. Erasable bond was the only solution! Today, the choices are nearly limitless from simple, inexpensive word processing software to richly featured, expensive word processors. Look for a program that provides you with the features you need and will use the most. Also, look at what types of writing you plan to do and if you plan to share documents (files) with anyone. Be sure to get a program that allows you to save your files in a form readable by others if you truly want to be able to share your work with others. Presentation programs allow anyone to create stylish, colorful slides, transparencies, and computer slide shows. The danger with many of these types of programs is the desire to use too many features, colors, or text styles, resulting in an esthetically poor product. Spend some time learning about presentation skills and enlist the aid of a graphic designer, seasoned presenter, or creative artist when first using a presentation program. These applications allow you to create the 35-mm slides but do not allow you to produce the final image on film; however, you can print transparencies on your own printer. Production of the slide images will require outside help. Financial programs for the home user include programs to help you track your personal finances and create working budgets. For business users, spreadsheet software applications can be used for budgeting, inventory tracking, and number crunching activities. Desktop publishing (DTP) programs are used to create newsletters, brochures, and other printed material. Most low-end personal DTP applications provide design templates to create letterhead, business cards, greeting cards, signs, and newsletters. Content usually can be imported from a word processing or graphics program and fitted into the DTP document. Database applications organize related information into an easily retrievable format. For example, you can enter the names and addresses of your acquaintances into a database file and sort them according to zip codes or phone numbers. You can then print a phone list or mailing labels from your file. Databases can be used in a variety of ways to track data in the work environment (equipment lists, medical records) or at home (recipes, personal
102
DENISE O'BRIEN
inventory lists). Many single-featured applications exist for the home market that are built on a database application, although you do not purchase the database creation application itself (eg, mailing list or home library applications). Graphics programs are used to create pictures, drawings, charts, and graphs for presentations, customized greeting cards, and more. Most popular are image editors that allow the user to import and enhance images for use in other applications. A personal information manager (PIM) is an application that is replacing the day planner, memos, and to-do lists. Often, PIMs include calendars, calculators, address books (databases), simple word processors, and to-do lists. Utilities exist to smooth out the function of your system. Some are necessary, some are nice, and a few are extraneous. Virus-detection programs are necessary if you share files, disks, download software, or interact on the Internet. You may want a compression utility to save disk space or a diagnostic and repairing utility to test your system for problems or undelete a file. Some utility programs may be pre-installed on your system. Check out what you have and talk to friends before adding more utilities to your system. Many a hard disk is cluttered with well-intentioned, though unnecessary, software add-ons! WHAT ABOUT FUN STUFF?
When computers are not being used for business, they may be used for educational purposes or entertainment. Software for education ranges from applications for the preschooler to help them learn to read or do math to college-age prep for the SAT or ACT and calculus and beyond. The variety is tremendous, as is the quality. Before purchasing educational software, research the programs; talk to teachers, other students, and parents; and read reviews about the applications. Games and entertainment add to the fun of owning a personal computer. Whether used to entertain the family on rainy days or as a break from the tedium of work, entertainment software can be a great diversion and an enjoyable way to conquer your fears of computer use. Who can resist a game of solitaire pitting you against the computer or a fast-paced arcade game of where you quickly advance to the highest levels once you master the keyboard or joystick! Again, look carefully before buying any software to be certain it
will work on your computer and with your system configuration. Multimedia have brought a new dimension to computing. Multimedia combine text, graphics, full-motion video, and sound into a software program. 5 Hardware required includes CD-ROM, a sound card, and speakers. Entertainment software as well as educational and reference materials are now available in multimedia format. Many tutorials are made more informative and interesting with the addition of sound and video clips. WHAT ABOUT SHAREWARE AND FREEWARE?
