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COMPUTER SOFTWARE-
ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARDS
By WILLIAM T. SUNLEY, Engineer of Local Roads and Streets
Credits to: Brad Smrcina, Program Data Management Specialist
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The two basic kinds of computer software are
commercial and shareware. Commercial software is
usually written by a company and marketed nationally.
Shareware software is written by individuals and marketed by word of mouth and electronic bulletin boards.
There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to
both.
The advantages of most commercial software are:
A hot-line number to call when you have problems. Help from the store where you purchased
the software. A complete hardback manual.
Books to help ease the learning curve. Someone
at work or a friend knows the software.
Disadvantages:
They are usually quite a bit more expensive. You
must purchase the software before using it. If
friends want a copy, it is unlawful to give them
one.
The advantages of most shareware software are:
You get to use the software for a month — if you
like it and are going to use it, send the author the
purchase price. If friends want a copy, give it to
them. The ability to test lots of programs to see
what you like and need.
Disadvantages:
The manual, which comes on the disk with the
program, is the only support.
There is a place for both kinds of software. If the
major purpose of your computer is to keep track of the
taxes paid by your citizens, then buy a nice commercial
database program. But if all you want is to hit a button
and a calculator pops up on your screen, then buy a
shareware program. You also might want to use a
shareware program for a while. If this program does not have all the bells and whistles you would like, then
you know what to look for when purchasing a commercial package.
Commercial software can be bought at your local
computer store or through computer magazines. If
bought through a magazine it will be a little less expensive but you lose the ability to call your computer store
with any questions you might have. Your computer
store also might teach classes on the software purchased.
Shareware software can be purchased through
shareware outlets ($5 for a copy of the program including the disk.) They also can be downloaded from electronic bulletin boards. A bulletin board is a program
you call using your computer, if you have a modem.
You can then transfer programs from the bulletin board
to your computer.
The Illinois Department of Transportation, Bureau
of Local Roads and Streets has an electronic bulletin
board (IDOT-BBS). We are in the process of adding
more shareware programs. Other data included on the
bulletin board are a current list of County Superintendents of Highways, a list of Local Roads personnel,
training classes offered by Local Roads, and a calendar
of events. The phone number for the bulletin board is
217-524-5330. We are in the process of updating our
IDOT-BBS Manual, This gives instructions on how to
use the bulletin board and what data is available. If you
would like a catalog when available, send a request in
writing to Brad Smrcina, Bureau of Local Roads and
Streets, 2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 205,
Springfield, Illinois 62764.
If you would like the numbers of some other bulletin
boards, the address of a shareware outlet, or have any
questions, call Brad Smrcina at 217-785-2799. •
June 1991 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 11