Before You Go to a Computer Store...
Buying Programs
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
105
Accounting or Financial Programs
There are a number of outstanding spreadsheet programs on the
market. In addition, personal and professional accounting software
programs can help you manage money, create budgets, forecast
expenses and help prepare income taxes.
Design Programs
Your computer dealer can introduce you to a variety of sophisti-
cated design programs including programs to design a garden, or
to build or remodel a house, as well as the more common Com-
puter Aided Design (CAD) tools.
On-line Programs
Online services such as CompuServe, America Online and Prod-
igy provide access to the Internet as well as useful information,
entertainment, and research.
Reference Programs
Many reference publications such as dictionaries, encyclopedias,
atlases and language programs are available to add to your own
personal library.
Database Programs
If you need to keep track and update a set of records, such as a list
of addresses or a catalogue of items, database programs are
designed to help with these tasks. You could use a database to
hold details of a stamp collection or provide an overall index to the
recipes in various cook books and magazines.