How to Buy Software for Gifts

If a loved one just got a first computer or will be getting one for Christmas or another occasion, he or she will need software. Experienced computer users can enjoy or benefit from programs they might not buy for themselves.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Business & Office Software
• Children's Software
• Educational Software
• Encyclopedia And Dictionary Software
• Foreign Language Software
• Genealogy Software
• Geographical Reference Software
• Home And Hobbies Software
• Utility Program
• Game Software

1. Check reviews in computer magazines and on the Internet to evaluate quality.

2. Compare features and prices of programs.

3. Avoid programs that are commonly bundled with computers: Microsoft Works and Works Suite, McAfee Anti-Virus, Microsoft Office and Quicken Basic.

4. Avoid basic graphics programs if the recipient has a new ink-jet printer, as one probably came with the printer.

5. Buy a dictionary program for students, writers or people with home-based businesses.

6. Choose from a variety of educational and "edutainment" programs for children of all ages. Check toy stores as well as computer stores.

7. Consider other reference software, such as atlases, National Geographic archives, health and medical guides, and other programs that everyone is likely to use occasionally.

8. Look for newly released programs. These are heavily advertised during the holiday season.

9. Consider non-action games such as chess, card games and computer versions of classic board games, which most people like, but might not buy for themselves.

10. Consider simulation games for intellectually oriented or fantasy-loving people.

11. Avoid sports and action games, business applications and professional programs, unless you know the recipient doesn't have specific preferences.

12. Consider cookery programs for people who cook. Look for those that allow the user to add recipes to the program's database.

13. Buy a major-brand utility program for someone with a new computer.

14. Buy a foreign language program for someone you know is interested in the language.

15. Consider programs oriented to hobbies of the recipient, such as bird watching.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you know which operating system the recipient has. A program made for Windows will not work on a Mac.