Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Top 10 Software Titles Every Home PC Needs?

Posted by Cliff on from the stuff-to-talk-about dept.

eabell asks: "I'm buying a new mid-grade laptop computer, which I plan to dual-boot between Windows XP Home and Mandrake 9.x. Before its arrival in a few weeks I'm trying to think of what 'essential' software I'll need to make a usable home system. In general I'd like to spend as little money as possible (free is good). As far as my needs, think 'typical family PC' without an emphasis on gaming. I know I can get something like Open Office for word processing, presentation, etc. needs, but is there such a good thing as a good free virus checker? A good free email client? A handy web browser? What would you consider the top 10 (or so) pieces of software for a new home system, bearing in mind that I need software for both the Windows and Linux side of things?"

6 of 936 comments (clear)

  1. Kazaa Lite by delphin42 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Once you have that, everything else is only a few clicks away...

    --
    -- Adam
  2. Windows XP by inertia187 · · Score: 5, Funny

    All I know is that Windows XP is the best $300 game of Solitaire I've ever played.

    --
    A programmer is a machine for converting coffee into code.
  3. Re:If you are too cheap for an AV program.... by SirGeek · · Score: 4, Funny
    Free for non-commercial, non-networked

    Ummm.. Errr. If it is non-networked, how is it going to get a virus ?

    --
    UPS Sucks
  4. Re:Top ten Windows apps to install. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can't see most families doing C++ development coding in EMacs

    exactly my feelings. people in my family use vi.

  5. You are all *WRONG* by JavaLord · · Score: 4, Funny

    Here are the programs you need to have a k-133t windows system.

    1. AOL- DUH, they are the greatest ISP ever.

    2. Webshots - Impress your friends with your changing wallpaper!

    3. Hotbar - Skin Internet Explorer and Impress your friends!

    4. AOHell This program will make you l33t!

    5. Incredimail This makes your e-mail look k00lah then everyone elses.

    6. Microsoft Outlook because all the anti-virus tools work with it. You don't want to use another e-mail client, you might get a virus!

    7. Comet Cursor. Makes your cursor R0x0r.

    8. Intruder Alert 99 You need a firewall, the internet isn't a safe place!

    9. Gator Gator is an awesome program that helps u remember ur passwords. This way u don't have to fill out stupid forms!

    10. BO Server The guys in my gaming clan sent me this, they said it would improve my FPS, and make windows run faster. I think it did!

  6. RE: You MUST have NetHack installed on everything. by namespan · · Score: 4, Funny

    You MUST have NetHack installed on everything...

    In fact, once you install nethack on everything, you won't need to install anything else for months or years, considering how much else you're actually going to get done...

    --
    Libertarianism is rich wolves and poor sheep playing gambler's ruin for dinner.