Software allows people to perform tasks that they used to have to pay a fortune for someone else do. With the selection of these ten pieces of software, any home or business can practically do anything, and stay connected in the process. The best part is that most of them are free or low-cost.
1.) Open Office:
The free version of Microsoft products. It comes with all the standard programs, and most products can be saved as a PDF for easy transfer. It also will open and save Microsoft products.
2.) Gimp:
A photo program which is free. Not as many bells and whistles as Photoshop, but for the average business or owner, it can work well. It does things that paint programs that come on computers cannot do.
3.) Audacity:
Recording program. It is still considered the standard for podcasters, but can also be used to record interviews, thoughts, music, speeches, or whatever a person would like to have as a keepsake. It is exportable, so can go on any portable device.
4.) 7-Zip File Manager:
If you do any downloading online, many find it easier to save the files as “zip” or “rar” files. This is the program to open them.
5.) Skype:
If you want to talk to someone in another state or country without incurring costs, then this is the option for you. You can talk by video or audio, and with some attachments, you can even record the calls. If the person you want to talk to only has a landline or mobile phone, there are paid options available.
6.) Tweetdeck/Seesmic:
Twitter can be a whole lot of chatter, and sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with them all. Tweetdeck or Seesmic are the tools that helps bring about a little organization. You can make groups, do keyword searches, or follow hashtag conversations in one window.
7.) Any Video Converter:
Downloading media from online can be daunting with all the different types of media. This conversion tool allows you to convert most items to your preferred type, strip the audio off a video or convert for use on an mp3 player.
8.) Windows Movie Maker/Apple iMovie:
With the rise of video use, a person may want to do some light editing of some of their moments before uploading them to YouTube. These are beginner level tools, but you can do narration, captions, titles, and transitions.
9.) ITunes:
This is software by Apple which allows people to download TV shows, podcasts, and music. A person does not need to have an Apple product to use it.
10.) Windows DVD Maker:
A computer can be filled up with videos and pictures. One way to alleviate this problem is too put them on DVD. Another use for the DVD maker is making business video brochures.
