PC
Initially, this page started as a single source to download the software I recommend and use. The convenience of going to a single page when working on friend’s PC’s, or referring them to a single page, proves to be invaluable.
Over time, this page has grown into a one stop shop for putting together a top notch PC for less than $400, complete with anti-virus, online backup, and office software.
All of the below products (except Zonbu) I either currently use or have used in the past:
- The PC - Two schools of thought
- Traditional desktop - If you have time on your side, I wholeheartedly recommend subscribing to the RSS feed for the Slickdeals website. Within 30-60 days an offer will go buy for a loaded desktop PC (usually from Dell) from roughly $399. That site has tons of other deals and has saved me hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the years.
- Thin client style PC - Zonbu has an interesting product in that they sell a PC for roughy $99 plus a subscription fee. With that PC and subscription, you have access to hosted applications along with the benefit of having your data stored online and always running the latest software updates as they are installed automatically for you.
Although it’s an interesting concept, I would definitely recommend researching it before taking the plunge as it’s not for everyone. However, if you do go this route you can skip the rest of the page as all of these items (except internet connectivity) are taken care of for you.
- High speed internet - There are basically two rulers in this area, Verizon FIOS and Time Warner RoadRunner. Both are highly rated, both start at around $39.99, and both incent new signups and will incent you to keep your business.
- Online backup - For most people, the 2 GB package from Mozy (free) is adequate. If you need more space, I have found them to have the best performance with reasonable prices. I have also performed an install from a Mozy backup and can confirm that it works as advertised.
The way it works is you sign up, download a small software package, and select the directories / files you want to protect. It makes backup copies of the files and keeps them updated. If you lose your computer you just sign in from your new computer (or any computer) and restore your files. - Antivirus - For many years I have relied on AVG’s free home anti-virus and I have never experienced a virus infection. It beats most of the other anti-virus packages I’ve worked with and has the advantage of being free for home users.
- Defragmenter - Over time, installing and removing apps as well as creating / modifying / deleting files will cause you’re computer to slow down. The built in defragmenter in Windows has been, for me, marginally effective. The free defrag program from Auslogic has proven to be much more effective and efficient.
- Spyware remover -Webpages of all classes and types will try (and usually succeed) to leaving tracking codes, software, and various other undesired objects called “Spyware” on your computer. The best package I’ve found for removing Spyware is a free package called “Ad-Aware” from Lavasoft.
- Office software - Although it is not quite as polished or fully featured as Microsoft Office, it’s hard to argue with the price. As a totally free package, OpenOffice packs most of the features that the casual PC user needs. Included in OpenOffice is a:
- Word Processor (similar to Microsoft Word)
- Presentation package (similar to Microsoft Powerpoint)
- Spreadsheet package (similar to Microsoft Excel)
- Database package (similar to Microsoft Access)
- Math equation editor
- Vector drawing package
- Internet browser - I have been a Mozilla Firefox user for years and would never go back. Although Microsoft’s Internet Explorer will occasionally leapfrog Firefox in features or speed, Firefox always rebounds and manages to come out on top. You can download Firefox along with the Google toolbar below:
Popularity: 1% [?]
Post a comment