See also ZDNet's Computer Shopper article . Although online ordering is a big time-saver, and can often be cheaper for computer products and books, internet shopping is not always the cheapest . If you are outside US, downloadable software is easier to buy - no shipping or customs charges. CD manuals about a product are not the actual product. Previous versions of software may be cheaper and good value, if you want the older version.
Some software is available with the interface in non-English languages.
Run a search on several of these sites. Each is only as good as the range of merchants it links to. If you are a newcomer to computers or website design, learn more Newbie Club . Deal Time Checks out cheapest suppliers of software, hardware and a number of categories of non-computer products. Seems to give very comprehensive results.