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What is a better option, buying software online and downloading it or buying a CD? Let's look at a couple of things first before making a decision.

Let's take a piece of major software so we can compare an online version and a packaged version of the same thing. Apples to apples and all that. How about Norton Antivirus 2008?

The actual program itself is no different, whether downloaded or on CD. The CD does come with some other things, but they're mostly outdated standalone virus removal tools. Let's call that a draw.

The downloadable version is $39.99 from Norton's web store, and the boxed version is $39.99 from Best Buy. Price is a draw, in this case.

When you purchase from the web store, your installer is totally current; on the disc, it may be be month or two, or even three old, forcing you to download more updates for the initial install. A plus for downloading.

What about environmental impact? Obviously, our download required no packaging of any kind, or transportation to bring it to you, just a small amount of electricity. Boxed software must be shipped via plane or truck, consuming fuel, and the packaging contains cardboard and plastic. Downloading wins due to its near nonexistent environmental impact.

You get a normal serial number with either. Your download's serial is both emailed to you and stored on Norton's web server for retrieval. Your bought copy has a printed card in the box with the number. If the card goes in the recycle bin and you've forgotten to register, that's it, you need a new serial. Score one more for downloading.

In the case of Norton, it's a pretty lopsided victory for downloading.

The same is true for a lot of other applications. Oh sure, downloading a major package like Adobe CS3 may take a long time, but unless you're on dial up it's not really going to eat up any more of your schedule than driving to a store to find it and bring it home. I queue my downloads up at night before bed, so I don't even notice how long the big ones take.

If you're still stuck with dialup, however, buying boxed software makes a ton of sense. Downloading four gigabytes of Adobe on a 56k connection would be torture for just about anyone.

The key, of course, is to download with a watchful eye. Buy or download free software from reputable sources. Check before you check out! Google a particular piece of software or the store and make sure reviews of it are favorable. Do your research first and know what you're getting in to. The same goes for boxed software, of course. Pretty cover art doesn't guarantee a quality product inside.

Before downloading anything from a site you're not 100% familiar with, make SURE your AntiVirus and Spyware definitions are up to date. Otherwise, you could be asking for trouble. Grab a program like Avast or Spyware Terminator or AVG and get some level of protection going before you download ANYTHING.

In general, I recommend people download. You get the latest installer files, minimize environmental impact, and, in most cases, get your software within a few minutes.

...And I can always burn my OWN cd, thank you very much.

Learn more about this author, Lee Mathews.
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