Computer Programs

by Alden Smith

A computer, even with an operating system installed, is pretty much worthless without the basic computer programs installed. If you are only interested in an occasional email and casual browsing on the web, then these programs are of course by default in all operating systems. Soon, however, people that own computers become curious about the powerful capabilities of their machine. Maybe you have seen what others have made with their computers, and would like to be able to do so, too. Whatever the reason, there is a never ending source of programs to do just about anything you would like. Many are open source, too, so there is no need to lay out a lot of hard earned dollars to buy them. Here, we will discuss computer programs - what is available, their capabilities, and what is already on your new machine.

What's Already There

When you first turn on your computer and begin to explore, here is what you will find. In Windows Vista, here's what you will find:

1. Internet Explorer 7
2. Mail for Windows
   
3. Windows Aero, the graphical user interface
   
4. Windows Media Player 11, for playing and organizing
   music and video.
   
5. Windows Calendar a new calendar and task
   application.
   
6. Windows Photo Gallery, a photo and movie library
   management application.
   
7. Windows DVD Maker, to assist the user in making
   DVD's and playing their musical and digital content.
   
8. Windows Media Center
   
9. Games and Games Explorer, with some new games

You will also find a host of other features, such as parental control and better security features.

With the Apple Mac, and the new Leopard you will find these features:

1. Safari
   
2. iCal, a task scheduler to help you keep appointments.
   
3. ITunes, the answer to Windows Media Player
   
4. Mail, Mac's email client
   
5. IPhoto, for organizing and managing your photos
   
6. IChat, Mac's instant messenger service
   
7. Built in wireless networking

One thing I found in research that really tickled me is that you can run Windows on a Mac. No longer does anyone need to complain about the lack of Windows applications that you can't use because you own a Mac. This is accomplished through a dual boot system that allows you to choose between the Windows XP or Leopard operating system.

Adding Programs

One of the first things people generally add is an office suite of applications for doing specific tasks. By far the most popular office suite today is Microsoft Office. Now in version 2007, this suite of applications gives you these:

1. Word, the word processing application that is just
   about standard in any office.
   
2. Excel, a spreadsheet program that is also highly used
   in many office settings.
   
3. Access, a database program that is used to build data
   bases.
   
4. Power Point, a slideshow presentation module that is
   used throughout the industries.
   
5. Outlook, a robust email client, task scheduler,
   calendar and appointment invitations to people on an
   intranet.
   
6. Visio, to create diagrams, charts and timelines.

This year, Windows is releasing Microsoft Office for Mac. This will be a welcome addition for Mac users wanting an office suite. Although there are many office applications, including open source, the issue has been for years that they are not compatible with one another. You can create a document in one of the other office suites, and if sent to a person using MS Office, they will not be able to view it. This has been an issue for years.

Open Source

The price of MS Office 2007 is $225.00 to $399.00. Why the difference in price? It depends on whether you want Access and Outlook. For the average user, many will never have a need for Access, and Outlook, although a good program, is certainly not worth the extra price when you already have an email client.

If you are on a restricted budget, yet want the capabilities of one of these office suites, then consider Open Office. Open Office is an open source program that has been developed by thousands of users over a 20 year period. If you are used to any other application, you will find that the transition to OO is the simple matter of learning a slightly different application. The real beauty of any open source application is that if any of the many of thousands programmers working on this suite find a bug, it will immediately be fixed. Try that with any of the commercial suites!

Regardless of your needs, there is something out there to fill it. Prices range from thousands of dollars to free open source applications. First, discover what your really need before investing in anything. Then, make a wise choice. This is the best way to approach any application.

Alden Smith is an award winning author and regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He writes on a variety of subjects, and excels in research.

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