My Windows XP Must-Have Software! (Basics)

In my Windows XP box, the following must be present for my day-to-day activities. This list applies only to generic use of computers like desktop applications, burning of CDs and DVDs, multimedia playback and recordings, internet browsing, and communications.

I also have a different list for my basic computer software utilities for networking, tracing, malware removal, etc. When doing software development, I have additional tools which I will also publish later ;-)

Here goes:

1. Open Office for desktop applications
   
• http://www.openoffice.org/
  
• OpenOffice.Org Writer - word processor (equivalent of MS Word)
  
• OpenOffice.Org Calc - spreadsheet (equivalent of MS Excel)
  
• OpenOffice.Org Impress - presentation (equivalent of MS Powerpoint)
  
• OpenOffice.Org Base - database (equivalent of MS Access)
  
• OpenOffice.Org Math - scientific formulas and equations (equivalent of MS formula editor)
  
• OpenOffice.Org Draw - logo-making, drawing, flowcharts (almost equivalent to MS Visio)
  
• Works on Windows, Linux and Mac.
  
• FREE!
2. Avast Antivirus
• http://www.avast.com/
• A must have for any computer user specially those using Microsoft Windows.
• It has automatic updates for its virus database so new strain of viruses and malwares could be detected and removed.
• Works on Windows and Linux.
  
• FREE for personal use!
3. Opera web Browser
   • http://www.opera.com/
     
   • A fast, feature-rich web browser.
     
   • Tabbed browsing, customizable interface, kiosk-mode support, widgets, sessions.
     
   • It has built-in feeds reader(rss, atom), email client, irc client.
     
   • A lot more to list here.
     
   • I prefer this over Firefox because most features are already available to use out-of-the-box unlike Firefox where you need to install plugins. But both are free and I also install Firefox as needed.
     
   • Works on Windows, Linux and Mac.
     
   • FREE!
     
4. Foxit Reader
   • http://www.foxitsoftware.com/
     
   • PDF Reader that is fast, lightweight, and has small memory consumption.
     
   • Windows only.
     
   • FREE!
     
5. PDFCreator
• http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator/
  
• Installs a printer device that lets you convert/print any document as PDF files.
  
• Windows only.
  
• FREE!
  
6. K-Lite Codec Pack
• http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Codec_Pack.htm
  
• Complete codecs for your audio/video needs!
  
• Includes Media Player Classic player.
  
• Windows only.
  
• FREE!
  
7. CD Burner XP Pro
• http://cdburnerxp.se/
  
• Burns CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs.
  
• Also can burn and create ISOs.
  
• Windows only.
  
• FREE!
  
8. GIMP
• http://www.gimp.org/
  
• GNU Image Manipulation Program.
  
• Picture editting software.
  
• Works on Windows, Linux and Mac.
  
• FREE!
  
9. Audacity
• http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
  
• A free, open-source software for recording and editting sounds.
  
• Works on Windows, Linux and Mac.
  
• FREE!
  
10. Pidgin
• http://www.pidgin.im/
  
• Pidgin is a multi-protocol Instant Messaging client that allows you to use all of your IM accounts at once. Use yahoo messenger, msn, icq, google talk and many more accounts.
  
• Works on Windows and Linux.
  
• FREE!
  
11. Skype
• http://www.skype.com/
  
• Internet calls, call and receive calls to and from mobile and landline phones, Instant messenger, sms, video calls, and many more features.
  
• Works on Windows, Linux, Mac and some mobile phones.
  
• FREE!
  
12. Chikka
• http://www.chikka.com/
  
• Send text messages (SMS) and MMS images to mobile phones from your computer!
  
• Works on major mobile networks in the Philippines: Smart, Globe, and Sun Cellular.
  
• Also supports sending SMS to other mobile networks from other countries.
  
• Now supports Google Talk users.
  
• Works on Windows, Linux, Mac and Solaris.
  
• FREE!
  

There you have it! You may have noticed that all of the above are free. Well, I am a software developer and I love to support projects that are either open source or free. Who could turn down an offer of quality, working software without a cost?

Hope you could pick some to use for yourself.

For now.

Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon

Today I finally found the time to install Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon on my desktop machine. Here's the specs for my desktop babe: Core2Duo E6320, 1GB memory, 160 GB Sata (2x80gb), Nvidia GeForce 7100 GS 256MB, and 2 Samsung 940bw 19" lcd monitors for dual-monitor setup.

I have Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn installed on dual boot with Windows XP Prof on it. I therefore have an option to either upgrade it or install a new one . I decided for the latter because it seems the easiest thing to do.

For those of you who are interested in Ubuntu, you may download a FREE installer at http://www.ubuntu.com.

Installation is a breeze and straight-forward. I have partitioned my disks in Feisty this way: 15gb for // (root), 10gb for home, 2gb for swap, so installing Gutsy is easy as I just remapped the mount points to my desire.

It took nearly 15 minutes for the whole installation. I was excited to configure dual-monitor as it is very hard in Feisty. I am surprised to find it was not that easy with Gutsy either. True, they have upgraded that with Gnome 2.2. Gutsy has Screen and Graphics option now at System - Administration menu but it wasn't as easy as I anticipated. I installed restricted drivers hoping it will work but to no avail. I installed Envy, and it did its job well of detecting and installing my graphics card but no dual-monitor still on Gutsy. Frustrated, I went looking at Ubuntu forums and haven't found anything of help.

It seems that I am left to tinkering my xorg.conf again as I did on my Dell D610 with Feisty.

Am I missing something else?