Do people use their computers anymore or do they only use their phones?
I use my computer — a desktop PC or a Macbook Air – I like the full size keyboard and the versatility of my desktop or notebook computer.
What key attributes software should have?
- Provides a solution to a problem or fill a need.
- Mostly error free; I’m not naive enough to think that any software is totally bug free.
- A value, solution should meet or exceed the cost.
- Easy to use.
- Easy to install and uninstall.
Any other attributes that software should have?
The purpose of this blog entry is to highlight some software that I use on a regular basis to do a variety of tasks. I have updated this post in 2021 as things change over time.
Most of these are free for home use, many are free regardless, and many are open source. As usual YMMV (your mileage may vary).
Communication
Skype was a go to for me and my family before Facetime, Google Meet, Zoom, and a variety of internet based solutions came around – and before the ubiquitous smartphone.
Skype is certainly a solution, but has fallen out of favor with me.
For one on one video calls, I use Facetime as most the contacts I would video call with are iPhone users. When my daughter was studying abroad we used Facetime over the internet to talk to her. It was free and easy.
For group calls in 2020 I would use Google Meet and Zoom.
Google Meet does not require any software, just a Google account and your browser. It is fairly simple you only need to send a link to everyone you want to join the call. It works on your computer, iPhone, or Android.
Zoom does require downloading the Zoom software to make it operate best. For some people Zoom is easier – it can be just one click.
At work, we use both Zoom and MS Teams. I have not tried using Teams for personal group calls yet.
I found that Zoom seems to work better when trying to get the family on a group call – but use Google Meet when sharing a game like Jackbox Games over the internet – the sound seems to work better when I share the game with everyone.
This is a Google Labs product to organize and edit your digital photos. It does a pretty good job of organizing your photos and helping you upload them to a wide variety of printing services from Walgreens to Shutterfly – except that Google has stopped supporting the Picasa desktop software. I still use it at home – I have not found a suitable alternative yet.
This is a text editor for windows.
A source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several languages.
I use this as a Microsoft Notepad replacement. It has support for various types of file formats. Great when I am uploading parameters to this blog, or editing HTML in raw format. It has a tab interface to open multiple files at the same time. I always download it from PortableApps.com.
Foxit Reader is an Adobe Reader substitute. It is lightweight and free. Foxit Reader has a premium version that allows for editing and annotation of PDF files.
One drawback is the integration with the browser – it works – but if you are filling out forms, such as the state of Wisconsin Income Tax forms online, it does not work, you have to revert back to Adobe Reader.
Ever want to send someone a PDF version of the file you are working on? Here is a great way to do it, PrimoPDF becomes a printer on your system. When you are ready to create a PDF you just print to the PrimoPDF printer and create a PDF file.
For home virus protection on my PC, I use Avast! Home Edition. While I it is not always reviewed at the top of the charts when virus software is rated, my family has been using Avast! for several years with success.
For the home edition, you do have to register every year to continue receiving the updates to the virus definitions.
There are a ton of FTP tools available. FileZilla has fit the bill on a number of occasions where other tools failed. It has the ability to FTP on a secure basis as well. I have used this both at home for my personal sites as well as projects in my professional life.
It has a multipane layout that is easy to use.
While I promote Libre Office as an alternative to Microsoft Office, I am not a regular user. I have legal copies of Microsoft Office for my PCs, so I have had less need for a free office suite. However, as I add PCs to my family, Libre Office is the office suite choice for me.
Do you have some programs that you would like me to add to this list? Tell me about them.