| ore you go to the store to buy software write down | | | | sure that itis compatible with your computer. Most |
| yourcomputers specifications. You'll need the type and | | | | software programscome on CDs now and will include |
| speedof the processor. How much ram your | | | | their minimum requirementssomewhere on the |
| computer has. Whatkind of video card? How much | | | | packaging. They may require that youhave a special |
| disk space is available? | | | | video card or adapter. It may require that you have a |
| Usually, these things are easy to find on your | | | | particular type of processor, so make sure that your |
| computer. | | | | computers processor is equal or better. Make sure |
| On Windows you can navigate to "Programs | | | | you have enough ram to run the program. Usually, they |
| >Accessories >System Tools." Then click on "System | | | | will give a minimum and a recommended amount, but I |
| Information" and you should see a summary containing | | | | have alwaysfound that it is best to go with the |
| your computers operating system, processor, and | | | | recommended amount. |
| memory information. Next click on the plus sign to | | | | Another thing to take into account is pricing. |
| expand the "Components" category. There under | | | | Sometimes you can save a lot of money by |
| "Display" you will find your computers video card | | | | purchasing an earlier versionof a particular piece of |
| specifications. You may also need to know what kind | | | | software. Just make sure that it has all the features |
| of sound card is installed. Select "Sound Device" to | | | | that you want and that it is compatiblewith your |
| see the name and manufacturer of this device. Under | | | | computer. The best place to look is on the Internet. |
| "Storage" you can select Drives to check how much | | | | You can compare pricing without having to run all over |
| available disk space you have. This will be labeled "free | | | | town. Go to your favorite search site, and search for |
| Space." Other information you may need, depending | | | | the software that you are looking for. Sometimes you |
| on the type of program, are networkand modem | | | | can buy online for less, but make sure you check the |
| specs. | | | | shipping costs. |
| Once you have selected a piece of software make | | | | |