Shareware is the online access platform where you can get to try different software for free and then buy the one that best suits you. You do not need to walk to a store, buy boxed software, then get it home, try it on your computer and find that it is incompatible! Imagine the degree of dissatisfaction! Worst, most stores won’t even take it back if the only problem that you have is incompatibility. You are supposed to know that before you buy the software.

Not many people avail of the facilities that shareware offers, but frankly speaking it is one of the best options available for those who require constant upgrades and latest versions of their favorite programs. It has its niche follower base, but the truth is most people are not aware of its many advantages. Why is shareware better than commercial software purchase? Let’s see:

It is cheap. A package of spreadsheet, word processor, and database can cost you anywhere between $15 to maximum $100 in shareware while in commercial shops the whole package will cost you upwards of $200 and the Microsoft Office suite would cost you almost the same.

It can be purchased easily. Once you are at the appropriate shareware site, you can download the version that you need for free and test it easily on your computer. If you decide to buy it just use your credit card and buy it online immediately.

It is latest. The software versions available through shareware are latest. If in the commercial shops you are getting version 3.0, then in shareware you will get version 5.0 already available for testing and download.

It can be tried. You can try shareware software before actually letting go off your moolah! This in my opinion is the best advantage of shareware. No commercial shop will take back your opened box of software for the reason that it is not compatible. There is no knowing either before you try a certain software, whether it is compatible with your operating system or not.

Shareware is available online. Search for the software that your are looking for in Yahoo or Google and the results will take you to one Shareware website or the other. You will also get shareware site links in different online forums on software usability and functioning. Many authors of software and independent programmers provide shareware links in their individual websites as well.

The first thing to do for proper maintenance is to dust your machine from time to time. Dust is a problem because in many computer’s it will get inside on the components and block the vents. This is not good for your machine. Get a can of compressed air and use it to dust out your computer. This is best done when the computer is not plugged in and is detached from the battery.

Heat is the biggest killer of most hardware. Dusting your computer will help it cool off more efficiently and stay cooler. Take extra precautions to make sure you keep the computer cool. For a laptop be sure to get a cooler pad if the computer runs a bit hot. With your desktop don’t make the huge mistake of pushing your computer against the wall completely. This blocks the vents and adds extra heat.

Be sure that you shut down your computer properly. While you might think this is just a software issue, it’s actually related to hardware. When the computer is suddenly shut off, the internal components can have problems. Always do your best to go through a normal shut down.

Transport your machine carefully. If you are taking your computer from place to place, especially a laptop, get a bag that protects and fits the computer so there is limited shaking which can impact hardware performance especially a hard drive.

Always make sure you are plugged into a power strip. This is the best thing you can do to maintain your hardware long term. One power surge can ruin your computer completely.