I get asked “what software do you use for…” alot, so here is a list of software I recommended for the Windows (XP/Vista) user.
[[ UPDATE ]] I’ve added a Mac section as I just got my first iMac a few months ago.
Windows
Internet Programs
- Firefox – web browsing (replaces Windows Internet Explorer)
- Chrome - web browsing
- Thunderbird – e-mail client
- Lightning – calendar
- Filezilla – FTP client
- Pidgen – IM client
- Google Earth – 3-D virtual globe
- Dropbox – “cloud” file sharing, syncing program
Office Programs
- OpenOffice – office suite (replaces Microsoft Office)
- LibreOffice - office suite (replaces Microsoft Office, fork of OpenOffice that is more opensource)
- PDF Creator – create a PDF via printing
- Notepad++ – plain text editor (replaces notepad)
- Todolist – a free to-do-list application
Security and Anti-Virus Programs
- AVG – anti-virus (free for personal use)
- Security Essentials – anti-virus
- Malwarebytes – malware removing
Computer System Tools
- CCleaner – Windows system optimization and privacy tool
- 7Zip – file compression and decompression
- Synctoy2 – backup files
- Syncback - backup files (non-free, has very advanced features and very robust)
- CDBurnerXP - CD/DVD burner
Audio/Video Programs
- VLC – media player (plays DVD also)
- Miro – podcast media player
- AnyDVD – DVD ripper (not free)
- Itunes – purchase songs and media organizer (sync with iPhone and iPods)
- Songbird – media organizer (sync with Plam Pre)
- Hadbrake – Video transcoder, DVD ripper
- WinFF – video converter
Image/Photo/Media Programs
- Picasa – photo/media organizer
- Gimp – Photoshop alternative
- Paint.NET – Photoshop alternative (simpler and easier to use then Gimp)
Network Tools
- NetStumbler – wifi scanner (war driving)
- Wireshark – network protocol analyzer
- Nmap – port scanner (Windows and Linux)
- Ninite – web based utility to select different apps and have only one install
Windows Tweak/Configuration
- Ultimate Windows Tweaker – customize Windows 7
- UltraMon – dual monitor system (not free)
- allSnap – snap windows (like KDE)
Most of these are free and open-source.
Here are some other good lists of software :
Lifehacker – 61 Free Desktop Applications, Webapps, and Tools We’re Most Thankful For
Mac OS X
Internet Programs
- Firefox – web browsing (replaces Windows Internet Explorer)
- Chrome - web browsing
- Dropbox – “cloud” file sharing, syncing program
Office Programs
- LibreOffice - office suite (replaces Microsoft Office, fork of OpenOffice that is more opensource)
Security and Anti-Virus Programs
- none yet
Computer System Tools
- The Unarchiver – file compression and decompression
Audio/Video Programs
- VLC – media player (plays DVD also)
- Itunes – purchase songs and media organizer (sync with iPhone and iPods), comes with iMac
Image/Photo/Media Programs
- iPhoto – comes with the iMac, very basic, really really need a better one
Network Tools
- Nmap – port scanner (Windows and Linux)
