When you buy a computer it is usually supplied "ready to go" with the basic software (programmes) you need already installed.
Because you've paid for the software you should receive the original disks with your computer (so that it can be installed again later, should anything go wrong).

It's a good idea to keep your software somewhere safe, all in one place. The software will normally be supplied on CD ROM disks, and sometimes on floppy disks.

Typically you should receive:

1) The software for the operating system (eg Windows 95,98 Windows NE etc) on CD ROM

2) Various "drivers". Drivers are special programmes which allow the operating system to run (drive) various devices installed in or with your computer (eg your modem, printer, CD Writer, sound card, video card etc). Sometimes these drivers are small enough to fit on a floppy, though these days they're usually on CD ROM disks. This software is usually supplied by the manufacturer of the modem, printer etc.
If you bought a proprietary brand of computer (eg Hewlett Packard, Compaq etc), the software for 1 and 2 above may all be combined on one CD ROM identified as a "recovery disk" or "installation disk" or some similar description. This will be a CD ROM disk (Windows operating system files are too large to fit on a floppy disk).

3) Software for various applications that run on your computer such as a Word Processor, Desktop Publisher, Spreadsheet etc.

If you lose any of the original software and your computer later breaks down (eg with hard drive failure), it may be difficult to get your computer up and running again.

So, keep your original software disks safe, together with any instructions or manuals supplied with them.

It's not a bad idea to make a list of all the software disks you've got, writing down the full description of each disk according to what it says on the disk label.
Then, if your computer has to go away for repairs and the software goes with it, you can check afterwards to make sure you get all your precious software back again.

John Selby, technical bloke.

First Printed in SNN Newsletter April 2002