Not all software applications have to be purchased at a high cost by the user. Shareware, software created by individuals or small companies, is usually sold for a nominal fee. Freeware is just that, free. Also developed by individuals or small companies, this software requires no payment for use. Both shareware and freeware programs can be downloaded from the Internet or service providers like America Online (Dulles, VA) or CompuServe (Columbus, OH) or obtained from friends. You are allowed to try out the programs before registering and paying for the software. GETTING HELP AFTER BUYING THE SOFTWARE
The decision has been made, your purchase is put in the bag, and the sales slip is in your hand. Once Table 2. Getting Help With Your Software Run the tutorial packaged with the software Press the Help key or highlight the Help menu item; for serious problems, you may need to call technical support, Dust off the software manual and read it! Purchase the Dummies (IDG Books Worldwide, Indianapolis, IN) or Idiot (QUE Corp, Macmillan Computer Publishing, Indianapolis, IN) series of books or other reference books and read them to help you use your new software Sign up for the computing classes at local stores, through continuing education programs or a near-by college Get online and participate in forums, e-mail to technical support, and visit web sites for help Access Bulletin Board Systems; may be maintained by the manufacturer and listed in your software manual Join user groups in your area Talk to your friends and ask for help Rent or buy training videos, CD-ROMs, or software add-ons that explain how to use your new software
Data from Cahlin. 4
COMPUTER SOFTWARE at home, you begin the task of installing the new application software. Ideally, the installation is completed efficiently and without glitches. You open your new program and away you go on a journey of learning the new application and all its features. But what if the installation fails, hangs, or crashes your computer? What if the installation is successful, but you cannot begin to comprehend the on-screen instructions? What if you look at the manual, hoping to find the information you need to solve your problem, and you wind up disappointed because you just cannot find the problem you are experiencing anywhere in the book? Where to next? First, relax, take a deep breath, and reassert your mastery over the machine. Stop and think about what you are trying to do and what you may have done or not done. Write down what happened (keep a pad and pencil near your computer especially when you purchase new hardware or software). This is especially helpful when you call technical support or talk to a technologically gifted friend and they ask you to reconstruct what happened. Often, it is something relatively simple to solve, and you can get back to using your new program. Occasionally, more significant problems are identi-
103 fled, and you may have to reinstall the irritable application, stop using it because of conflicts, reconfigure your system, or even return it to the manufacturer. See Table 2 for sources of help when you begin using new applications or need assistance trouble-shooting a software problem. 4 WHERE TO NEXT? Now that we have discussed hardware and software, our next step is to go online. In the next issue, we will discuss what it takes to get online, including software and hardware and the Internet. In the meantime, get comfortable with your computer. After the next issue, I am convinced, you will be on the highway and will not look back! REFERENCES 1. O'Brien D: Computers and information technology: Hardware essentials. J Peri Anesth Nurs 13:26-30, 1998 2. Phelps A: Hardware vs software, in the incredible nonthinking machine, in Kobler RD (ed): PC Novice Learning Series: Computing for Beginners 3:3-7, 1997 3. Hafner K: Should you do Windows 95? Newsweek Online August 21, 1995 4. Cahlin M: Scoping out the right software, in Kobler RD (ed): PC Novice Guide to Computing Basics, 4:43-45, 1996 5. Shanahan KW: What you should know about software, in Kobler RD (ed): PC Novice Learning Series: Computing for Beginners 3:123-127, 1997
I
IMAGINE you have been avidly watching your mailbox for this issue of the Journal. You have had your new computer set up, and now you are ready for the next essential--software. Am I right? Not likely. Today, the purchase of a new computer usually means much of the software you will be using with the new system is already installed. You can just plug the components together and play! Not too many years ago, computers came in pieces, with minimal software included. The disk operating system (OS) (on 5.25 inch floppy diskettes), a cumbersome technical manual, and good wishes were what you started with. Today, software for the operating system and other applications are pre-installed, few if any paper manuals are included, and a CD-ROM for reinstallation might be found in the packaging materials of your system.
until installed or written onto the computer system's hard drive for use by the computer. Necessary to the operation of any computer, the OS software allows the hardware of your system to work together and provides directions for data to move in and out of the system. The OS software underlies all other applications and translates what the software is doing into something the machine understands. When you turn on the power, or boot the computer, the computer is reading files (basic input/output system [BIOS]), telling it what to do and testing all the hardware components to see that they are in working order. The primary operating systems in current use are listed below. Remember that new systems and enhancements to the present systems are under development, and new releases could be on the market as you read this.
WHAT IS SOFTWARE, AND WHY DO YOU NEED IT?
