7 Things to Check Before Paying for Computer Software

It's surprisingly easy to spend money on computer software you don't actually need. Whether it's a program promising to speed up your computer, a subscription you didn't realise you were signing up for, or software that turns out to be incompatible with your computer, these purchases can quickly add up.

The good news is that there are often free or cheaper alternatives, and sometimes the features you're paying for are already built into your computer. Taking a few minutes to check before buying can save you money and frustration later.

Here are seven things worth checking before you spend money on computer software.

1. Check Whether Your Computer Can Already Do It

Before buying a program to perform a particular task, it's worth checking whether your computer can already do it. Both Windows and Mac computers include a surprising number of useful tools that many people don't realise are there. For example, you can open PDF documents, take screenshots, make basic changes to photographs and compress files without purchasing additional software. Some people end up paying for programs that simply duplicate features their computer already has. A quick search through your computer's built-in applications could save you an unnecessary purchase.

2. See Whether There's a Free Alternative

Just because a program costs money doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option for what you need. There are plenty of reputable free programs that can handle everyday tasks such as writing documents, creating spreadsheets, editing photographs and playing videos. For example, LibreOffice is a free alternative to Microsoft Office that can handle many common Word and Excel files, while VLC is a free media player that supports a wide range of video formats. Free software won't always have every feature of a paid program, but for many home users, it can do everything they need. Just make sure you're downloading it from the developer's official website.

3. Be Careful Paying for Computer Cleaning Programs

You've probably seen advertisements for programs promising to make your computer faster, fix hundreds of errors or give it a complete clean-up with one click. While some maintenance tools can be useful, many of these programs exaggerate problems to encourage people to purchase their paid versions. Some will display alarming warnings about registry errors, junk files or other issues that aren't necessarily affecting your computer at all. Both Windows and Mac already include tools for managing storage and performing basic maintenance, so you may not need to pay for anything extra. Be particularly cautious of software promising dramatic speed improvements or claiming your computer is in serious trouble unless you pay to fix it.

If your computer is running slowly, our help with slow computers starts with finding the cause rather than assuming another program will solve it.

4. Check Whether It's a One-Off Purchase or a Subscription

Years ago, buying computer software usually meant paying once and using the program for as long as it continued to work. These days, many programs operate on subscriptions, meaning you could be charged every month or every year instead. A program advertised for $49 might sound reasonable, but if that's a monthly charge, it could end up costing you $588 over a year. Before purchasing, check the billing frequency, whether the subscription renews automatically and what happens if you stop paying. A subscription isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's important to understand the ongoing cost rather than just the price advertised on the screen.

5. Watch Out for Free Trials That Automatically Become Paid Subscriptions

Free trials can be a great way to test software before spending money, but they can also lead to unexpected charges. Some programs offer a seven-day or 30-day trial that automatically converts into a paid subscription unless you cancel before the trial ends. You might sign up to use a program just once, forget about it and discover months later that you've been paying for something you no longer use. If a free trial asks for your credit card details, check exactly when payments will begin and how to cancel. It's also worth setting a reminder on your phone or calendar a few days before the trial expires so you can decide whether you really want to keep it.

6. Look for a Family or Household Plan

If more than one person in your household uses the same software, it's worth checking whether a family plan is available. Some services, including Microsoft 365 and certain cloud storage subscriptions, offer plans that allow several people to use the service under one subscription. Depending on how many people need access, this can work out considerably cheaper than paying for separate individual accounts. Family plans may also provide each person with their own account, files and settings, rather than everyone sharing the same login. Before purchasing multiple subscriptions, compare the family option and make sure it includes the features and number of users you actually need.

7. Make Sure the Software Works With Your Computer

It's easy to assume that because a program is advertised online, it will work on your computer, but that isn't always the case. Some software is designed specifically for Windows or Mac, while other programs require a particular version of the operating system. Older computers may also lack the memory, storage space or processing power needed to run newer software properly. Before paying, look for the program's system requirements and compare them with your computer's specifications. Spending a couple of minutes checking compatibility could save you the frustration of buying something you can't actually use.

Our guide to understanding computer specifications explains the basics if you are unsure what those requirements mean.

With so many programs and subscriptions available, it's easy to end up paying for features you don't need or software that doesn't do quite what you expected. A little research before purchasing can go a long way towards saving money and avoiding unnecessary frustration.

And if you're unsure whether you need a particular program, or you're being prompted to purchase software to fix a problem with your computer, Australian Computer Doctors are here to help. We can help you understand what software you actually need, identify unnecessary programs and find suitable solutions for your computer.

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