Software Support

Application and Operating System Support

At the heart of every computer system is the operating system. Perhaps the biggest gripe that a majority of PC users have is about their operating system. Random application errors, internet disconnections, slowness to boot, and sometimes reboots in the middle of what you were doing.

In many situations, it is the (mis) configuration of the operating system that causes many of these errors. While desktop operating systems don't have the complexities of server operating systems, there are a large number of variables for applications to function smoothly. From driver and firmware versions down to patch management, often the the best method to stabilize and issue is to get familiar with its inner workings.

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The most often error reported by many users is not that an application does not work, but that it does not work correctly or quickly. Troubleshooting individual applications is perhaps the most tedious task due to the either lack of support options by many software vendors, or an unwieldy support matrix making it very difficult to find problems or errors.

Additionally, many applications have dependencies on other software (such as DivX or DVD burning codecs) that make it difficult to diagnose the problem effectively without a complete diagnostic of the system. Deleting or modifying these dependencies can lead to even more problems with other applications and operating system as different versions of software are now attempting to use a modified file.
Other applications (such as Adobe Creative Suite, common video editing applications such as Premiere or Avid, and many 3D rendered games) also require specific hardware and even more specific configurations to work properly. Many users often complain about such software when in most cases the reason for the ineffective performance is related to the hardware.
The key when working with application difficulties is knowing when to update, when to upgrade, and when to re-install.

If you're having difficulty with your applications, please contact our tech support team assistance.

As the hardware and operating system evolve over time, so do the applications. The advances in both hardware and software have been dramatic in the last 10 years.
Despite the advances in the technology sector, different software, like anything else, often aims at a certain niche of users when in development. Are you looking to create some basic pictures and looking to brush up some photos? Something like Macromedia Fireworks is widely considered the easiest to learn for vector editing software. Looking to go professional with your digital art? Many consider Adobe Photoshop the standard, albeit with a steep learning curve.

When considering applications, it is advisable to read as many reviews as possible from a variety of sources. Online resources such as cNet, TopTen, and PCMag often have bake-offs and comparisons between similar applications, generally comparing them on a viable range of user functionality.
The key with choosing application is understanding what you wish to accomplish and to what level you wish to learn the program. Tax software, for example, if purchased for an once-per-year submission electronically, user should look into Turboxtax or Taxcut for its simplicity of use and inexpensive price tag. Accountants and business owners may need to look into software such as Quickbooks or Peachtree, simply because of filing requirements and complexity of business practices.

Malware It is important to read the fine print with a majority of software. Many and video/photo editing applications will list minimum requirement for both hardware and software. Certain applications require Windows Server or Windows XP Service Pack 2 to operate effectively or to even install. Other applications require certain codecs or versions of DirectX or DivX versions which may overwrite the ones that presently exist on your system, causing potential instability with other applications that previously ran without error.

If you're looking to upgrade or purchase software please contact us with what you are looking for. Recommendations are always free!