Software > Utilities & Free Software

Trial and Error?

By Lasa Information Systems Team

Trial software can seem like a free gift, but limitations to its use can make it a troublesome addition to your computer.

If you've ever browsed the racks of IT magazines (it's OK, you can admit it here, you're amongst friends!) you will probably know that many of them include CD-ROMs full of software. In some cases these will be full working copies of a previous version of popular software. Sometimes cut down versions of programmes are included where you may not be able to access all the functionality or not be able to save the file you've created.

Some software will be free to use, such as open source applications such as OpenOffice or the graphic package The Gimp, or it might be a trial version – try before you buy. Sounds like a great idea.

Trials come in various guises but generally they are time limited, usually to a month. Once you've installed it, you can freely use it for the period of time stipulated and after that time, the software will become unusable, or enter a limited functionality mode - unless you've come up with the money to buy it.

If you decide to purchase it there is generally an easy registration method whereby a licence key is provided once your credit card details have been handed over and the fee charged.

But what if you decide that you don't want the software? It hasn't matched up to your expectations or you haven't used it as much as you thought you might. Don't just delete the shortcut from your desktop to the application – you'll need to uninstall it properly. If you don't, you may find that, for example, the application will still be pointed to by some file extensions when you open a file. This will become increasingly annoying!

So how do you uninstall correctly? Some software comes with an uninstall routine which can be accessed from the programme's Start Menu folder. Others will need to be uninstalled via Windows add/remove programs window in the control panel (either through Start > Control Panel or Start > Settings > Control Panel - depending on your version of Windows). Wait for the list to populate, this may take some time if you have a lot of programs installed, then select the program you want to remove. Click the change/remove button and follow the instructions. It may ask you if you want to delete shared DLL files – if in doubt do not delete them.

A few extra tips:

• Ensure that your users know what software (if any) they are allowed to install on their PCs – your Acceptable Use Policy should state this.
• Virus check all discs before loading anything from them – most magazine discs will be safe but they will also probably have a disclaimer on them.
• Check the licensing status of the application before installing – is it freeware, shareware, trial version etc.
• Note in your IT log that the application has been installed and, if necessary, note when the trial period ends.
• Google the application name and see if there are any known issues before you install it!
• If in doubt about an application (especially a game which I'm sure you don't allow on work PCs anyway…) don't install it.