COMPUTER SOFTWARE- ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARDS By WILLIAM T. SUNLEY, Engineer of Local Roads and Streets Credits to: Brad Smrcina, Program Data Management Specialist

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