Hardware is the actual machine and components that are physically present} Software has no physical form but consists of a list of instructions to help the hardware function. These instructions are flashed through the computer's memory? The software instructions are recorded on CD-ROMs or disks Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, Vo113, No 2 (April), 1998: pp 99-103
Denise O'Brien BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA, is an Educational Nurse Coordinator/Clinical Nurse III in the PACU/ASU, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI. Address correspondence to Denise O'Brien, BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA, 8383 Geddes Rd, Ypsilanti, M148198-9404. 9 1998 by American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. 1089-9472/98/1302-0004503.00/0 99
100 9 DOS--text-based command driven system requiring strict rules of syntax and knowledge of terms; it is considered by many as unfriendly. It can run on any PC system, especially older, slower microprocessors. 9 Windows 3.1 (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA)--when introduced, it was the first program for PCs to offer a graphical user interface (GUI) in the form of the Program Manager. It is an operating environment built on top of DOS, made the PC easier and more intuitive to use, and can run on a 286 processor with 2 MB of RAM. 9 Windows 95 (Microsoft Corp--if you have purchased a computer in the past 2 years, most likely, this system was pre-installed on the hard drive. As a major revision of Windows 3.1, it requires a more powerful processor (486+), more hard drive space (50+ MB), and at least 8 MB RAM. If you have the hardware, it has the features to make computing easier, more intuitive, and friendlier. 9 OS/2--for the PC and developed by IBM (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) OS/2 was one of the first user-friendly operating systems that actually has more features than Windows 95, but not as much software is available (it can run Windows 3.1 and DOS applications but not Windows 95). It is not as popular as Windows 95; one reason may be that it is extremely difficult to install. 9 Windows NT (Microsoft C o r p - - a version of Windows for networking environments. It does not require DOS and is notable for its reliability. 9 U n i x - - a high-end, powerful, multi-user operating system; used primarily for programming in highly technical environments, and is the operating system of choice for many Internet servers. 9 MacOS--first to use a graphical user interface, allowing users to work with files and programs via pictures and an input device called a mouse. Before the introduction of MacOS 8 in mid-1997, MacOS 7.X for Apple (Apple Computer Inc, Cupertino, CA) computers, fell between Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 in terms of features and usability. Favored by graphic artists and publishers, it is still considered the easiest to u s e . 3
DENISE O'BRIEN GETTING READY FOR THE NEXT STEP
After you have installed or upgraded the operating system software and have it running, where do you go next? A great place to start when setting up your new computer is with the tutorial that is usually part of the operating system. If you are unfamiliar with computers, or just with a new system, take the few minutes required to complete the tutorial. Often, you will discover features you can use to make your computing time more productive and fun. Once you have mastered the operating system, consider the applications you are going to want and need to make your computer functional and useful to you. Ask yourself some of the same questions you asked when considering your hardware purchase:
What Should You Buy? (Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE You Go Shopping/) 9 What kinds of programs (applications) will I use? 9 Who else will use the application? 9 What do you already have? 9 How much do you want to spend? Unfortunately, no application exists that "does it all!" Of course, you can purchase (or they may have come pre-installed on your computer) software application packages or suites that include the more commonly used office, home, or personal applications bundled together. These applications include word processing, presentation, financial, educational, graphic, and, now, communications software. However, you may wish to purchase your applications separately for cost or usage reasons. BUYING THE SOFTWARE
Walk into any computer store today, and you will most likely find racks or shelves filled with software of all types and with all kinds of features. Pick up a computer magazine or catalog and you will be faced with pages of software available for all kinds of applications. Spend a few minutes looking at titles, reviewing features, and checking operating requirements. Chances are, you will be overwhelmed for a few moments and feel increasingly indecisive. Table 1 offers some software buying tips. 4 How can you best prepare yourself for this potential nightmare? Read reviews in computer magazines and books and talk to your friends and
COMPUTER SOFTWARE Table 1. Shopping 13ps Get prices from several dealers Check on incentives, such as free software or samplers Some dealers may be willing to match or beat competitors' prices Check out the return policy Read the fine print Keep your sales receipts Charge it Your credit card company can help you if problems arise Write down all information when ordering by mail Get the name of the representative, order number, total charges, and availability Find the best price Always askfor the best price from dealers Problem solving Most software works out of the box Defective disks or CDs will be exchanged by the manufacturer Keep your sales recepts Data from Cahlin. 4
