Software Vending Machines

Software vending machines are available at 25 CompUSA test stores nationwide. The person presses an icon on a screen, and it then shows the different categories of software. It gives a product description on the screen as well. The person picks which software they want, and print out a receipt where they hand to the clerk at the register. The clerk then burns the software to a Cdrom. The software is placed into a case with the documentation and title page, and the customer purchases it.

An advantage of a software vending machine for the retailer is that they have more shelf space. The customer is also at an advantage because the title is always in stock. The packaging of the software is more convenient to store and safeguard, as well as being environmentally friendly. The upgrades arrive almost instantly via a net connection, and the software is also secure to prevent piracy.

However, the software vending machines are also at a disadvantage. Consumers might not be as energetic to use the machines because something different takes a while to get used to. They also would like a discounted price because it is not in the ‘original’ box. Consumers may also hesitate because the software did not come directly from the manufacturer.

I would not invest in this company until it made some additions. I feel like it can be inconvenient to the consumer because it is not truly a vending machine. You do not put your money in the machine and have your software instantly. It goes through a process. I feel like the software vending machine business would be more successful if it had a system that did everything right in front of you in the machine, instead of having the inconvenience of printing a receipt and waiting in line. I would definitely be more willing to invest in a software vending machine company if they advanced their ideas.

I searched for alternative technologies for selling software, however could not find something new and interesting. Selling software online seems to be the most popular besides buying from the stores. One can also purchase the software online, or by a phone call, and have it sent to them by the mail. Although software vending machines many eventually become popular, I believe the internet will always be more successful.

Software Revolution

"Free usually means inferior. In the upside-down world of software, free often means superior."

After reading the assigned article, I learned many aspects of freeware, open source, and shareware that I have never known about. I feel this software is the beginning of a revolution on the internet. Opensource software seems great for the computer literate because many minds are better than the ones being paid to improve software in offices such as Microsoft. It adds a certain creativity spark because it can be the combination and imagination of so many people. I did not know much about open source software before reading this article. I knew about shareware, I have used programs such as McAfee, and before I bought it I did the trial version. Freeware also seems great because one can have the same advantages as the software that costs hundreds of dollars. My dad spends thousands of dollars on software, and after reading the article I am definitely going to have a talk with him about trying freeware and open source software.

I concentrated on download.com to see an example of a website that supports the free software on the web. I had no idea that there was so much software one could legally download, and the fact that there was such a variety! I liked how the amount of times each program had been downloaded was posted, so one could see what was more popular. I also liked how there was user ratings, as well as a part where reviews were posted so one could see the pro's and con's of the software. I feel it is important for the consumer to see what other people "just like them" thought about the software.

After browsing through the site, I ended up downloading a couple programs. The first I downloaded was Ad-Aware. I figured one could never have too much spyware protection, and it is one of the most popular software downloads on the site. After installing the program, I was very happy with my results. I have Norton Internet Security that I use, and I ran a system scan before I installed this program. I had 0 infected files. After running Ad-Aware, it found 12 objects. This free program found infected files that my paid program did not! I am definitely keeping this program on my computer. I also downloaded Cyberlink DVD Solution. This is a program that lets you record, copy, and play DVD/CD files audio and video files. It also lets you create movies and record them as DVD's, as well as other functions I consider fun! My favorite part was the part that let's me create my Lightscribe CD'’s. This is so when I put the CD in, my computer lasers my label on. I tested one out, and it'’s seriously one of the greatest part about my laptop. I am definitely keeping this program as well.

I did not know about these websites before I started the assignment. Again, freeware and open source software are pretty new to me. However, I will definitely start using these sites when I need new software.

Firefox Rocks!

Before using Firefox, version 1.5, I was using Internet Explorer, version 6.0. After downloading Firefox and using it, I have decided to make this browser my primary one. I will still keep Internet Explorer, but I enjoy Firefox more after using it for just a short time. After 2 days of just using it, I decided to keep using it past this assignment due date. I have now used it over a week and still stand by my decision. It’s amazing how this is Firefox’s version 1.5, and Internet Explorer’s 6.0, and I already enjoy Firefox more. I can’t wait till they reach version 6.0!

I liked the history bookmarks in Firefox, and how there was a search box that was easy access. I also learned you can just hit ‘control’ and the ‘h’ key to go to it. The tabbed browsing I LOVED. It was so annoying have all those boxes at the bottom! Tabbed browsing allows me to not have to minimize one box, and click on another. This was seriously one of my favorite features.

Although I already have a popup blocker installed, having one from Firefox was a nice addition to it. Now I am definitely protected from all those annoying pop-ups. As I was looking at the Options aspect of Firefox, I discovered it’s all so much easier to use! It’s organized, and my favorite part was when I pressed on the delete cookies, temporary internet files, and history, I could do other things on the browser without having to “wait” for it to finish. I like the set-up of the options and found them more easy to use.

I really enjoyed the many little features of Firefox it had to offer. I love the logo, and it got me to think how boring Internet Explorer’s logo is. I feel Firefox uses more icons, and this makes it more visually appealing and easier to use. The appearance is simple, and this is how I like it. Internet Explorer has tons of noise going on in their browser! I didn’t think there was going to be much of a difference between the two browsers, but there pleasantly was.

The articles were interesting to read. Firefox seems to be increasing in downloads every month, and I can definitely see why. I learned even more about my download after I read them. Firefox has features that in order to get with Internet Explorer, you would have to download them. I also did not like all the security concerns I read about with Internet Explorer. I do understand the ‘hassle’ issue, however, because people are lazy and if they have Internet Explorer on their computer, why download another browser? I think this is happening because people are not completely informed about the benefits of Firefox. This is another one of my reason’s to making Firefox my primary browser. The world seems to finally be catching on to the Firefox craze, and I understand why.

As I stated earlier, I will definitely be making Firefox my main browser. I love different features that it offers that Internet Explorer does not. I cannot wait for the updated version of this browser, because it will only get better and better! I will continue to use Firefox in the future, and perhaps someday just erase my Internet Explorer.

Inside My System

Intel Celeron M Processor
1.5 GHz
512 MB of RAM

My microprocessor is a 1.5 Gigahertz, therefore it runs at 1.5 billion cycles per second. My last laptop was a 2.2 GHz, and I can definitely tell a difference. However, I still like the laptop I have now better because of other features it has. The book states that it is popular of low cost computers, it I would like to know their definition of low cost computers because mine was not "cheap" :)

My computer's RAM (random access memory) is 512 MB. My last laptop was 1 GB of RAM. However, the book states that games, desktop publishing, graphics, and video applications tend to run more smoothly with at least 512 MB of RAM. This is basically what I use for my laptop, and everything seems to run fine.

I enjoy my laptop because it may not be the fastest, but it has features that I use. It is pretty small and light, which is convenient for my frequent travel. I also enjoy making DVD'S, and I can burn them with my laptop. I can also create the labels using lightscribe technology, and it has a built-in memory card reader. It has different features that may not be necessary, but I enjoy :)