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BushArts.com - Software Links and Tips

No Windows PC comes complete, extra Software, Add-ons or Updates are required to allow a user to fulfill the capabilities of that PC. But which extra ones do you need?. This is perhaps one of the least understood areas regarding computer usage, as the enormous variety of choices and versions available to a PC user can be overwhelming.

Now it's simply not within our scope here to give you a definitive listing of software that you should have, we can only point you in the right direction by mentioning the market leaders in each category to enable a benchmark to be set, and to disclose some of the alternate options that may be more suitable for your own situation. Nothing mentioned below comes with our endorsement, as that which works for us, may not be a practical item for you.

So where do you get it?.
Obviously you can go visit your local shopping centre, where you will be subject to all the marketing hype on the packaging as your guide. Or you can visit the manufacturers Web site, where usually you can download a sample or "Demo" version to test out all the claims, or by the purchasing of computer magazines that include a cover CD/DVD of either demo or full version software, - sometimes these magazines are also useful for the articles and reviews.

We always prefer one of the "try before you buy" methods, we too have been caught out by glossy boxes, and have dozens of absolutely useless programs filed away.

The lists below include tools for both professional and home use, and are a guide only, each individual will have to decide the most appropriate application/s for yourself. Links, or search tips, to relevant Websites are included, along with some further items leading to sites that may provide extra assistance in solving PC problems, or provide bonus items of interest. We hope this provides a small assistance to you.

Essentials...

These are the some of the essential add-ons or plug-ins that you will need sooner or later. They all enable your computer to interpret a particular type of file that is not standard to Windows.

  • Adobe (Acrobat) Reader to read .pdf files... a very good format viewable on both Windows and Macintosh computers that produces documents similiar to a printed brochure.
  • Winzip to decompress, unpack, look inside or create .Zip files (this ability is already included within Windows XP/Vista, however, a ".zip" file management program will allow much more control. There are also several excellent freeware Winzip competitors.)
  • Macromedia Flash and Shockwave plug ins to run relevant files, (these are already included with Internet Explorer, but you will need to get the latest versions from Macromedia).
  • Apple Quicktime player to play various media formats.

It would be remiss of us if we did not mention protection. A quality Virus Scanner/Firewall combination is an essential part of your kit, but it will be utterly useless if you do not keep it up to date by getting the latest virus definitions for your program. McAfee and Norton are the most widely used, with free programs like "Avast" antivirus and "Zonealarm" firewall well worth a look.

It is also advisable to check the Websites of all your various software programs to look for enhancements, updates or bug fixes - as well as using Windows Update to get the latest Patches and Security fixes for your version of Ms Windows, but please read about the patch or fix first, not every patch will be required on your computer.

Writing...

Writing letters and documents can be as simple as using the "Notepad" Basic text editor included with Windows, or the slightly more functional "Wordpad", to the almost automated and-as-complex-as-you-want-it-to-be Microsoft Word.

An alternative used professionally for printing is the .PDF format creator Adobe Acrobat.

Ms Word is undoubtedly the Word Processor that sets the standard for others to be compatible with, and whilst it's overkill for most home users, it is so widely used that it is almost compulsory. Plug ins are available to convert Ms Word files to Acrobat .pdf format.

Competitors include Corels "Wordperfect". As long as the program can read an Ms Word format document, then it should be just fine. See "Suites" below.

Suites...

Office suites are amongst the biggest selling software items, and will give your PC enormous functionality. It's almost as though these are what computers were built for.

The undisputed champion in Office Suites is Microsoft Office and may include programs such as...

  • Ms Word for letters and documents,
  • Ms Excel spreadsheet for lists and calculations, highly recommended,
  • Ms Powerpoint for presentations,
  • Ms Publisher for various creations,
  • Ms Access database program,
  • Ms Outlook for contact and email management,
  • Ms Encarta Encyclopedia,
  • ...plus other programs in some versions.

All of which are at, or near, the top of their relevant class for quality or distribution.

All individual programs within an Office suite usually integrate well with the other pieces of that suite, and is much better value than purchasing the programs individually, - with what you save, you can always replace any individual element with your preferred alternate program.

Microsoft Works can be thought of as a cut down version of Ms Office, although anyone that intends to use these type of programs will eventually need the greater power of Office.

Alternatives have improved in quality recently to become worthy competitors to Ms Office, as long as you get the opportunity to be compatible with MS Office files, then any of these may be suitable... consider Corels Wordperfect suite, or the free OpenOffice suite.

Graphics...

Photos, Artwork, or any other Computer Graphic requires software to create, edit or enhance the item. There are different categories of Computer Graphics, from basic photo editing, through fully digital 3D modelling, and on to animations or movies in various formats. (see Publishing/Multimedia below). There are programs available in each and every category for both the average home user and skilled professional.

Image Editing...

Adobe Photoshop is the "Killer app" in this class, but it is expensive, complicated and far more advanced than most home users will ever need. Very good though! Most often you are likely to come across names like, for example, Corels' Paint Shop Pro, Painter, or CorelDraw, Adobes' Photoshop Elements, or Uleads' PhotoImpact. These are just some of the many other acceptable quality programs available and are all wide spread in usage. BushArts for example have used all of the above on various projects and all have useable features.

