Archive for August, 2007

Inspired by a number of people who have been listing the programs they use on their own computers I decided to give it a go myself. These are the programs I use on a near daily basis, There are a number of other programs I use for different things however do not need a mention here such as Anti-Virus programs. It’s interesting going over the list and see how many programs you actually use. I recommend you give it a go yourself post it online and link it back so I can check it out.

Browser/Email:

• Firefox: Firefox, easily the best browser on Windows.
• Microsoft Office Outlook 2007: For email I use Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, I did use Mozilla Thunderbird for a long time but upgraded to Outlook 07 upon recommendation by an acquittance.

File Readers/Extractors

• Microsoft Office Outlook 2007: For RSS feeds, I like the idea of managing email and feeds via the one program.
• Foxit Reader: Foxit Reader is a excellent, lightweight PDF reader and creator.
• Winrar: Great ZIP and RAR extractor. Does everything I need.

FTP/BitTorrent:

• Filezilla: The easiest program I have found to use. The new Beta is also a nice change.
• Azureus: Not a fan of their new beta Vuze. However their general program is easy to use and light.

Audio/Video:

• iTunes: Decent for music on Windows and Podcasts. Also a must have for an iPod.
• VLC: The best video player available. Plays basically anything without the need to download codecs.
• Windows Media Player 11: Decent for WMV files. Only thing I use it for.

Graphics:

• Macromedia Fireworks 8: I have tried the new CS3 version from Adobe however it isn’t much different except the name change. I love Fireworks, great for simple tasks.

Communications:

• Windows Live Messenger: I really like their program. Good features such as sharing folders.
• Pidgin: Formerly known as GAIM. Great program for YIM and AIM protocols.
• Skype: Use for podcasting and free PC to PC phone calls.

This week on The Ploy, Ben and I talk External Hard Drives, Car Vandalism, the regular Hollywood Blitz and Tech with Ben as well as checking in with Jackie’s Diary! Take a listen to The Ploy 57 to listen to the fun.