Apps

For those who struggle with what applications to have on your computers, here's what we use and why. Hopefully it can help. We don't put links here since they change constantly. Just put the application names in a search engine to find them. Let us know if you find any new cool programs!

Anti-Virus

PCWorld consistently rates many free anti-virus software packages above many of the expensive ones availalbe. Consistently near the top of the list is Avast! Anti-Virus. It automatically updates itself and has never failed us, finding many viruses. It checks opened files as well as scans the disk and runs very fast (you never know its there - unlike other big slow anti-virus applications). You need to re-install it every 6 months but its well worth it.

Firewall

A good firewall is a must. This stops intruders from accessing your machines. We're relatively secure at home behind our router which uses NAT to confuse intruders but it doesn't hurt to have it at home but its a must for laptops which access foreign networks. For this we use Zone Labs ZoneAlarm. This is free. It even reminds you when it needs updating. Simply download and install the update. Be sure to always select the "free" version.

Browser

Firefox. Best alternative browser in years. There are very few web features that it can't get to and those were built with commands only understood by other browsers (mostly IE).

CD Ripper

For converting CD's to MP3's there's no better choice than CDex. Put a CD in, push the CDDB button (or wait for the pop-up), choose the exact album then push the button that looks like a CD pointing to the text "MP3" and it automatically converts all of your songs to MP3.

Tape Ripper

If you have some tapes/records and some spare time you can easily convert them with a program called Spin It Again. This program is very easy to use - it even has a "Hookup Wizard" to walk you through getting your device (tape/record player) hooked up to your computer and helps to configure your sound levels. Its relatively inexpensive but allows 3 free recordings - the software just records the whole album and splits it into songs later.

FTP

We use Ws_FTP for all of our personal FTP needs. Its free for personal use and does a great job.