You will find no raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens here. This year has been a technology buying year for our household. We have picked up an ASUS Eee PC netbook (Atom 1.33Ghz, 2GB RAM), a MSI CR620 (i5 2.27Ghz, 3GB RAM) and I have been lucky to be able to test a the Fujitsu Lifebook TH700 Tablet (i5 2.4Ghz, 4GB RAM) which i am thoroughly enjoying. http://www.lifebook4life.com/blog
So heres what i think you should install as soon as you get your new computer. The catch is its all free software and thats why it makes my favorite things list. (Caveat Emptor or install at your own risk)
1. AVG Anti Virus Free version
Install after uninstalling and deleting what ever trial antivirus that came pre-installed with your computer.
http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition-2011/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=contentMain;contentAux
2. Java.
Just click on the "Free Java Download" link on the home page (http://www.java.com) or you can check your java version to see if you have java installed by clicking on this link http://java.com/en/download/installed.jsp
3. Adobe Flash
Steve Jobs doesn't like it and and down the line it may become extinct, but for now install it.
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
4. OpenOffice
The Microsoft Office Alternative: although it looks a bit drab and takes a bit of time getting used to, it does the job.
http://www.openoffice.org/
5. Mozilla Firefox Browser
So that you can open 2 mailboxes from the same provider simultaneously, install personas, .... well, youll figure it out.
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/
6. VLC Media Player
Plays pretty much everything without separately having to download any additional stuff.
http://download.cnet.com/VLC-Media-Player/3000-13632_4-10267151.html?tag=contentMain;contentAux
7. Google Talk & Video and Voice Plugin
Just because i use gmail....
http://www.google.com/talk/
8. Primo PDF
Print your docs or anything to pdf.
http://download.cnet.com/PrimoPDF/3000-18497_4-10264577.html?tag=mncol;1
9. Hotspot Shield
If you use your laptop on public Wi-fi networks, or if you feel the need to bypass your Internet Service Provider.
http://download.cnet.com/hotspot-shield/3000-2092_4-10594721.html?tag=mncol;1
10. Team Viewer
Remote Access software that lets you share your desktop or work on another computer remotely among other things.
http://download.cnet.com/TeamViewer/3000-7240_4-10398150.html?tag=mncol;1
