Software News Daily » Ramblings

Groundhog Day Sale!

Kyle — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:54:09 +0000

As winter slowly draws to a close, the nation -hopeful for an early spring- turns its collective eyes to the most trusted meteorologist the world has ever known: Punxsutawney Phil (sorry, Roker). For generations, Phil, like some wizened, soothsaying sciurid of yore, has predicted the end of winter and the onset of seasons that we don’t hate.

Unfortunately, Phil, the Nostradamus of the Animal Kingdom, has seen his shadow, foretelling another six grueling weeks of snow and ice.

There’s no need to fret, however, because SoftwareMedia.com is having a special promotion in honor of our prophetic, furry friend: today only, use promo code GROUNDHOG and get $10* off at SoftwareMedia.

*Valid only on 2/2/2012. Limit one (1) per customer. Valid on orders of $40 or more.

National Internet Blackout Day – The Fight Against Censorship

Kyle — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:14:38 +0000

For the past few months, the internet has been abuzz with news of some controversial -many would say dangerous- pieces of legislation: The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). If you are not yet familiar with these proposed pieces of Orwellian control, you can read the full text of the Stop Online Piracy Act here.

Today, January 18th, 2011, SoftwareMedia.com and Software News Daily have joined hundreds if not thousands of websites (including Google, Wikipedia, Mozilla, Tumblr, and many others) in the National Internet Blackout Day, one of the largest online protests the world has ever seen.

You too can do your part to help tell Congress that We The People oppose SOPA and PIPA, by signing Google’s Online Petition.

Protect the freedom of information – say NO to SOPA and PIPA!

Extreme Makeover: Website Edition

Kyle — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:34:56 +0000

...we know where our towels are.

Don’t freak out, but Software News Daily has had a bit of a digital face-lift. After upgrading to the new version of wordpress, we realized that there were alot of things we could do to make your favorite source for software and technology news even better. “Not possible,” you say? Well, just sit back, sip a nice pan-galactic gargle-blaster and remember not to panic as you explore the shiny, new layout of Software News Daily.

11/11/11 Sale!

Kyle — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:17:40 +0000

Since the dawn of the new millennium, we have been witness to a slew of mathematically anomalous dates like 01/02/03 or the dreaded 06/06/06.

Today is 11/11/11 and to celebrate this numerical sequence (which won’t be seen again for another century) SoftwareMedia.com is having an 11/11/11 sale!

Today only, use promo code 111111 and save $11* at SoftwareMedia.com!

*Offer ends at midnight. Valid for purchases over $100. Limit one per customer.

SoftwareMedia Attending VentureTech Network Conference

Justin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:17:04 +0000

SoftwareMedia.com is attending the Ingram Micro VentureTech Network Conference in Las Vegas today and tomorrow. What’s VTN, you ask? VentureTech Network (VTN) is a North American organization of IT firms who focus on the SMB market. It offers unmatched geographic coverage and technical expertise. We’ll be here listening to speakers like Cindy Bates of Microsoft, Tony Hsieh of Zappos.com and Ingram Micro’s own Paul Bay. If you happen to be in town attending the conference, let us know; we’d love to meet with you!

UPDATE: Here are a few pics we’ve taken of the conference.

Quite a few people came out for the conference.

Listening to Tony Hsieh was great!

While in town, we had to make a stop at Zappos’ HQ

Corel Painter 12 Giveaway!

Justin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:00:31 +0000

Corel Painter turned 20 this year. First off; congratulations to Corel for creating (and perfecting) the premier digital painting design software. We applaud their hard work and dedication, and hope for continued tweaks and enhancements to what is already a FANTASTIC application.

At the office, we are spoiled. We get the opportunity to try out newly released software; create fun (i.e. dumb or silly) videos about the products we love; and write about nerdy topics like the disambiguation of the words nerd, dork and geek, or the history of Microsoft. So, we thought we should spoil some of our loyal minions.

We are giving away 2 copies of Corel Painter 12, one through each of our Facebook and YouTube pages. To be eligible to win, it’s about as easy as it gets: simply “Like” the SoftwareMedia Facebook Page or subscribe to our YouTube page and post a comment why you want Corel Painter 12. That’s it! We’ll then randomly draw 2 lucky winners and send them a free copy of this delightful digital art software. If you haven’t tried Corel Painter before, you have no idea what you’re missing. While visiting our YouTube Channel, check out some of the tutorials we’ve whipped up.

At SoftwareMedia, we’re more than just software resellers; we’re your source of software news, tips, and tutorials (not to mention great contests and giveaways).

Software Buying Secrets – OEM vs Retail

Justin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:00:48 +0000

When buying software online, there can be over a dozen variations within a single product-line: edition, version, upgrade, full, electronic delivery, physical box, as well as retail and OEM. For the average shopper looking for the right software, it can be overwhelming to sort through. A product type that has gained in popularity over the years, especially due to the online shopping marketplace, is OEM. This guide is designed to help dispel any myths associated with OEM as well as weigh the pros and cons of buying OEM software versus retail box.

