Document Reader
OpenOffice – Has most of the same features as Microsoft Office however not quite as fancy as an interface. Can read and write Microsoft office documents.
Tip – Change the save settings to automatically save documents in .doc format, if you save files in the open office format users with Microsoft word will not be able to open it.
Google Docs – Keeps all your documents online, and can now be used offline with google gears.
Media Players
VLC Media Player – This lightweight player plays every video file I have thrown at it except for real media files, it can also play mp3, .iso, and DVD’s, especially a must have if you download movies.
Web Browsers
Firefox – Constantly updated so any bugs or security threats are usually fixed fast, and has tons of extensions to chose from.
Opera – Another browser that is my favorite right out of the box, if you are not into messing around with extensions it is my personal favorite.
Editing
Seashore – Easy to use photo editing program.
Compression
File Sharing
Frostwire – If you are a limewire user, this is made by the same people, but with less restrictions and all the features limewire pro has.
Instant Messaging
Skype – IM, Video, Audio chat, can also be used to call regular phones.
Adium – Connect, to almost any IM Service, aim, yahoo, msn, google…
FTP
Other Programs
Google Earth – Offers maps and satellite images for complex or pinpointed regional searches.
Logmein – Control your computer remotely when your not at home.
Celtx – Combines full-feature scriptwriting with pre-production support and also enables online collaboration.
Power Hour – Fun Drinking Game
Anti Virus
AVG Free - Offers free virus, spyware protection, if you are using Norton this is a much better application, the only paid app I have come across that matches it is Nod 32. AVG also offers a paid application however I do not recommend buying it, the free version is more than enough.
Tip – Make sure your virus protection is always updated! If you are the type to leave your computer on, then you can schedule your anti virus to run scans in the middle of the night.
Anti Spyware
Spybot – Search & Destroy – Even though windows and most virus protection now come with antispyware protection I always install this application on computers, it can protect you from spyware and remove spyware.
Tip – Make sure to keep your antispyware program updated, reimunize after each update.
Document Reader
Open Office – Has most of the same features as Microsoft Office however not quite as fancy as an interface. Can read and write Microsoft office documents.
Tip – Change the save settings to automatically save documents in .doc format, if you save files in the open office format users with Microsoft word will not be able to open it.
Acrobat Reader – There are alternatives to this however this is what the vast majority know, it’s free, easy, and has worked for me.
Tip – Adobe likes to keep a process running when you start up your computer, Go to Start, run, type msconfig, click the start up tab and uncheck anything that says adobe. Also it is good idea to keep the program updated.
Google Docs – Keeps all your documents online, and can now be used offline with google gears.
Media Players
VLC Media Player – This lightweight player plays every video file I have thrown at it except for real media files, it can also play mp3, .iso, and DVD’s, especially a must have if you download movies.
iTunes – If you have a music collection, ipod, or are into podcasting, buying music, shows, movies.
Web Browsers
Firefox – Constantly updated so any bugs or security threats are usually fixed fast, and has tons of extensions to chose from.
Opera – Another browser that is my favorite right out of the box, if you are not into messing around with extensions it is my personal favorite.
Safari – I personally do not use it, but if you are an apple user switching over it may be for you.
Chrome – Based off the same back end as safari.
Compression
7-Zip – Open source Windows utility for manipulating archives. Formats 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR are supported fully, other formats can be unpacked.
File Sharing
Frostwire – If you are a Limewire user, this is made by the same people, but with less restrictions and all the features limewire pro has.
Instant Messaging
Skype – IM, Video, Audio chat, can also be used to call regular phones.
Pidgin – Connect, to almost any IM Service, aim, yahoo, msn, google…
FTP
Other Programs
Google Earth – Offers maps and satellite images for complex or pinpointed regional searches.
Logmein – Control your computer remotely when your not at home.
Celtx – Combines full-feature scriptwriting with pre-production support and also enables online collaboration.
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