Applications
by John Cardiff
This page last updated: 25 Jan 2006
  
Once you have a computer and have learned something about Windows, the next step is to choose your applications. Applications are programs that teach the PC and allow you to do something specific. Word processing, accounting, genealogy, email, and games all jump to mind as examples.

Each type of program (word processing) for example, is available from several vendors, frequently in both Standard and Deluxe models. Each is updated to a higher version number periodically. Consequently you won't tell a friend you have a word processor, you will save "I have Word 2ooo Standard" or something like that. 

In each application category, there is a "market leader" or best seller. There are compelling reasons you too should be using this one. Market leaders are sometimes best sellers simply because of the advertising budget behind them. But usually, best sellers are best sellers simply because they are better.

Always buy the market leader -- unless you have a compelling reason to made another choice. A lot of people who can't afford Word choose WordPerfect, which has about the same feature set. That's fine -- until they need to exchange files with a Word user.

PC programs and data are all stored on disk in "files." In fact, "files" are the only thing on your hard drive. Files come in two basic types: the "program files" that collectively made up the program(s) you use (including Windows itself) and "data files" you create using those programs. All data files are recorded in your program's unique file format.

Files generated by one program are typically not compatible with another program. Even if your program includes a "file format converter" for compatibility, you will always feel out of step with "The Great They" -- the majority of other users, if you do not choose the market leader. (This is especially true if you do not make the time to read your program's documentation -- manual, help files, etc.)

Aside from programs that allow you to do something specific -- like word processing or accounting, there's another category you should not ignore: Utilities.

Utilities tend not to do anything useful in and of themselves. Instead they allow you to use other applications better. One popular utility category is virus protection. Another is file compression (Try WinZip.) Still others are "extended" variations on the functions built into Windows, such as Disk Defragmenters or File Finders.