What Is OEM?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and, in the case of software, is designed for companies who build computers and install the software prior to the machine being sold to the public. OEM software is often bought in bulk and doesn’t include the retail packaging normally associated with the product as it is found on your local store shelf. Manufacturers spend millions of dollars on packaging and shipping costs, so by removing this expense, they are able to sell these programs in bulk for much less to the retail companies. They, in turn, can lower their costs and pass the savings on to you, the consumer.

OEM vs Retail

Since OEM doesn’t include the physical box, most of the time you’ll only get the cd/dvd in a sleeve; you won’t receive any of the manuals or extra papers included with the retail box (however, many manufacturers have all their manuals and documentation available on their websites, so you can access the information should you need it). Also, since OEM software is designed to go with new computer systems, the license to use the software is tied directly to that system. Once installed on a computer, it cannot be transferred to a different machine. Additionally, most manufacturers have limited support for OEM software.

Apart from the lack of manuals and support features, OEM products are the same working versions as the one you’d receive in the retail box. It’s not a stripped down or modified version of the program. Once again, since the software isn’t packaged in the box, it is often much cheaper than buying the full retail box version.

OEM versus Retail Bottom Line

Ultimately, when deciding between retail versus OEM software, it comes down to cost versus support. If you don’t need the box, manual, or support options, and won’t be transferring the program to another computer, OEM is definitely the cost-effective route to go. Some OEM software titles are more than 50% off the MSRP. Talk about getting a great deal!

AutoCAD 2012 LT New Features

Kyle — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:35:42 +0000

In March, Autodesk released its 2012 product line, including AutoCAD 2012 LT. We understand that some people are hesitant to immediately upgrade to a new version of a software product before they really get a chance to see some of the new features, improvements and upgrades that have been made to the program. So, we have put together a little video overview of some of the cool new features in AutoCAD 2012 LT. We think you’ll be as amazed about the advancements made to this version as we were!

Right now, you can buy AutoCAD LT 2012 at mega-low prices and qualify for a $300 mail in rebate!

For all of the latest software tutorials, free software guides, licensing overviews and product tours, check out our YouTube page! Our subscribers have access to all of our news and videos, plus exclusive promo codes, discounts and free software giveaways!

SoftwareMedia Rated Excellent by STELLAService

Justin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:48:39 +0000

It’s no secret that SoftwareMedia leads the industry in Customer Service. With 5-Star ratings from sites like Pricegrabber and Nextag as well as a BBB A+ Accredited Business rating, we pride ourselves in our dedication to our customers. However, we don’t rest on our laurels here. We actively seek to achieve top marks in all consumer rating sites, and we’re pleased to announce we’ve recently been awarded “Excellent” by STELLAService.

Our team of Customer Service reps work tirelessly to ensure every customer that orders from our site has every question and concern fully addressed. We build real relationships with our customers so they feel a part of our family and know when they come to SoftwareMedia.com, they’ll get not only the best prices, but also get treated like actual people. Some companies may call that unreasonable or old fashioned; at SoftwareMedia, we call it business as usual.

Nerds, Geeks, Dorks and Dweebs – Part 1

Kyle — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:00:52 +0000

Nerds, Geeks, Dorks and Dweebs

We are everywhere…

This is the first of a five-part, in-depth examination of what differentiates Nerds, Geeks, Dorks and Dweebs. You’ll find no overly simplistic Venn diagrams here.

Without regard to race, religion, nationality, gender or any of the other multitude of classifications that have inspired xenophobic ideologies in those too ignorant to embrace the wonders of diversity, some of the most commonly used terms for those considered “abnormal” by the mainstream are geek, nerd, dork and dweeb.

These terms are commonly used in our society, but are generally lacking universally accepted, official definitions. What is a nerd, by definition? What is a geek? In a nerd vs geek lightsaber duel, who would prove the victor? What is the difference between dorks and dweebs? Why do people even want to know these things?

In spite of the fact that a large portion of the population falls into one of these four categories (the Software News Daily staff included) there exists no definitive sociological examination of these social classifications.

So, inspired by a desire to accurately represent and elaborate on our proud people, we at SND are here to answer the questions that have plagued mankind since the dawn of time (or at least the past couple of years). What is the difference between nerds and geeks, dorks and dweebs?

These terms -which found their advent in the chewing-tobacco stained mouths of high school jocks who think “oxymoron” is an insult to their heritage- were used initially as pejorative labels meant to dehumanize and persecute those who did not immediately conform to preconceived notions of social normality (and often had an affinity for pocket protectors).

The words “Nerd” and “Geek” have become commonplace terminologies in our society, often being used interchangeably with “Dork” and “Dweeb” to refer to a person who is socially awkward, generally intelligent, and often engages in strange or obscure hobbies. While these terms may have -at one time- been generally synonymous, they have since evolved and grown to encompass very specific groups of people, and while there may indeed be a great deal of cross-over between groups -a nerd can be a dweeb and a geek can be a dork- each term, when examined independently, carries its own meanings, stereotypes, and social standing.

In recent times, these once-abusive words (particularly geek and nerd) have become badges of honor among those who bear them. Many of those same “losers” that were the brunt of ridicule in their youth, have risen to the upper echelons of society and now fully embrace their titles as they bring their Mercedes (paid for by a generous salary as a high level computer programmer) to their once-bully-turned-auto-mechanic for a second coat of wax.

Next week begins our examination of our first subject: The Nerd.