Whether creating digital art, recording music, or editing photos and videos, there is unique software to complete each task. However, the market is filled with hundreds of developers, each offering a range of features for a specific price. And there is always the off chance that one may not be happy with their purchase. So, if you have decided to buy software for your home system, here are ten common mistakes to avoid.

Overspending on features
Every software has numerous standard features, plus optional add-ons for an extra fee. More often than not, the developer’s website will give you several reasons why buying the fully-loaded version is the ideal choice. But you will likely never use some add-on features despite paying more money to unlock them. So, if you are beginning to learn a particular software, spend only on the standard variant. You could eventually pay for additional features as you become more familiar with the tool.

Buying from spurious websites
Every software has a price tag that may occasionally drop during the festive season or on particular sale days. But you may come across a few websites that continually advertise a price too good to be true. These websites may accept your payment but never deliver the software activation code or send one that does not work. So, always check the authenticity of the websites you visit to buy computer programs and avoid those that look suspicious.

Picking the first option
Many people use their search engines to look for the software they need and purchase the first option that shows up on their screens. Remember, links at the top of the results page are often sponsored. So, you might be buying something that does not give you complete value for money. Instead of buying the first product you see, list all the top online retailers selling the software and compare them. Then choose the one that offers the best features for the price.

Rushing the purchase
Just like picking the first option that pops up on the screen, some rush their software purchase because of a time crunch. Doing so may cause you to pay a lot more than you should. So, take enough time to pick software for your needs to ensure you do not overpay for the product. If possible, wait until the holiday season, when retailers drop prices on computer software by a high margin.

Not reading reviews
People often buy software without reading a single review, which is one of the biggest mistakes they could make. Hundreds of customers post ratings and reviews on the internet about their experience with particular software. These posts could cover several factors, including the product’s usability, value for money, and benefits or drawbacks. Reading these online reviews could help you make a more informed decision when buying the software.

Skipping the trial
Another error people make when buying software is not signing up for the trial. Most computer programs offer at least a seven-day trial for users to familiarize themselves with the interface before making a monthly or annual payment. So, do not pay for the tool until you use its trial version to ensure it is the right choice for the tasks you need to complete.

Not checking compatibility
While a particular software may have all the necessary bells and whistles you require, your money might go in vain if you do not check its system compatibility. Each product has different requirements in this aspect. For instance, some may require a certain amount of storage space and RAM to function efficiently, while others may need a specific chipset. So, check if your computer has the basic requirements before buying the software. Doing so will ensure you have the right product.

Making long-term commitments
Many users sign long-term contracts when purchasing software to reduce their subscription fees. However, they fail to consider that their needs might change with time. So, while the software might suit immediate needs, you must assess whether it will still be useful after a few months or a year. If you think your software requirements are temporary, sign up for a monthly package over a yearly subscription.

Going for the lowest-priced deal
You will find many software solutions for the same purpose but at different price points. To save money, users often pick the cheapest product. Doing so leaves them with software that is glitchy and full of bugs. This hampers their overall user experience and compels them to pay more for better tools. So, carefully check the features included in the software along with the price tag to avoid disappointment later.

Not reading the fine print
Besides the software’s features, developers publish terms and conditions and other legal documentation on their websites. Purchasing the program without reading this information could be problematic because many developers list the additional charges in the fine print. The terms and conditions may also mention how users can or cannot use the software and the level of privacy offered. So, you must read the documentation bundled with the software before signing a contract and making the final payment.

Fire inspection software is a valuable and effective tool used by fire inspectors to conduct hazard and safety inspections. The software consists of elements designed to make assessing fire hazards in commercial, residential, and other buildings easier. Good cloud software can help fire inspectors accumulate various data in one place, avoid missing important checks, and cut down the time it takes to input data manually. It also helps one get reports with a single click. 

