Does anyone have any suggestions on how to organize software? I have several computers and have tons of software.
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Posted 1 year ago #
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If you want to manage software licenses, try http://keyfiler.com
It's a product of the same friendly folks who are responsible for Unclutterer.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hi iTracyg, when I was managing an office the only way we could keep it straight was to keep the various softwares at the desks associated with the various workstations. At home I'm afraid DH and I just throw all the software boxes in a closet.
What I WANT to do, however, is create a box or file for each computer or gadget, take all the software out of its individual boxes (yes, we have some that is old enough to have come in a big cardboard box LOL), and put the various copies in the box/file associated with the gadget. And keep our various licenses and logins and passwords in the box/file as well.
We have a laptop running Windows 7, a desktop running XP, a Palm Pre smartphone, and a Dish DVR - all have manuals, and junk, and the Pre and the DVR have contracts, and now that I think of it there are even contracts for the computers (Norton Security, firewall, etc). I would prefer to have everything neatly segregated. It's such a hassle to do an upgrade when you have to dig through a closet full of random stuff.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Not the licenses but the actual disks.
I have several different storage options (I would not call them solutions) and none of them are working for me.
*I have some of them in a file cabinet if they came with a big manual and have the license info on the cd sleeve.
*If the manual is just a couple of pages I put them into a cd case and put them in a rack or cd book.
*Some of them came in DVD case so I put those in a DVD box.
*Some of them had the information on the large box so I leave them in the box and put them in the closet.Posted 1 year ago # -
I keep all the warranties and sales slips in the file drawer for finances.
I keep all the user manuals on a bookshelf.
I put all the software in the cheap, slim CD cases and put a sticker on the inside of the case with the serial number, for ease in installation. I store all the CD cases in an office drawer.
Since so much software is downloaded these days, I have a section of my Rolodex devoted to usernames and passwords for various accounts. Serial number for software added when available.
Relevant stuff may thus be found in four different places. Works for me because like is grouped with like, and can be packed together efficiently.
Posted 1 year ago # -
For what little software I have on discs, I keep in a CD binder in a desk drawer. Although I don't have any manuals or anything.
Most of my software I have ripped to my computer (older stuff without copy protection). And newer stuff I almost always buy digital. That way I don't have to worry about losing the discs or anything. Most places will let you buy digital and sign up so you can download it at any point in time in the future, or at least that is my experience.
And for keys, I use a PasswordSafe.
Posted 1 year ago # -
At home I have one of those Snap-N-Store CD Boxes that I keep all my software in. I get rid of the larger box, and usually the manuals too. I place all the CDs in the paper CD envelopes and write or tape the serial number onto the envelope and write which computer they are for. It keeps them contained and easy to store all in one place.
At the office we use 9"x12" clasp envelopes and everyone keeps theirs in a desk or file cabinet drawer.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I have a ring-binder with sleeves that take two disks on each side. There's also a file-card beside each disk where I can put the registration code if there is one. I usually just tear that bit of the booklet off and slide it in, so there's no transcription errors.
I don't bother keeping manuals - who ever uses them? They are almost invariably available online anyway.
It's worthwhile having a look through and purging out-of-date stuff periodically. Software is not something that keeps forever.
I like to keep hard copies as I tinker with computers and sometimes have to re-install stuff. But the folder seems to work pretty well.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I was thinking about this a bit, and the other thing is - how much software do you really need? Do you have stuff that is un-necessarily dupicated? I have a lot of graphics software, because of my work; at the moment I'm keeping a few but I think the smart thing to do is pick one that has ALL of the functions I need and ditch the rest. When you get familiar and comfortable with one system, there's no need for others.
I use Open Office now - openoffice.org - as it is free, and easy to install and update, and very compatible with Microsoft. I found it useful when the the kids came home with docx format documents that my old Microsoft Office suite wouldn't open. But I could import them into open office.
Also, remember to BACK UP YOUR HARD DRIVE. This is CRITICAL especially if you're using downloaded software. I have an older Mac that doesn't have 'time machine'. I downloaded a free program called 'carbon copy cloner' and copied my whole hard drive onto a $70 external hard drive. Easy peasy and now if my drive dies, I can easily restore my files.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Just yesterday, I went through a shoe box full of software CDs and except for two cases (an emergency Knoppix and my beloved Diablo II) I tossed everything. They were either very outdated, the license expired, or I began using a free alternative years ago (such as OpenOffice instead of Word/Excel).
If you really want to keep a lot of software CDs, maybe sort them by year or operating system, and throw them out when they become obsolete (when you upgrade your operating system or when a new version of the software is released). I think it makes sense to store the license codes both with the CDs as well as separately and safe; in case you lose the CDs somehow, you can still download a current software version from the internet and use your license key.
Klutzgrrl, that reminded me to back up everything again... thank you for that! I just had the idea of backing up a list of the programs I use as well, so it would not be such a hassle to replace in case something happened.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Sigh... I needed these tips a few months ago when I had to reformat my computer and could not for the life of me find the backup CDs it had come with. I eventually decided my dad had thrown them out by mistake and reinstalled everything manually, which of course took ages longer than doing it from the CD would have. Then, last weekend, I redid my paper filing system and there, in an UNMARKED hanging folder, were all the CDs I would've needed, plus a bunch of operating manuals. (insert expasperation with self here)
"Organize software" is going on my weekend to do list. I have a system started: one box for software and small electronics, within which each piece has its own ziplock bag with all relevant CDs, operating manuals, warranty documents, serial numbers and receipts. Now if only I could stick to that :)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Oh, arghh, another thing for my list. I can see a pile of software under my desk as I type. Sigh....
Posted 1 year ago # -
We throw away all packaging, write the product key directly on the disk (so it can't get lost) and on a post-it note stored with the disc (so we can enter it while the disc is in the drive). The discs are all stored in a binder with CD sleeves. In five years, 3 computers, and approx 10 reformats, we've NEVER needed the manuals/packaging that came with the software
Posted 1 year ago #
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