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Gerg's Free&Great! Quick Picks
Think open-source software can't be better than the big-name, well-advertised, pricey, bloat-ware you've been using (are you listening Microsoft, Symantec, McAfee, Adobe?)? Then it's time for you to do some research in the industry journals (eWeek, Internet Week, PC World, PC Magazine, Maximum PC, CRN Tech, Computer Shopper, etc.), &/or use your favorite search engine, &/or ask some PC experts, &/or visit some user forums, OR take a peek below.
It's time to look into complementing or replacing your expensive (or stolen?) fancy-ware with leading-edge, user-driven, safe, clean, efficient, open-source and freeware such as these examples.
The software listed below (except for the firewalls and anti-virus programs) can be run alongside your current software for comparison. When you settle upon a favorite, simply remove what you no longer use. Although all of these are pretty user-friendly regarding their setup & use, we can help you select and setup any of these; and we can help you migrate your data - where appropriate.
(Remember, CTRL + Click to open links in a new browser tab or window.)
Keep in mind that the developers of this software want to make a living, too. Often, they offer a simpler version of their pay-for software so that you'll try it out and then upgrade. Feel encouraged to contribute to the efforts of the open-source or kitchen-table developers. But also BE CAREFUL when you install ANY software & only install the options you want - some companies try to slip in stuff you DO NOT want (Apple Updater, ZoneAlarm Anti-Malware & Yahoo! toolbar come to mind.)
Firewall
- Zone Alarm (for XP & earlier)
- Comodo Pro (for Vista & earlier)
A firewall is a system that secures a computer, shielding it from access by unauthorized users. If you already have a firewall (the built-in Windows firewall doesn't count), you must uninstall that before you install one of those listed above.
Anti-Virus
If you already have an antivirus program installed, you must uninstall it before you install the one listed above.
Anti-Malware
These guard against & remove spyware, key loggers, hijackers, etc. Install and run all of these.
Web Browser
Microsoft's Internet Explorer claims to meet international Internet standards but doesn't; Opera & Firefox are among those that really do. Whereas IE opens your computer to attacks from web sites & invites malicious programs, Firefox & Opera (& Safari) protect you.
- Thunderbird (similar look and feel to MS Outlooks)
- Eudora (The classic early email program)
PDF Reader
- Foxit Reader (even allows one to place notes on a PDF for personal use.)
This program will not annoy you with reminders to update/patch constantly, & is safer, faster, smaller.
Office Suite
Open Office offers a word processor very similar to MS Word, a spreadsheet very similar to MS Excel, a presentation program very similar to MS Powerpoint. These programs are fully compatible with their Microsoft counterparts. You can view documents that were created in the Microsoft suite and you can save documents that you want viewed in someone else's Microsoft suite.
Organizer
- Palm Desktop (calendar, contacts, scheduler, alarms, notes, etc.)
Note: Not all of its other functions will work in Vista.
Music
- iTunes (music player, labeler, and organizer)
Much safer, smaller, cleaner, less obnoxious than Windows Media Player, WinAmp, or RealPlayer.
Photos
- Picasa (photo viewer, labeler, and organizer)
Note: We support only Windows computers because our chosen client base most commonly uses it. However, among the common operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux), Windows ranks last in most surveys and reviews - Vista especially. We do not recommend Windows for anyone who doesn't actually need it -- Vista even less (XP still available on almost all new computers, if you demand it).