freeware junkie - how much is too much

Tue, 06/10/2008 - 18:02 — no one

Freeware installation and usage problems

Just found this place - wow! should feed my 'hobby' for some time. anyway - I am (per heading) a freeware junkie. I would say that I am an average to above average skilled computer guy. There is certainly a ton I don't know - as my son has shown me that! You know "a little bit of knowledge is _______ ." I've been to '46 best' and other similar sites. My rule of thumb is to research download.com and follow their evaluations.

Anyway I've always wondered what a real expert would advise in freeware for your average bear. I know one would say - 'depends' ... on what you are using your computer for. Lets say internet surfing and some downloading, office productivity/work (word, excel, ppt), music/mp3s, pc 'tweaking' .....

I have downloaded many programs (free) and in reviewing the programs here i would gues I have had at one time or another 70-80%, not all of which I used - just 'felt' like they were good - 'made the cut'.

Any advice or am I out in the dark?

#1Submitted by christopher (not verified) on Tue, 06/17/2008 - 18:31.

You obviously need a program...

to run your PC. That is your Operating System. If it's not of the Linux branch, you will have to pay for Windows
to establish the Internet Connection. Usually provided by your ISP.
to protect your PC from malware. Keywords here are antivirus - antispy - antispam
to protect you from the internet rogues you need a firewall
to navigate the internet you need a browser or a browser suite. In my experience it is better to have two or three browsers installed, because update cycles may render your browser useless for a while. Have at least one not belonging to the Mozilla family (Opera!)
for email you may use a browser suite (Seamonkey, Opera) with inbuilt email programs, or go for Thunderbird (!) or Evolution (Good luck!)
to administer you PC you need a file manager, a backup program, a cd/dvd burning tool or a removable hard drive that can be stored separately. Depending on the amount of backup data and your backup strategy you might consider using an online service or gmail accounts.
to find your data you will choose a desktop search.
depending on your skills you will download a suite of recovery tools

From now on it is your choice. There are many extensions that will provide ample functions and turn Firefox into what ever you like it to be and so you might not need one other program. On the other hand, if you're on the wrong end of a slow internet connection, you might prefer to have things on your hard drive.

But bear in mind: "The times, they are achangin…" and unlike the earlier days when sites and services vanished as fast as they showed up, nowadays you find reliable sources for Free Software, Open Source and Freeware.

You do not need to have all of them at home!

#2Submitted by peter on Tue, 06/10/2008 - 18:20.

They're not called PERSONAL computers for nothing you know.
My own approach is completely different to yours. I want the smallest possible number of applications and a very stripped-down OS. 90% of my computer time is spent in a simple text-editor and FireFox, although I rarely turn Foobar off.

#3Submitted by Bob on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 06:02.

Like Minimalism?
If so, you may already have come across The IBM Glass Engine:
http://www.philipglass.com/glassengine/#
(requires Java platform)

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freeware junkie - how much is too much

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