T101.4 - Computer Software
The digital world has dramatically changed all aspects of commerce. While there are some businesses that are only slightly affected by digital technology, like the old fashioned donut shop at the local strip mall, many others are dramatically affected. If you are going to utilize computers and technology in your business, it is often hard to decide what to use and how far to go.
The "Computer Software" I am referring to here is separate from your operating system and its various built in tools and utilities. Computer Software, also referred to more specifically as Computer Software Applications or Computer Software Programs, is installed on your computer and it does 'stuff' or allows you to do stuff and store data on your computer.
The following list details items that should be the first things loaded onto any new computer.
The "Computer Software" I am referring to here is separate from your operating system and its various built in tools and utilities. Computer Software, also referred to more specifically as Computer Software Applications or Computer Software Programs, is installed on your computer and it does 'stuff' or allows you to do stuff and store data on your computer.
The following list details items that should be the first things loaded onto any new computer.
- Required Software (at a minimum)
- Other Software
- Protection
- Web Browser
- Web Browser Extensions
- Remote Access Client
1) Required Software (at a Minimum)
- PDF Reader -- Adobe Reader / Foxit Reader
- Spreadsheet -- Microsoft Excel**
- Word Processing -- Microsoft Word**
2) Other Software
This is some of the software I use, have used, or have used on the behalf of others. Obviously this is an endless list depending on industry and interests.
- 2-D Drafting and Design -- Autosketch, CADLink (for cnc)
- Accounting Software -- Quickbooks (now available as cloud solutions as well)
- Audio Recording -- Audacity
- CNC Controller -- Torchmate Control Software
- Construction Estimating -- Exactimate
- Database -- MySQL, SQLServer, MsAccess
- FTP -- Filezilla
- Personal Financial Software -- Quicken (now available as cloud solutions as well)
- PDF Editor -- Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Phantom PDF
- Photo manipulation Software -- Photoelf and Snag it
- Screen Capture -- Snipping tool and Snag It
- Screen Recording -- BB Flashback Pro
- Text Editors -- PFE 32, Notepad++, MS Front Page
- Utility -- Search for large files -- Tree Size -- Tool for viewing directories by storage size
- Utility -- File Renaming -- Better File Rename, Bulk Rename Utility
- Utility -- Find files -- Agent Ransack
- Voice Recognition -- Dragon
3) Protection
- Malware Protection -- Malware Bytes, SpyBot (not running real time, intermittant scans only)
- Virus Protection -- Microsoft Security Essentials (running real time)
4) Web Browser
The Browser Wars are coming to a close. The following are the 4 major browsers still in production:
Since the 1990s, we have seen Internet Explorer (IE) battle Netscape. IE won. Then came Mozzilla Firefox which greatly expanded the ability for programmers to create Javascript for websites, and Safari emerged as the powerhouse browser on Mac products. Then in the mid 2000's Google created Google Chrome. Google Chrome uses the same foundational engine as Mac Safari, and around 2012 Google Chrome surpassed IE for wide spread use. The Google Chrome Developer Console is a work of engineering glory, and for that reason alone, Google has locked up the Browser market indefinitely. Oh.. and the Chromebook thingy, that puts the cherry on top...
- Google Chrome
- Internet Explorer
- Fire Fox
- Safari
Since the 1990s, we have seen Internet Explorer (IE) battle Netscape. IE won. Then came Mozzilla Firefox which greatly expanded the ability for programmers to create Javascript for websites, and Safari emerged as the powerhouse browser on Mac products. Then in the mid 2000's Google created Google Chrome. Google Chrome uses the same foundational engine as Mac Safari, and around 2012 Google Chrome surpassed IE for wide spread use. The Google Chrome Developer Console is a work of engineering glory, and for that reason alone, Google has locked up the Browser market indefinitely. Oh.. and the Chromebook thingy, that puts the cherry on top...
- Browser of choice for PC, Mac and Chromebook: Google Chrome (it is the only option on a Chromebook)
- Browser of choice for Mac Mobile Phone: Safari. Google Chrome for iphone is a good second.
- Browser of choice for Android Mobile Phone: I am not familiar but I would assume it's Google Chrome (android is generally considered a Google phone).
- Browser of choice for Ipad : Safari. I am not familiar with Chrome or others
5) Web Browser Extensions
Web browser "extensions" are to mini programs designed to run in a manner that is in conjunction with browser functionality to add functionality to your browsing experience.
Lastpass -- This extension is available for all major browsers. It's configuration is slightly different in each browser. To access your vault info via your phone, you will need to subsribe to the premium service for $10/year. It's worth every penny
Tabcloud -- This turns your browser into a business system or a research tool of un-imaginable power. My life would not be the same without it.
Others Extensions I use:
- Password Vault -- Lastpass
- Browser Tab Utility-- Tabcloud (for Google Chrome for non-mobile devices)
Lastpass -- This extension is available for all major browsers. It's configuration is slightly different in each browser. To access your vault info via your phone, you will need to subsribe to the premium service for $10/year. It's worth every penny
Tabcloud -- This turns your browser into a business system or a research tool of un-imaginable power. My life would not be the same without it.
Others Extensions I use:
- Google Mail Checker
- Smooth Gestures/Gestures for Chrome
- This frame Context Menu
- Open Frame
6) Remote Access Client
- LogMeIn
- Team Viewer