Do people use their computers anymore or do they only use their phones?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What key attributes software should have?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Any other attributes that software should have?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of these are free for home use, many are free regardless, and many are open source. As usual YMMV (your mileage may vary).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communication<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skype is certainly a solution, but has fallen out of favor with me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For group calls in 2020 I would use Google Meet and Zoom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zoom does require downloading the Zoom software to make it operate best. For some people Zoom is easier – it can be just one click.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At work, we use both Zoom and MS Teams. I have not tried using Teams for personal group calls yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Picasa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a Google Labs product to organize and edit your digital photos.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notepad++<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a text editor for windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I use this as a Microsoft Notepad replacement.\u00a0 It has support for various types of file formats.\u00a0 Great when I am uploading parameters to this blog, or editing HTML in raw format.\u00a0 It has a tab interface to open multiple files at the same time. I always download it from PortableApps.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foxit Reader<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Foxit Reader is an Adobe <\/a>Reader<\/a> substitute. It is lightweight and free. Foxit Reader has a premium version that allows for editing and annotation of PDF files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PrimoPDF<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avast!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the home edition, you do have to register every year to continue receiving the updates to the virus definitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n