How do you buy downloadable software if you don’t know what a download is? This short article will it explain it.
The difference is packaging
The first thing to understand is that the difference between downloadable software and software in a box is just in the packaging. Although software doesn’t need a box anymore, this wasn’t always the case. When consumer software first became available in the 1980s, the box was necessary, since it contained a number of floppy disks with the software on them, as well as a printed instruction manual.
Today, there is no box. That’s because everything that used to come in the box, (the program that would have been on a number of floppy disks, as well as the contents of the printed instructions manual) is now shipped as a Downloadable file.
What is a download?
And this is where a download comes in to the picture. When you used to buy software in a box or on a CD, you’d put the CD into your CD Drive and then copy the files onto your computer. When you download software, you copy the files directly from the vendor on the internet or from an app store, to your computer.
Once you download the software, you just need to find it on your computer. You’ve usually downloaded it to your Download Folder, so that’s where to look. Then, just double-click the downloaded file to unpack it and then follow the install instructions to install it. If you’ve downloaded software which comes with a free trial, you can try it first before you buy it to make sure it does what you’re looking for. It would be unreasonable to expect the trial version to be fully functional – otherwise why would you ever pay for the full version?
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The Advantages of the downloadable software model
Downloading software has some distinct advantages
- Downloadable software usually comes with a free trial period. This allows you to try it before you buy it, and since most store don’t accept returns of opened box software, this can really save you money.
- Downloadable software can be downloaded again if you lose it. If you can’t find the download or accidentally delete it, you can always download a new copy of the software from the vendor, or from a Download Site. (You couldn’t do this when you used to buy software in a box and you scratched the CD. You’d have to buy another copy.)
- Downloadable software comes with a Serial Number. If you’ve misplaced your Registration Information/Serial Number, you can usually get it replaced by emailing the vendor. (If you’d misplaced the Serial Number that came with your software in a box, you’d have to buy another copy.)
The Easy way to buy software
Downloadable apps are
- Easy to buy through the internet and from the comfort of your own home. No need to head over to the Big Box Store.
- Easy to install with straight-forward instructions included.
- Easy on the environment because there’s no packaging.
What’s not to like?