Best fire inspection software
SmartServ
This cloud-based app is compatible with iOS and Android devices. It provides customers with a variety of inspection and on-demand reports that can be accessed and customized on the field using the SmartServ app. The software allows users to create custom checklists or choose from various templates. It offers a simple drag-and-drop function for tasks like scheduling inspections and reassigning assignments. One can also get features like automatic scheduling and auto-reminders for upcoming inspections. Users can monitor technician clock-in and clock-out times, receive real-time inspection updates, and take notes using voice commands. Quotes/estimates and invoices can also be sent to customers via text messages. The application provides monthly and quarterly business reports to users, covering aspects like business performance, revenue information, betting prospects, and team performance. It has a user-based pricing structure, and users can choose between monthly, quarterly, and annual billing plans. SmartServ comes with 24-hour live customer support.

Inspect Point
Inspect Point Software simplifies fire inspection management. It is compatible with iOS and Android devices and offers inspection forms to ensure compliance. Users can schedule and dispatch inspections, get real-time updates on the field, and generate reports within the software. Users can use a single document to send images, comments, and signatures and point out deficiencies to the office right from the field. This fire inspection software allows one to make on-field suggestions and send and receive messages. Users can choose from three price tiers: silver, gold, and platinum, priced between $109 and $139 per month. Users are, however, billed annually, and two technicians or more are required to sign up for the plans. Based on the required frequency of inspections, users can create and plan inspections for a building.

Safety Inspection Software
This safety software provides web-based dashboards. It notifies users via email of upcoming inspections and alerts fire inspectors of deficiencies. Its inspection routes help users understand the layout of a facility. Users can check the history to learn about the date, time, and inspector who oversaw an inspection. One can manage and create forms using the form builder feature and also record the GPS location. This software helps users manage inspection frequency and work offline, saving data on the cloud. Once the connection is restored, the data is automatically uploaded. The tool offers email and phone support and works with any tablet or smartphone. Safety Inspection Software is priced at $18 per user per month.

Streamline Inspections
This fire and community-risk reduction inspection tool comes with many features that make fire inspections easier. It aids in the easy management of inspection data and reports. It also allows customers to create custom fire inspection checklists based on their requirements. The program is also cloud-based, so it can be accessed from anywhere. The app is designed for iOS devices. The software offers features like code enforcement, customer databases, facility management, failed inspection tracking, image capture, and report templates. Users can use the website to share email-based reports, sync their tablets, and upload signatures. It notifies users of inspection locations and helps avoid unnecessary commutes. This program has a flat-rate fee of $2,000 per year.

Life Safety Inspector
The Life Safety Inspector is a cloud-based web platform that enables users to conduct, track, and administer fire inspections. The app provides inspection and report data, aiding in paper waste reduction. It is Windows-compatible and offers features like scheduling, code maintenance, document management, inspection, and photo management all in one place. It inspects systems like fire pumps, kitchen hoods, fire alarms, fire dampers, fire sprinkler systems, and fire doors. Users can get this fire inspection software for their smartphones or tablets and work offline when experiencing a weak Wi-Fi signal. Users can access PDF reports online. It accepts payments monthly or annually.

Things to consider
Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing fire inspection software:

• The software should have an easy-to-use interface with clear terms, conditions, and instructions.
• The program should be adaptable and capable of integrating with other platforms, such as accounting tools like QuickBooks.
• The software should be able to convert paper files to digital files and work on various devices to increase accessibility.
• The program should be able to enforce fire codes and make recommendations in accordance with National Fire Protection Association and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
• It should be able to generate service proposals.
• The software should be able to capture e-signatures on the field.

While all of the above are excellent options, one should look for an easy-to-use fire inspection software that meets all their needs. One should list all their requirements, for instance, software that offers smooth inspection management and inspection contract administration. One should also consider the pricing and billing system—annual or monthly billing. The software should also work smoothly on the field and in the office.

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and a huge shopping event in the country during which major brands offer exciting discounts on all kinds of products. This includes much-awaited deals on computer software. You can get Black Friday deals on software both online and offline. From photo editing computer software to grammar-checking tools, sellers can offer heavy discounts on every software. So, here are a few deals you can expect this holiday season.

