I just got my first notebook and was wanting some advice on software. I don't know alot about computers so i'm not even really sure of what I need. I'm planning on getting Microsoft teacher/student edition for word and pwrpnt. I need to get cd/dvd burning software. Dell included mydvd basic, is this anygood? I've also heard alot of talk on the boards about nero, is this better? I'm just looking for something easy to use and burn/copy dvd's and cd's. And I also have the microsoft media player, it seems to work okay, but I know there are lots of these available.
Also, I guess i will need internet security, right now i have 3 month free subscription to nortons, but i'm going to need something for the longterm, and nortons is kind of expensive.
I'm really only going to be using it for school (email, web, word processing, entertainment), so what do you think? I'm just looking for good, reliable software. Also, if i'm missing anything, or if you have something interesting let me know about it. Also, can any of these things be gotten for free?
Thanks.
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Did you see the free software sticky at the top of this forum.
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Yeah like Zaz said check out the free software stickie.
I think mybasic DVD should be fine for starters. If you got Nero you would have to pay for it and I am not really sure if it is worth it. WMP11 or itunes are both good choices for playing music.
Tim -
Deepburner is a great free cd/dvd burner.
As for antivirus/firewall/antispyware, theres a million threads about em already.
I think the general consensus for the best security software is among
Free firewalls: Comodo, Sygate
Free antispyware: Adaware, Spybot, Windows Defender
Free antivirus: Avast, AVG, Antivir
Paid antivirus: NOD32, Kaspersky
You should 1 antivirus, 1 or more antispyware, and 1 firewall (the built in windows xp sp2 firewall could be enough if you browse safely); or an internet security suite including all 3. -
For a notebook, I'd recommend AVG Internet Security. It's $69.95 for a two-year subscription. You get antivirus, firewall, and anti-spyware.
The reason I like it on my notebook is the firewall automatically configures itself depending on your internet connection. It automatically detects and configures if I'm plugged in directly, if I'm on my wireless connection at home (in domain), or if I'm using a hot spot. This is one feature I really like about it.
The antivirus and anti-spyware apps work very well, the whole thing doesn't take up a lot of memory (or a lot of disk space), and I think it's a fair price for a 2-year subscription. It's free to try for 30 days.
Other than that and as others have said, take a look through the free software threads (and there are a number of other threads on software recommendations). -
If you are looking for a free anti-virus program go with Avast, it is on par with any AV software you pay for. For antispyware you could go with Spybot S&D, or Adaware, even windows defender is a good option. Nero is easy to use but its a bit pricey, myDVD basic should be good enough for what you want to do. I would stick with Windows Media player for movies and such but I have always liked Itunes for my music (this is just a matter of preference, there are many media programs out there). Before you go out and buy Microsoft Student/Teacher edition you should look at openoffice.org. Its a free alternative to microsoft's programs and its really not half bad (I don't use it personally, but have tried it). OHHH, I almost forgot, I would STRONGLY STRONGLY suggest you get Mozilla Firefox 2 if you have not already. Its an alternative to Internet Explorer and gives you some options that IE doesnt have plus much stronger security (again this is a matter of preference but I highly suggest it).
Software Recommendations
Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by C-Smoke, Dec 28, 2006.