by John Goodrow

Created on: April 02, 2010

In today’s world of fast paced life many consumers are faced with the choice of buying their software as a disc or downloading.  Which is a better choice?  The answer to that question depends largely on your economic situation and your comfort level with the processes needed to download and install the software that you have chosen.

                If you are in an older generation, then you might feel more comfortable with going to a store such as Best Buy, Target or even Wal-Mart and selecting your software choice and then installing it after you have arrived home.  It is also within the realm of possibility that you do not have internet access, so if you going to get software then installing from a disc is your only viable choice.  Many people also feel much more comfortable with idea of having a software package that comes in a box that is likely also contains a detailed user’s manual.  They might also feel more comfortable with having a knowledgeable sales professional recommend the best software title to meet their immediate need.

                At the other end of the spectrum is a user who is very comfortable with the process involved in the purchase and installation of software from an internet source.  If this is you, then you feel very comfortable with the selection, download and installation of software.  The first area to be considered in this process is which software title you want.  Does your software vendor offer an option for downloading their product?  You have chosen the software that you want, now financial security must be considered.  It is important to only use internet shopping sites that offer 128 bit encryption.  This can be determined by looking for two things on the web page that is selling you your new software.  The web site address will start with https, instead of http.  The second thing to look for is a small lock at the bottom right corner of the web site.  You are now on a secure web site, so you will have to be sure that the option of downloading the software is available.  It is important to note that this option is not universally available.  You might also have the ability to get a backup copy of your downloaded software for a small fee.  Once you have downloaded the program, then you will need to install it on your PC or Mac.  An additional area of concern is the length of time that you have to get one of more copies of your software.

                The ultimate question is which one is better.  The answer to that question comes down to your preference for ease of actions or comfort with technology.  If you want it to be easy, then the choice is to install software from a CD that you have purchased.  The segment of the population who are most adept with technology will choose the download option.

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