by Mike Stanley

Created on: June 24, 2009   Last Updated: July 04, 2009

Although this article is about essential software for laptops, most of this will probably also apply to desktops as well. I prefer to call this, "Essential software for computers." When most people buy a new computer, it usually comes with Windows installed on it. Having worked mostly with Windows in my career, I tend to focus on these systems because they are more widely used, and I'm more familiar with them.

The internet is the most popular use of computers today. For that reason, a good internet browser is essential for most users. Although most people neglect giving their browser any though, and simply take it for granted, choosing an excellent browser that fits your needs and style can really make a difference. Being most computers come with Windows, they generally have Microsoft Internet Browser (MSIE) installed. The browser has been through many changes over the years and today, most of the browsers are about equal in quality. However, MSIE 8 has experienced some stability issues which bars me from recommending it. A long time believer that if it isn't broke, don't fix it, I always left well enough alone and used MSIE. Why install another program if you have one that works, right? Well now, it doesn't work so well, and I have a list of alternatives.

Here is the list of major browsers: Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Safari. Of these choices, I recommend Firefox. It looks and functions close to MSIE for those that are used to Microsoft's browser, it's fast, and it takes up less resources. If your not a Firefox fan then maybe you'll find Opera more to your liking. I tried it recently, and found that it was way faster then both MSIE and Firefox, but there were some minor issues, mainly in the layout and controls I just didn't like. That said, it is a fine, fast browser, and I'm sure many would like it. I use it on my phone and we have it installed on the Wii, so it still has it's place.

Google recently entered the browser market with Chrome. Chrome is reasonably fast, and performs well. I don't recommend it as highly mainly because it is new, and partly because it comes from a company whose main revenue it advertising. The question remains as to how they may use the browser to leverage that revenue base by monitoring your usage, and potentially other things. Privacy is a big issue in today's internet, and increasingly something we have less of. The more companies open up our information to other companies, the easier it is for identity theft and social

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>