co-workers about software. Find out what people like and dislike about the applications they are using. Consider what you want to use your computer for and how much you want to invest in software. If you plan to spend hours at your computer writing and creating manuscripts for publication, you may want to invest more money in a high-quality word processing program. If you plan to create impressive newsletters and brochures for your professional association, you may want to purchase a better quality, richer-featured desktop publishing program. Again, spend some time before the purchase thinking about your plans and what you want to do with any software you want to buy. Sometimes, running a demo program or trying out a shareware version of the software will help you decide whether it is the right software for you and if you should purchase it. Before purchasing any software, be sure to know what system you have and the capacity of that system. Read the software package or any descriptions carefully to make certain it will operate on your computer. Nothing is more frustrating than finding out that the brand new software you bought for your children does not work on your system! WHAT APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Word processing programs make creating documents easy, compared with the standard typewriter. Personally, I doubt I would have ever become a writer if it had not been for my first word processor,
lol archaic as it was. As a frustrated typist, I struggled through nursing school, typing papers well into the night, usually running off the page, or spelling more words wrong than right. Erasable bond was the only solution! Today, the choices are nearly limitless from simple, inexpensive word processing software to richly featured, expensive word processors. Look for a program that provides you with the features you need and will use the most. Also, look at what types of writing you plan to do and if you plan to share documents (files) with anyone. Be sure to get a program that allows you to save your files in a form readable by others if you truly want to be able to share your work with others. Presentation programs allow anyone to create stylish, colorful slides, transparencies, and computer slide shows. The danger with many of these types of programs is the desire to use too many features, colors, or text styles, resulting in an esthetically poor product. Spend some time learning about presentation skills and enlist the aid of a graphic designer, seasoned presenter, or creative artist when first using a presentation program. These applications allow you to create the 35-mm slides but do not allow you to produce the final image on film; however, you can print transparencies on your own printer. Production of the slide images will require outside help. Financial programs for the home user include programs to help you track your personal finances and create working budgets. For business users, spreadsheet software applications can be used for budgeting, inventory tracking, and number crunching activities. Desktop publishing (DTP) programs are used to create newsletters, brochures, and other printed material. Most low-end personal DTP applications provide design templates to create letterhead, business cards, greeting cards, signs, and newsletters. Content usually can be imported from a word processing or graphics program and fitted into the DTP document. Database applications organize related information into an easily retrievable format. For example, you can enter the names and addresses of your acquaintances into a database file and sort them according to zip codes or phone numbers. You can then print a phone list or mailing labels from your file. Databases can be used in a variety of ways to track data in the work environment (equipment lists, medical records) or at home (recipes, personal
102
DENISE O'BRIEN
inventory lists). Many single-featured applications exist for the home market that are built on a database application, although you do not purchase the database creation application itself (eg, mailing list or home library applications). Graphics programs are used to create pictures, drawings, charts, and graphs for presentations, customized greeting cards, and more. Most popular are image editors that allow the user to import and enhance images for use in other applications. A personal information manager (PIM) is an application that is replacing the day planner, memos, and to-do lists. Often, PIMs include calendars, calculators, address books (databases), simple word processors, and to-do lists. Utilities exist to smooth out the function of your system. Some are necessary, some are nice, and a few are extraneous. Virus-detection programs are necessary if you share files, disks, download software, or interact on the Internet. You may want a compression utility to save disk space or a diagnostic and repairing utility to test your system for problems or undelete a file. Some utility programs may be pre-installed on your system. Check out what you have and talk to friends before adding more utilities to your system. Many a hard disk is cluttered with well-intentioned, though unnecessary, software add-ons! WHAT ABOUT FUN STUFF?
