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How to choose software that's right for you
< Having more than just a blog | Choosing a system |
Whether you're choosing a system for your blog or website, you're looking for a plugin, or you want to find some new desktop software, how do you decide which one to go for? I can think of a few common reasons:- It has the features you need
- It is recommended by a friend
- It's free
Looking at features
When you're looking around for new software, it's quite common to see a list of features, i.e. everything that the software is capable of.This is a good place to start - but don't take it at face value. How many of the features will you actually use? "I might use that someday" or "That sounds cool" is not good enough if the system runs like a dog and is full of bugs.
Regardless of what the system can do, is it easy to use? I've used systems that sounded absolutely wonderful in print, but were horrible to use. Just because a system can do x-y-z, doesn't make it easy to use.
Recommendations
If you're not sure what you want, you could ask for suggestions at blogging forums. Bear in mind though, you're unlikely to find software that has no criticism aimed at it. Although it's not software, I use Hostgator for web hosting and I've heard a lot of people say they are the best - but I have also read a fair amount of criticism. Nobody's perfect, right?If there's a lot of criticism then you need to be absolutely sure that the system is going to work for you. Remember that the people who recommend a system may be much more technical than you are, and some of them have no need to ask for support. I've found that support is one area where great systems can be sadly lacking.
On the other hand, just because a lot of people recommend a particular program, doesn't mean it'll work for you. That's why there are various programs to choose from! It's a very good idea to "try before you buy". Which brings me on to the third point...
Free vs paid software
I use a number of free programs, including my web browser, anti-virus software, firewall, FTP program, email software, instant messengers and more.If free software does what you want, then the fact it's free is a bonus. However, the absence of a price tag doesn't make it a good program, nor does it mean you have nothing to lose. Investing time into learning the system can be a far greater cost than you might think. Especially if you decide to use a system that you later decide to move away from.
Many paid programs provide evaluation copies for free. The up front cost of the full version may be a hindrance, but if you can get a free trial, at least you can give the system a try without handing over any money. It shouldn't matter whether the software is free or not - well, if you can afford to buy the paid software.
What's the best approach?
Start by deciding what it is you want. Then look for software that might fulfil your needs. You may need to compromise in some areas, but make sure you try out the software before you depend on it.Related Content
Comments on How to choose software that's right for you
For an HTML editor, have you tried Nvu? personally I haven't as I do everything within Majestic, but it might be worth a look. I haven't really looked at any new software in a while as most of what I use now is working really well. Skype was my latest download, although I don't really use it. Doh!
I did try Nvu.
What I really need is the time, energy and patience to learn how to use a new editor. I reverted back to FrontPage yesterday and tidied up my domain. But it really needs a purpose again. Something will come to me or just come along. :)
I was thinking to move Word Grrls there but seems a nuisance now that I just paid Judith Shakes for the new layout which includes the blogspot domain in a graphic. Something to consider anyway.
Features and free are my main guides to software choices. I used to do a lot more window shopping for freeware. I'd be a regular at Download.com and a few other sites like TuCows and another which I can't think of right now. Those were my main three addictions. I'd download a lot of freeware. Try it out, delete a lot of it right away cause it had some error, was too complicated or just didn't come through on what I expected it to do.
I still do window shopping for freeware but I usually have a goal in mind rather than just poking around for no good reason. I'd love to find an HTML editor which would really suit me. So far I still have my old FrontPage which I am trying to not use due to the web standards/ CSS thing. I just am not finding enough time to learn the CSS thing well enough to bring my domain back into something approaching goodness. thatgrrl.ca is mothballed and has been for at least 2 years now. Sad. Still trying to find something that gives me the features and ease of use I need. I'd even be willing to pay something, not anything extravagant, if I could find software that works for me.