
                PROGRAM VERSIONS.  SHOULD WE KEEP UP?


Well most of us are amazed at how fast the computer software programs
change.  Windows 3.1 to Windows for Workgroups, Wordperfect 5.1 to 6.0,
Lotus 2.2 for DOS to 2.4 for DOS, EXCEL 4.0 to 5.0 and the list goes on.

Should we keep up with the software?  Well most of us can't for the fact 
that our jobs don't allow us to make enough money to always have the best
and the latest.  The question does arrive...  Do we need it?

Generally, NO we don't need the new versions but some of the new features 
may be handy and/or may make our jobs easier.  My advice is to take the 
two most important programs that you use daily and to keep up with the 
upgrades.  Now you just don't have the job of doing that but you also have
to take into consideration that your hardware may not support the new 
versions.  The 'New Version' usually takes up more hard disk space and more
computing power.  Remember that when you're at the counter laying out the 
money.  I'm going to give you all some good advice:


1.  If you use the software application a lot and it's doing exactly what
you want it to do then don't upgrade.

2.  If it's doing what you want but there are some new features with the
upgraded version that would be useful, draw a scale and see if the features
are worth the cash that your laying out.  If it is, purchase it.

3.  Make sure your current hardware will support the new version.  
DISK-SPACE is very important because if you don't have enough of it then
you're wasting your money in buying the software.  If your computing power 
is not enough then don't do the upgrade unless your going to upgrade your
hardware.

4.  If you're one of those people that must have the most current,
then buy it.

5.  Always remember, DON'T make copies of the software that a friend may
have and install it on your system.  This could result in fines for 
copyright infringement from the software vendor.  Illegal copying is very
serious.


Take the above advice.  Think about your purchases and if you're still not
sure ask a professional computer consultant or someone at your local 
computer store.  They may be able to help you with your decision.

EDITOR CLYDE ARNOLD
BITS N' BYTES BBS