When computers are not being used for business, they may be used for educational purposes or entertainment. Software for education ranges from applications for the preschooler to help them learn to read or do math to college-age prep for the SAT or ACT and calculus and beyond. The variety is tremendous, as is the quality. Before purchasing educational software, research the programs; talk to teachers, other students, and parents; and read reviews about the applications. Games and entertainment add to the fun of owning a personal computer. Whether used to entertain the family on rainy days or as a break from the tedium of work, entertainment software can be a great diversion and an enjoyable way to conquer your fears of computer use. Who can resist a game of solitaire pitting you against the computer or a fast-paced arcade game of where you quickly advance to the highest levels once you master the keyboard or joystick! Again, look carefully before buying any software to be certain it
will work on your computer and with your system configuration. Multimedia have brought a new dimension to computing. Multimedia combine text, graphics, full-motion video, and sound into a software program. 5 Hardware required includes CD-ROM, a sound card, and speakers. Entertainment software as well as educational and reference materials are now available in multimedia format. Many tutorials are made more informative and interesting with the addition of sound and video clips. WHAT ABOUT SHAREWARE AND FREEWARE?
Not all software applications have to be purchased at a high cost by the user. Shareware, software created by individuals or small companies, is usually sold for a nominal fee. Freeware is just that, free. Also developed by individuals or small companies, this software requires no payment for use. Both shareware and freeware programs can be downloaded from the Internet or service providers like America Online (Dulles, VA) or CompuServe (Columbus, OH) or obtained from friends. You are allowed to try out the programs before registering and paying for the software. GETTING HELP AFTER BUYING THE SOFTWARE
The decision has been made, your purchase is put in the bag, and the sales slip is in your hand. Once Table 2. Getting Help With Your Software Run the tutorial packaged with the software Press the Help key or highlight the Help menu item; for serious problems, you may need to call technical support, Dust off the software manual and read it! Purchase the Dummies (IDG Books Worldwide, Indianapolis, IN) or Idiot (QUE Corp, Macmillan Computer Publishing, Indianapolis, IN) series of books or other reference books and read them to help you use your new software Sign up for the computing classes at local stores, through continuing education programs or a near-by college Get online and participate in forums, e-mail to technical support, and visit web sites for help Access Bulletin Board Systems; may be maintained by the manufacturer and listed in your software manual Join user groups in your area Talk to your friends and ask for help Rent or buy training videos, CD-ROMs, or software add-ons that explain how to use your new software
Data from Cahlin. 4
COMPUTER SOFTWARE at home, you begin the task of installing the new application software. Ideally, the installation is completed efficiently and without glitches. You open your new program and away you go on a journey of learning the new application and all its features. But what if the installation fails, hangs, or crashes your computer? What if the installation is successful, but you cannot begin to comprehend the on-screen instructions? What if you look at the manual, hoping to find the information you need to solve your problem, and you wind up disappointed because you just cannot find the problem you are experiencing anywhere in the book? Where to next? First, relax, take a deep breath, and reassert your mastery over the machine. Stop and think about what you are trying to do and what you may have done or not done. Write down what happened (keep a pad and pencil near your computer especially when you purchase new hardware or software). This is especially helpful when you call technical support or talk to a technologically gifted friend and they ask you to reconstruct what happened. Often, it is something relatively simple to solve, and you can get back to using your new program. Occasionally, more significant problems are identi-
103 fled, and you may have to reinstall the irritable application, stop using it because of conflicts, reconfigure your system, or even return it to the manufacturer. See Table 2 for sources of help when you begin using new applications or need assistance trouble-shooting a software problem. 4 WHERE TO NEXT? Now that we have discussed hardware and software, our next step is to go online. In the next issue, we will discuss what it takes to get online, including software and hardware and the Internet. In the meantime, get comfortable with your computer. After the next issue, I am convinced, you will be on the highway and will not look back! REFERENCES 1. O'Brien D: Computers and information technology: Hardware essentials. J Peri Anesth Nurs 13:26-30, 1998 2. Phelps A: Hardware vs software, in the incredible nonthinking machine, in Kobler RD (ed): PC Novice Learning Series: Computing for Beginners 3:3-7, 1997 3. Hafner K: Should you do Windows 95? Newsweek Online August 21, 1995 4. Cahlin M: Scoping out the right software, in Kobler RD (ed): PC Novice Guide to Computing Basics, 4:43-45, 1996 5. Shanahan KW: What you should know about software, in Kobler RD (ed): PC Novice Learning Series: Computing for Beginners 3:123-127, 1997