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we make your system sing

Maestro Computing Services

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310-880-9891

Understanding and Maintaining Your
Computer Software

Software Defined
What is included with Microsoft Windows (and what is not)
Software that is downloaded from the internet
The all important Motherboard Resource CD

Software Defined

Computer software is defined as any operating system, program, suite of programs, utilities and driver files. Software interacts with the hardware to make a complete system.

A more detailed explanation can be found at:


What is included with Microsoft Windows (and what is not)

Just to clarify what is often confused and misunderstood:

Microsoft Windows is an operating system.

Microsoft has included many programs along with the basic Windows Operating System.

Microsoft Office is a suite of programs that includes Word, Excel, Outlook and other titles. Different versions of these suites include additional titles. The major programs are also sold separately.

Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other programs that make up the Office Suites are not included with the Windows Operating system. They are sold and installed separately. They have their own installation codes or serial numbers.

Microsoft, along with many other computer vendors, has confused the consumer into thinking that many programs come with every computer. They do not!

Other programs are installed as 30 day demos or trials.

Please be aware of what software you are purchasing and what is bundled as an add on.

The following software is not "included" with Microsoft Windows but may be included with your computer as part of a package of bundled software. Technically, these titles are sold separately:

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Project, Front Page, Money, etc.
Microsoft Works
Antivirus Software (just try to find any antivirus software manufactured by Microsoft)
Accounting Software such as Quicken, Quickbooks,
Tax Software such as TurboTax
Firewall software
Spam (email) filtering software
Disk Imaging or Disk Cloning software
File Compression /Archiving Software (Winzip, PKZIP, Stuff-it)
Screen Capture Programs ( Print Screen Deluxe, Snagit)
CD Burning Software

There are thousands and thousands of software titles available. New titles appear daily. Just because one computer has certain software does not mean every computer has the same software.

Note the following confused software situations:

Outlook Express is included with Windows

Backup software is included with Windows but is licensed from either Seagate (Windows 98) or Veritas (Window 2000 and XP) More robust versions with additional features are available from many vendors including Seagate, Veritas and others.

CD burning software is included with Windows XP and is licensed from Roxio.

Software that is downloaded and or purchased from the internet:

Should be downloaded and saved to a known file and folder location on your system.

Copied (burned) to a CD ROM

Write down any installation key codes, serial numbers, etc

If these are an upgrade they may require the disk with the older version to verify upgrade status.

If your hard drive crashes or your system is stolen, the downloaded software goes with the computer

You cannot reinstall software if you do not have it on CD or disk .

This software is no different from any software that is obtained on a CD ROM and installed.

The only difference is that you do not have an actual installation CD.

Motherboard (Mainboard) Resource Driver CD

It is vitally important to keep any and all CD’s that came with your computer system.

One CD in particular is the motherboard resource CD. Most motherboards (mainboards) include many features that were previously installed as separate add on cards.

These features include capability for:

Video adapter interface
Network interface
Sound and speakers interface
USB interface
Firewire interface

Using the wrong set of drivers will cause your system to malfunction and lock up. This software is specific to each motherboard and is not easily downloaded or replaced.

The motherboard resource CD contains the correct software drivers to enable these and other features of the motherboard. Each motherboard manufacturer uses a proprietary set of software to enable these features.

DO NOT LOSE THIS MOTHERBOARD RESOURCE CD. DUPLICATE IT IF POSSIBLE AND PUT THE ORIGINAL IN A SAFE PLACE