1. Filmora
   This software is used for editing videos and is loaded with useful specs. It can be used to make professional, high-quality videos. On Black Friday 2022, you can get this software at a 50% discount.
2. Grammarly
   This popular computer software is used for checking grammar and can also detect punctuation mistakes and other language-related errors. On Black Friday, you might be able to get a discount of 55%, which is the same as last year.
3. Adobe Illustrator
   This software from Adobe can be used for creating illustrations and vector-based art. People also primarily use it for creating logos for brands. During the upcoming Black Friday sales, this software could be offered at a discount of 40%.
4. Only Office
   This cloud-based software is typically used by companies or workplaces for people to work in teams. This collaborative tool could be available at a great discount this holiday season. You can expect up to 50% off on its token price, just like last year’s sale.
5. Monday.com
   Automating the workflow is one of the main functions of this software. The tool also helps you efficiently utilize your team’s resources. The company is expected to offer a total discount of 25% this Black Friday, apart from additional savings on a monthly basis.
6. Circleboom
   This software is primarily used for getting follower insights on Twitter. Other key features of Circlebloom include finding spammers (if any), auto-publishing tweets, and deleting the tweets. A discount of 50 percent could be offered this Black Friday on this software.
7. McAfee antivirus
   As the name suggests, this tool is used for detecting the viruses in the system and removing them. The brand could offer a discount of $85 on a subscription this Black Friday. So you can protect your computer at a great price.
8. Adobe Photoshop
   This popular computer software is used for editing images. It is extremely useful for photographers, graphic designers, and even beginners who want to learn photo editing. Usually, the subscription for this product could be expensive for most people. However, this Black Friday, you could get a discount of 40%. Additionally, the brand might offer a 20% discount on the student plan.
9. Snapdownloader
   This software is meant for those who download YouTube videos for viewing later. The software is simple to use, and the video can be downloaded by following a few easy steps. An unbelievable discount of 90% might be available this holiday season.
10. Efficient password manager
    Passwords are an integral aspect of using the internet. This computer software helps users by generating secure passwords that cannot be traced or cracked by attackers. A discount of 85% could be offered by the brand for Black Friday 2022 sales.

Computer software can be advanced and user-friendly tools that help people smoothly manage their daily tasks. Keeping an eye out for exciting deals this year can help you get these useful applications at a great price. Also, look for early Black Friday deals to ensure you get the tools and software you want well in time. Consider checking out online retailers and brand websites regularly, as deals could change pretty quickly. Additionally, some great discounts and sales could go live a few weeks prior to Black Friday.

Conference calls have become necessary, especially as companies expand and onboard employees from different parts of the world. Besides, as the work-from-home culture gains momentum, the reliance on video-calling software has witnessed a further increase. Here, we’ll look at some of the top video conference web software and their pricing options.

Zoom
Zoom has become one of the most popular video conferencing software recently. You can use it not only for official meetings but also for informal catch-ups with friends and family. The basic plan is free, and you can add up to 100 participants in one call; however, the time limit is capped at 40 minutes. If needed, you can upgrade to a better plan. For instance, the Pro plan costs around $150/year and offers group meetings for up to 30 hours. You can also go for the Business plan or Enterprise plan, which cost $200/year and $240/year, respectively. The former includes recording transcripts and company branding and can host up to 300 participants, while the latter offers unlimited cloud storage and up to 500 people.

Google Meet
A Google-owned enterprise, Google Meet is famous and easily accessible to anyone with a Gmail account. Like Zoom, Google Meet also offers different pricing and plans besides its free version. The starter plan provides 30 GB of cloud storage and 100 participants for $6/month. The other options include Business Standard and Business Plus for $12/month and $18/month, respectively. With each upgrade, you get better cloud storage and the ability to admit more people. Google Meet also has an Enterprise plan, for which you can contact them directly for pricing.

