Software Picks
Utilities- Atomic Time Synchronizer -- Syncs your PC clock to the National Atomic Clock
- Google Toolbar -- Search anything on the web through your browser (saves a step)
- Tune-up Utilities -- Kepp PC running fast and modify the user interfaceSet options on the user interface
Internet Programs
- Browser to Stop Pop-ups -- Great add-on to Internet Exployer
- Browser to Stop Pop-ups -- Mozilla Firefox
- Download Accelerator -- actually speed up downloads by 25%
- FTP Browser -- Needed for some internet sites
- Instant Messengers -- AOL AIM MSN Messenger
Extra Applications
- Adobe Reader -- Need to view PDF files (free)
- WinAmp Music Player -- Play MP3s and CD's on your PC (free)
- CD Decoder (Rip Music from CD to your PC) -- Turn CD music into MP3s (free)
- Add-on fun sounds (free)
- Picasa by Google (Free)-- This is a very simple program for people with digital cameras. You can adjust colors and contrast along with removing red-eye.
- Microsoft Photo Story (Free) - Free download from Microsoft. This program will allow you to create a fast simple slide show with integrated music. No bells or whistles but does a great job.
Programs that has $$ associated but with free trials
- WinZip Not needed with Windows XP. This program allows you to compress and uncompress files you transfer on the internet.
- Tune Up Utilities This is a 30day evaluation. It keeps your PC tuned up for speed. Over time your PC will slow down by adding and removing programs. This program will tune all the relative areas of windows without requiring a lot of windows knowledge. It also contains a great user interface (UI) modifier.
- Genealogy program -- Roots Magic is the best of the bunch and I have used a few. This one is more intuitive than Family Tree creator and Ancestry Tree software.
- Vegas Video Editing This is the best video editing program available without going to the +$1000 professional programs. Up until 2003 this was the program used by commercial editors to produce videos.