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My trusty ol’ HP laptop finally had all the trailer-truckin’ it could stand. Yep, it had the big one. Considering that I traded a couple of CB radios & accessories for it (I figure I had about $200 in it), it gave me a few years of good service. It doesn’t owe me anything.

So, what to do? I decided on a new Dell Inspiron E1505. If you care to know, the specifications are here. This is kind of a bad time to purchase because XP is on the way out, but Vista hasn’t really been out long enough to work out all the kinks, & other software developers to become compatible. Yes, I know that Vista has been in beta for some time, but, I feel the real testing is done by the computing public.

Below are programs that I know personally that work with Vista. As I try new software, I will add it to the list, if it runs ok.

Software Recommendations



(For Windows Vista)

The programs listed below are ones that I have used or am using and like well enough to recommend to my friends and family. Some are freeware (no charge for use), & some are shareware (trial downloads—try before you buy). There are many, many programs available on the world wide web. I am not saying that they aren't any good, I am simply saying the programs listed here are ones that I like and probably have looked no further. I will say that “free” is always a good price. Keep in mind that this list is for Windows VISTA.(I am using Home Ultimate addition)




vista (2K) is available with 4 versions to choose from. Microsoft has put out an upgrade advisor that will tell you if your current computer will support the new Windows Vista. Check it out here.







Security:

  • Zone Alarm--(free)--Great firewall—I have used no other.

  • AVG—(free)—Anti-virus protection—have used Norton in the past and like this much better. Definately cheaper!

  • Spybot Search & Destroy--(free)--Spyware program. Also has a side program that will watch your registry and allow you to approve or deny changes.

  • Adaware—(free)—Another spyware program.

  • The Laptop Lock—(free)&mdash A program that allows you to control access to your documents should your computer be lost or stolen.

Utilities:

  • SyncPst by Wisco—(shareware)—If you need to sync Outlook 2007 on a couple of machines, this program works flawlessly.

  • Ccleaner (crapcleaner)--(shareware)--cleans temp, history, and other select files on your computer. Also can scan the registry for unwanted items. Note: Current version 2.04.543 and beyond contain file eraser capability eliminating the need for the eraser program listed below.

  • SystemInfoProgram—(free)—Tells you everything you might or might not need to know about your computer. It's more detailed than Belarc Advisor.

  • Zip Genious—(free)—zip and unzip files.

  • Eraser—(free)—BE CAREFUL with this deleting program—once a file is erased, it is unrecoverable.

Audio Playing, Recording & Editing:

  • Winamp—(shareware- $20)&mdash I took the plunge a purchased Winamp because we decided to digitize our audio collection. I like Winamp's options and control over audio files and related data as opposed to Windows Media Player (which we don't use at all now).

  • Audacity—(free)&mdash A great audio recording tool. I had trouble getting it to work on my Dell and finally found a driver here that solved the issue.

  • Nero 7 Ultimate--(Shareware)--Copy, Make, burn, audio/video CDs & DVDs. Roxio came on my Dell. I have uninstalled Roxio & installed Nero. Once again--much happier!

  • Windows Media Player 11--(free)--Audio/video player

  • DivX Player--(free)--(just the player) I like this player best for videos.

  • Windows Movie Maker--(free)--capture and edit video.

Photo Organizing & Editing:

  • PhotoImpact 12—(shareware)-pricey, but I like how it works.

  • Picasa2—(free)—From Google—I just started using it. It is an image organizer and minor image fixer. So far, so good.

  • Photoinfo from Microsoft--A free program from Microsoft that allows you to edit EXIF data on photos.

  • Webshots --A free program that allows you to organize & control wallpapers on your computer.

For the Web:

  • FireFox Web Browser—(free)--with all of the extensions and add-ons available, Firefox is pretty cool. Also more secure that Internet Explorer. I've heard that Firefox doesn't play nicely with Vista, but I'm having no problems with it.

  • Internet Explorer--(free)--I am using version 7. Supposedly more secure. I only use it for Windows Update.

  • HTML-Kit—(free)—Web page designer program. I recently found this, & like it well enough that it is all I use.

  • SmartFTP—(No Longer Free - I'm moving on-- I'll post what I settle on)—FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program—works well.

  • Apache2Triad--Web Server--(free)-- This is bundled installation containing Apache 2.x, Xmail server, ftp server, SSL, , SQL, AW site stats, and more. This takes a BIG headache out of making a bunch of stuff work togethewr. You are being served by it now!----I had troubles getting this to work. I found a fix here(scroll down to cp-serve's post). This works perfectly.
    If you have trouble with the 'fix' link, a copy of the page is here. (Giving credit to A2T Forums and cp-serve of course.)

  • Multiple Image Resizer .Net--(free for personal & educational)-- Nifty program that does what it's name implies plus much more. Such as oaverlaying another image, adding text, & adding borders

  • Web Album Generator--(free)-- Creates nice looking & easily navigated web page photo albumes.

Everything Else:

  • RoboForm—(shareware)—password manager

  • GoodSync V6—(shareware)—I've tried several back/sync programs. This is the one I will stick with.

  • RootsMagic—(shareware)—Awesome genealogy software.

  • Adobe Acrobat reader--(free)--A must for reading PDF documents.

  • CutePDF Writer--(free)--Installs as a printer that allows you to print anything to a pdf file.

  • GhostScript—(free)—I have no idea what it does, but you MUST have it in order for CutePDF Writer to work.

  • Webshots—(free)—desktop background application—allows you to use your photos or download photos for your desktop background.

  • Google's Scetchup—(free)—Computer Aided Drawing—If you are interested in CAD, This could be for you. The learning curve is steep, but, there are plenty of video tutorials & recources available.

I also use Microsoft Office 2007 which includes Word, Outlook, Publisher, Excel, & Powerpoint. They came with my computer.

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“Standard education gets you a job. Self education will make you a fortune.”--Brian Dodge