BlueJeans Meetings
A Verizon product, BlueJeans is another top video conference web software. As far as the pricing goes, BlueJeans Standard costs $120/year for 100 participants and unlimited meeting time. The Pro account allows you 150 participants and 25 hours of recording limit for approximately $170/year. BlueJeans has recently come out with an Enterprise package that hosts 200 people with unlimited recordings, automated closed captioning, and real-time transcription. This plan costs $200/year. There is also an Enterprise Plus version for which you need to contact the BlueJeans sales team to get a quote and summary of the unique features.

Microsoft Teams
This is perfect for those using Microsoft already! The free version enables 100 participants with a 60-minute time limit. You also have the Microsoft 365 Business Basic that costs about $5 per user per month. So depending on how large your team is, this costing will change. The package includes 300 participants and 24 hours of maximum meeting limit. Similarly, another plan—the Microsoft 365 Business Standard—also permits 300 participants and 24 hours of meeting time, but with additional productivity apps. It costs about $13 per user per month.

Managing a business can become quite a task, even for small administrations. From expense tracking to banking and payroll, there are hundreds of factors to consider daily. This is where the expertise of business accounting software can come in handy. These offer a convenient set of tools and applications that simplify day to day operations. 

Here are the three most popular small business accounting software that you must check out for your enterprise:

• QuickBooks intuit
  QuickBooks offers one of the best business accounting software features for small administrations. Entrepreneurs can easily organize all their finances, manage invoicing and payments, track overall cash flow, and manage payroll for employees. The service also features an application for smartphones that enables business management on the go. Apart from being affordable, QuickBooks software is also compatible with apps like Amazon Business, Bill, and Fathom services. The accounting software can be integrated seamlessly with several other QuickBooks apps that track the individual expenses of a business. Plans start at just $12.50/month, going up to $75/month for the more premium features.
• FreshBooks
  FreshBooks is another great affordable software service for managing business expenses for self-employed individuals, freelancers, small businesses, and contractors alike. Avail of a mix of dedicated features for invoicing, expenses tracking, time tracking, project management, payments processing, and generating reports. You can also manage to account for tax purposes. Integration is one of the main features of this business accounting software, as FreshBooks is compatible with over 100 different existing applications for business and inventory management. You can get the Lite version for just $7.50/month and upgrade to premium plans that may cost $25/month for additional services. The service also offers custom pricing for businesses that do not require a complete range of software and applications. Business owners can contact the vendor and ask for a custom quote.
• Xero
  Xero is one of the preferred accounting and business management suites that help simplify day to day transactions for entrepreneurs. The software can be used to track expenses and manage all accounts payable, simplify approvals for costs and reimbursements, manage banking transactions, and set up automation. Xero software is also compatible with a number of online payment suites to enable seamless money transfers, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency accounting. In addition, it ensures seamless payroll management, inventory reconciliation, and reporting for tax compliance. Basic pricing starts at just $11/month, with upgrades available for premium plans priced at $62/month.

A virtual private network or VPN is one of the most useful tools for privacy that can be used at its best when using a public network, as it makes data tracking difficult due to encrypted connection. A VPN connection hides one’s IP address, which prevents companies from keeping tabs on your browsing history. So, if you are thinking of ramping up your privacy setting while using the internet, the following VPN services of 2021 can help you stay off the radar.

NordVPN
It is one of the best VPN services of 2021 that offers its services for both mobiles and desktops. The VPN service offers not only AES-256 standard encryption but also a double VPN system that encrypts the internet traffic twice. This ensures stronger network impermeability when using public networks. NordVPN is one of those VPN services with at least 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries, ensuring uninterrupted privacy. Moreover, it allows up to six simultaneous connections. Some of its other features include DNS leak protection, proxy extensions on Firefox and Chrome browsers, and kill switches. It is also one of the few VPN servers that accepts Bitcoin as payment.

