Since everyone and their mom (literally) is using computers, it is important for everyone to know the greatest way they can use it.I’m sure the majority of the people that come to this site already have at least a pretty good understanding of most of these applications, but in the hope that I can enlighten at least a few people to something much better and free-er than what you might be using.
Web Browser:
The obvious first here is Firefox, and rightfully so. Whenever I set up any computer my order of operations is 1) Install the OS, 2) Make sure it has internet access, and 3) Install Firefox. Well, that is the case when I install a Windows OS, Linux usually has it pre-installed. Everything else is less important. I also sometimes find myself using Google’s Chrome and Safari, but Firefox is definitely the leader of the pack, at least for me. Judging by their market share, however, I probably didn’t need to point this out, but I know that I would be in trouble if I didn’t include it.
Video:
Hands down without question, nothing, and I mean nothing even compares tothe abilities of VLC. I am often suprised at how many people are not aware of VLC. It is available for whatever your OS of choice is so there are no excuses for not using it. Plus, it is open-sourced wich is an automatic +10 points in my book.
Instant Messaging:
This is one that I go back and forth on, though I don’t find myself doing very much instant messaging anymore. I’m partial to Pidgin (formerly Gaim), and please don’t pronounce it ‘Pid-Gin’… it’s pronounced like the filthy bird. It works with mostly all instant messaging protocols. Again, this selection is open-source. Another that peoeple seem to be partial to is Trillian, which also has its merits. Finally, if you really do like AIM and want to use it, at least save yourself the trouble and install it with MiddleMan. MiddleMan is an add-on that removes all the crap that makees AIM pretty much adware on its own.
Word Processing:
Don’t you dare go out and spend a barrel of cash to get Microsoft Word when you don’t have to. You have several options, but the best choice is easy. OpenOffice.org. If you don’t have it, you’ve probably at least seen it mentioned when you install Java support on your computer. It has the look and feel of Microsoft Word XP or 2003 only without the hassle of actually paying for it. And guess what, it’s open source (duh). Also, Google has their solution at docs.google.com. It is free and online so you can easily access your documents from everywhere, but it doesn’t have all the functionality of full-fledged applications.
Torrents:
Everyone seems to have their favorite, but I don’t see how any of them can compare to µTorrent (Yes, that is the letter “micro”, not a ‘u’, so pronounce it as such). Aptly named because it is a very small program as far as filesize goes. It is closed-source, but that is forgivable because it is just so great. You’ll never need another torrent application again.
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