Software comes in different shapes and sizes, from freeware to hundred dollar software suites. The best software to have installed on your PC need not be the most expensive or extensively marketed applications, however. When we talk about value, free software downloads can cater for a variety of software needs. In many respects, you will most likely have to settle for a mix of free and commercial products.

I say this somewhat tongue in cheek, because it is obvious, but your computer will not be much use without an operating system! Chances are you will find a Microsoft OS bundled in, but you could consider alternatives like Linux, which is receiving interesting reviews.

Moving aside from the obvious, we move over to applications. Software applications are those programs which cater for a specific function, like word processing. You will probably need a word processing package of some description. The most widely used word processor package is Word, so you could just settle for that as part of a suite of MS software, or on its own. It is pretty much all you will need from a word processor, but if you want something free AbiWord might be for you. It is similar to Word and suitable for a range of wide range of word processing tasks.

Aside from the must have word processor, number manipulation is what computers were built for. Again, as part of an MS suite you might just settle for Excel as the de facto spreadsheet package. And with good reason, for it is very good. A free alternative is Calc, which again is part of the OpenOffic.org free and productive software suite. I cannot say if it is any better, but certainly the value is.

Aside from the two essential software applications, system utilities will be needed. These are maintenance packages, which will allow for you to keep the system in good working order. System tools will be built in to an OS anyway but you can add to it. I recommend Advanced Windows Care V2 professional. It is free for personal use and will give you a comprehensive means of scanning the system in most areas for defects. It also has a memory cleaner and start-up manager. Also try the Free Download Manager, which is as good a free file download utility you will find.

For Viruses, Norton anti-virus software is a recommended anti-virus package. It isn't free, but it does the job well enough. AVG does offer a freeware solution in this department.

To browse the Web, you will need to have a surfboard

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Recommendations for software to have installed on a PC?
We want to hear your view. Write now!