CyberGhost
If you are looking for unblocked worldwide access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and iPlayer, CyberGhost is the VPN service for you. One of the best features of CyberGhost is it has at least 7,000 servers with more than 105 server locations in 91 countries, allowing maximum simultaneous connections of more than 7 devices. CyberGhost runs on almost all operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The VPN service offers a trial period of 45 days with a money-back guarantee.

Surfshark
Like most VPN services, Surfshark offers its services on almost all OS platforms, making it compatible with mobile phones and desktops, thereby ensuring maximum privacy even on public networks. With 24/7 customer support, Surfshark has 3,200 servers in at least 100 locations in 65 countries. While other VPN services offer limited multiple-device connection, Surfshark offers unlimited devices connection. It also has private DNS and double VPN hop that adds an extra layer of security while browsing the internet.

ExpressVPN
It is one of the best VPN services of 2021. ExpressVPN is a trusted name when it comes to online privacy. ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in almost 160 locations across 94 countries, and you can use it even on the go, as it works on both mobile phones and desktops. It can be used on various operating system platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. ExpressVPN has dedicated extensions for web browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

Business owners indefinitely look for ways to outrun the competition with the content on their websites. A CMS (content management system) software helps create, manage, and update these websites regularly. It also acts as a foundation for an online presence. For those in search of a viable cloud-based CMS software, here are three efficient options.

WordPress
Based on PHP and MySQL, WordPress allows a business to create a feature-packed blog or website. The website can consist of videos, images, written content, or other things suitable for a business. It offers users full access to their theme store, unlimited storage space, and a custom domain at cost-effective prices.

Magnolia
The cloud-based CMS software works best for businesses that require websites to execute any task. Magnolia allows the integration of e-commerce, analytic, social media, marketing automation, ERP, and even CRM. One can always add in these features as the business evolves.

Weebly
Weebly is a CMS that is easy to use and allows respective businesses to set up a simple website within minutes. It also sports a drag-and-drop format that enables its users to add or remove media and features to their website with ease.

What’s noteworthy is that CMS is not the same as CRM (customer relation management). However, the two can complement each other. CRM software allows businesses to improve sales and monitor customer relationships, among other features. Here are three cost-effective CRM software to pick from.

Zoho CRM
Zoho enables users to get a 360-degree view of their business. It also allows them to track essential sales and marketing opportunities while increasing their conversion rate. The platform is host to over 150,000 customers globally. Further, the software has stellar features, including an AI-powered sales assistant, price and quote generation, and process management.

Nimble
Nimble, simple by its digital nature, can function within the G-Suite inbox or Office 365. Through Nimble, a business can update their contacts, even manage deals with the workflow. They can also access company and contact insights easily. There’s a useful feature that reminds the users of any pre-planned schedules.

Pipedrive
The sales-oriented CRM utilizes AI to manage new leads, sales and automate recurring tasks. Pipedrive supports over 90,000 customers and has served as a medium for the safe passage of over $24 billion in deals. The software allows a business to organize and create custom stages by rep or team member. An individual can also integrate the software with their smartphone to increase sales with the help of an app.

Square Online provides e-commerce tools and services to help businesses set up an online store. Business owners can easily build a new website with the Square and begin selling their products. If your growing newly venture needs an e-commerce scale-up, you can create a fully functional digital store in minutes. Let’s look at what you can avail with a Square Online website.

Features you’ll get with a Square website
When you create a webpage with the Square website builder, you’ll be able to choose marketing features, interface customisation, and social media integration. The integrative features like syncing with Square POS lets you create an e-store that is set for growth, aling with the option of setting up contactless pay options for seamless transactions. Moreover, Square Online has a to-the-point dashboard that has great analytics so that you can easily map a customer’s journey on the site. The best part is that you don’t need any coding experience to set up a website with Square Online; it’s easy, quick, and efficient.

Square website building costs
If you want to simply try the platform to see if it works for your business, start by building a website for free with Square Online. There’s one condition though: you have to pay when you make a sale. Square will take 2.9% + 30¢ for every purchase made. There are other options too. like Professional, Performance, and Premium. We particularly like the Performance set up because it is economical at around $26 per month. And you get to publish customer reviews on the site and send emails to potential buyers who have abandoned their carts. The Premium option is the most expensive set-up costing around $72 per month, but you get additional cost-cutting features.

