09-05-2008, 03:01 PM
This thread is a place to keep all recommendations of software from any members in one place. As I see fit, I'll update the first post with new recommendations. Most things listed here will be Open Source and/or free.
Internet
Firefox - Next generation web browser, 20 times more secure than Internet Explorer and allows for tabbed browsing, customizable color schemes and just all around works better. A portable version is also available so that Firefox can run from a jump drive. Perfect for when you're on the road or somewhere that doesn't allow you to install new software.
Download
Portable Version
Thunderbird - E-mail client, perfect companion for Firefox. Allows more customization than Outlook in both look and feel and functionality. Largest drawback is, to my knowledge there's no way to connect to a HotMail account with it like there is with Outlook. Also comes in a portable version to take your e-mail on the road.
Download
Portable Version
Pidgin & Miranda IM - I'm including both of these together because essentially the functionality is the same, but the interface is the big difference. Both of these programs connect to MSN, Yahoo, AIM, ICQ, IRC and several other messenger protocols through a single interface. The difference between the two is that Miranda has a much more customizable interface, however it is not as user friendly.
Pidgin
Download
Portable Version
Miranda IM
Download
Portable Version
Office
Sunbird - Though not technically an internet application, it is included in the same software suite as Firefox and Thunderbird. This is a calendar/day-planner tool that, to be honest I haven't used much, but from what I have used of it, I really recommend it as opposed to the Outlook calendar set up.
Download
Portable Version
Open Office - A full office suite comparable to Microsoft Office 2003. It can read and write to Microsoft Office documents with little problem, so its great for people who need MSOffice but can't afford it. The biggest drawback is, it runs off the Java Runtime Environment when can be taxing on a system.
Download
Portable Version
Abiword - I just started playing around with Abiword, but so far I like what I'm seeing. Similar to OpenOffice Write, its a word processor that allows you to read/write Microsoft Word Documents, as well as Open Office. This one is much better for a jump drive since it has a smaller footprint than Open Office. Also, from what I can tell so far, this one does not use the Java Runtime Environment, so that's a definite plus, however it is just a word processor instead of a full office suite.
Download
Portable Version
Development
Notepad++ - To me, an invaluable tool for any programmer (and what I wrote all of the custom scripting for this site with). Picture Notepad, but with tabbed documents, and color codes for different languages.
Download
Portable Version
Images and Pictures
GIMP - Though I prefer to use Adobe Photoshop, this is a fairly decent free alternative. Also, its available in a portable form that allows you to manipulate images on the go (which is where I use it).
Download
Portable Version
Internet
Firefox - Next generation web browser, 20 times more secure than Internet Explorer and allows for tabbed browsing, customizable color schemes and just all around works better. A portable version is also available so that Firefox can run from a jump drive. Perfect for when you're on the road or somewhere that doesn't allow you to install new software.
Download
Portable Version
Thunderbird - E-mail client, perfect companion for Firefox. Allows more customization than Outlook in both look and feel and functionality. Largest drawback is, to my knowledge there's no way to connect to a HotMail account with it like there is with Outlook. Also comes in a portable version to take your e-mail on the road.
Download
Portable Version
Pidgin & Miranda IM - I'm including both of these together because essentially the functionality is the same, but the interface is the big difference. Both of these programs connect to MSN, Yahoo, AIM, ICQ, IRC and several other messenger protocols through a single interface. The difference between the two is that Miranda has a much more customizable interface, however it is not as user friendly.
Pidgin
Download
Portable Version
Miranda IM
Download
Portable Version
Office
Sunbird - Though not technically an internet application, it is included in the same software suite as Firefox and Thunderbird. This is a calendar/day-planner tool that, to be honest I haven't used much, but from what I have used of it, I really recommend it as opposed to the Outlook calendar set up.
Download
Portable Version
Open Office - A full office suite comparable to Microsoft Office 2003. It can read and write to Microsoft Office documents with little problem, so its great for people who need MSOffice but can't afford it. The biggest drawback is, it runs off the Java Runtime Environment when can be taxing on a system.
Download
Portable Version
Abiword - I just started playing around with Abiword, but so far I like what I'm seeing. Similar to OpenOffice Write, its a word processor that allows you to read/write Microsoft Word Documents, as well as Open Office. This one is much better for a jump drive since it has a smaller footprint than Open Office. Also, from what I can tell so far, this one does not use the Java Runtime Environment, so that's a definite plus, however it is just a word processor instead of a full office suite.
Download
Portable Version
Development
Notepad++ - To me, an invaluable tool for any programmer (and what I wrote all of the custom scripting for this site with). Picture Notepad, but with tabbed documents, and color codes for different languages.
Download
Portable Version
Images and Pictures
GIMP - Though I prefer to use Adobe Photoshop, this is a fairly decent free alternative. Also, its available in a portable form that allows you to manipulate images on the go (which is where I use it).
Download
Portable Version