Good alternatives to Square Online
While Square Online has amazing features, it is not the only option for setting up an online store. You can also explore options like Duda and BigCommerce. Duda is a major software suite that helps you create a website for multiple screens. It is mostly used by small and medium-sized companies. BigCommerce, on the other hand, hosts businesses of varied sizes. You can use their attractive storefront themes and advanced item search features to grow a customer base.

Despite the iPhone’s many advanced security features, the risk of malware remains for one reason ― it is connected to the web. Hackers can still access a phone via the internet, which is why there are antivirus programs to keep sensitive data protected. Picking the right antivirus for the iPhone comes down to the safety options that are offered. Here are some of the best antivirus software that come with robust security features.

McAfee Antivirus Plus
The McAfee Antivirus Plus offers protection for cloud-based offline and online data for your iPhone. It has a strong firewall, apt malware identification, and quick spam filtration that can be used across multiple devices at home. It protects your identity over the internet and reduces the risk of online theft. Although there is a lack of parental control features, the multi-device security makes it worth getting, especially if many family members own iPhones and other Apple devices.

Bitdefender Mobile Security for iOS
This antivirus software by Bitdefender offers VPN protection for encrypted data transfer. It will protect your online activity and secure any sensitive information sent via the web. There is also a way to check for breaches of privacy so that you’re always aware of a third-party invader. The software also shields the user from clicking on a malicious page, putting their data at risk. Bitdefender is a good program for privacy and protection in an antivirus for their iPhone.

Kaspersky Security Cloud for iOS
Kaspersky offers all-around protection for iOS with features like VPN, password manager, and Home Wi-Fi security. It activates automatically when a dangerous connection is detected over the internet. This saves your phone from phishing, false advertising, and other online vulnerabilities which would otherwise spew viruses into the system. The Kaspersky Safe Kids, which comes with the software, is great for adjusting parental controls and protecting the content a child is exposed to. There are several surprising features too that can be explored, like data leak detection and payment protection.

Getting an antivirus for your iPhone will not only keep your device free of malware and speed it up, but it will also keep you safe from online threats.

A professionally crafted resume that is to the point, has the necessary specifics, and highlights your skills increases your chances of getting a good job. The document details and addresses what is important, right from their personal/professional preferences to career and growth expectations. Today, you can use a resume builder software to simply this task. Here are the top free and paid options you must check out!

Resume Genius
If you want to create a truly professional resume and are okay with paying for it, Resume Genius is a software that can deliver in less than 10 minutes. You can select from myriad template styles and answer a detailed questionnaire for the software to compile all the information. You can also add more details relevant to the template to make the resume more comprehensive. The option of switching templates after you have selected one in the beginning allows for added flexibility in terms of design and content viewing. Once you are satisfied with the results, simply download the resume for a nominal fee of $2 during the trial period. Note that the monthly subscription and download rates will vary on the basis of the plan you pick.

Resume.com
Looking for free templates and designs? Download a copy free of charge in minutes with Resume.com’s comprehensive software tool. Simply follow the step-by-step process to add information, refer to expert tips curated by industry experts, and download a well-crafted professional resume today. There are multiple columns and subheadings to fill out details about education, professional skills, work experience, as well as your personality traits or preferences. You can also refer to sample resumes from the website’s exclusive database and create one based on any of the available templates.

Resume Builder/Resume Maker 2021
Some people may find it difficult to use comprehensive software tools and need a simpler solution to create a detailed looking resume. So, how about a free resume builder app that can create a professional looking document in just a matter of minutes? Android users can download the Resume Builder app from Play Store while iOS customers can download a similar variant called Resume Star from the App Store. All you have to do is choose a template and fill out the details to create a new pdf file. Resume Star additionally lets you change the font and experiment with layouts that work well for the design you pick.