Another that we use with increasing frequency is Mediachances' RealDraw Pro, which is under half the price of the afore mentioned and with its own set of unique features. This is the program we would recommend to the average Home user, so much so that we have now included a seperate RealDraw section within BushArts.com

Trial versions are available for all of the above.

A "must have" amongst all your graphics tools is the freebie graphic viewer/converter "Irfanview" - Put it together with the free Google owned "Picasa" to sort and view all of your graphic images.

Keep in mind that Windows includes its own graphics program called "Paint", which is suitable for the very basics only. There is an improved version named "paint.net" freely available for modern systems.

Digital Cameras/Scanners...

All of the above image editing programs have relevance to Digital Camera/Scanned imaging. Some are even provided as part of the "package" when buying a camera or scanner. Keep the above in mind, if what you are supplied with is not completely suitable for the way you want to adjust your digital photos.

3D Modelling...

Computers are excellent tools at representing images in 3 Dimensions, indeed many current movies begin with a model created on a computer. The vast majority of 3D software tools are very high-end in complexity and terminology, and we won't be looking at these here. But there are also tools designed for the average PC user, and usually at an appropriate or value price point.

More...

More on Daz|Studio and Bryce can be found Here...

Want to create beautiful Landscapes or Scenery? Bryce, Mojoworld and Vue d'Esprit are sensational tools for this type of project. All have given away older versions for free in the hope that users will like the product enough to purchase the current issue. Many do.

Want to do pictures of people, animals, furniture, buildings or other objects? A program called "Poser" has been available for several years, and has it's own massive community of supporters.

To introduce even more people to the world of 3D, the company "Daz3D" recently released another program... "DAZ Studio". In it's basic form, DAZ Studio will render images of 3D models, (including many in Poser format), is Free, and is one of the few programs we would recommend as being "too good to not have" on your computer.

There are also additional 3D models to use (on almost any subject you could think of), for purchase widely across the Internet. There are even more available for no charge. There are also budget and freeware tools available to create your own 3D models.

Business...

Most small Business users that we deal with, have to be compatible with their own accountant, so the software used is most often the same. Many simply use a spreadsheet program (Ms Excel) to print invoices and track payments, others are mostly using either MYOB or Quickbooks for accounting needs. Both programs have good points, are complex to begin with, but are efficient and reliable when understood. Trial versions are available.

For basic invoicing, with a product inventory or often used list of charges/services, there are a multitude of small programs available. Most are under $100au. However, they all have different features, and vary in required PC skill level. We would recommend testing any of this type of software before purchasing. (Check Google on some of these... "QuickInvoice", "Small Business Invoicing System", "Super Invoice", "Invoice It", "Instant Invoice", "Easy Invoice", ...to see if any are suitable). Alternately, XS Invoicing is one of the very rare freebies that is adaptable to many different business situations.

The Australian Tax Office is also Technology aware, with many guides available online, even to the point of downloadable software to complete your own tax return/s.

Point of Sale software varies within different industries and your own industry association should be your best guide.

Publishing...

Publishing from your computer comes in many different forms...

Desktop Publishing...

Quark was the market leader for many years, but now faces stiff competition from Adobe Indesign, which is also an excellent program. Both of these are far too advanced for an average home user and are mentioned only to set a standard.

Most people can get by for simple newsletters, brochures and other basic print needs using their existing Word Processor, (see "Writing" above), or with the aid of one of the many speciallist programs like RagTime Solo that are available for this purpose. Many schools use Ms Publisher for this kind of work.

We have a personal preference for any program that can be adapted to multiple desktop publishing tasks (see Craft Publishing below...)

Electronic...

Electronic publishing is a different situation. To make your own programs or computer readable file, then the average Pc user is very well catered for. Multimedia authoring programs such as Illuminatus Opus, Multimedia Builder, MultimediaFusion, Neobook or Mediator are readily available. All of these can pack your pictures, text, sounds and music into a free standing .exe program readable on almost any Windows PC.

Microsoft Powerpoint also fits in this category, however we rarely see anyone outside the Academic arena using it.

E Books...

Another recent release is DeskTopAuthor which can output pictures and text into an .exe program that reads just like a book, complete with page flips.

WWW Publishing...

An alternate way to pack multiple media items is to present them in Macromedia's .SWF (Flash) format created by using their own Flash program, although we recommend you try out the much simpler Swishmax instead. To present a .Swf file you will need to pack it into a Web page, of which the web authoring market is dominated by Dreamweaver and Frontpage, both of which have valid claims. Dreamweaver is for the more advanced user, whilst Frontpage (now "Expression Web"), is the Microsoft competitor. No web page editor is perfect, and you should be advised to learn some code basics.

Multimedia...

Multimedia covers a wide scope of topics, and we are only just touching the surface here, but we can not pass by without a mention of Music, Sound and Digital Video. Windows already includes a "media player" capable of displaying most digital formats.

Computers are excellent tools for creating, editing or playing Noise and Vision files. From playing your CD/DVD collection, recording sounds, plugging in an electronic keyboard, to music writing and publishing, or even create and edit your own movies, it's all available to you, but would require too many pages to explain here due to standards changing so rapidly within these industries. Try searching the web for an explanation, free files or software, on these topics - MP3, XVid, Midi, Wav, Wma, Mpeg, Digital Video...

Crafts...

More...

More on ScrapbookMax can be found Here...

Scrapbooks and general paper crafts are very suited to being assisted by a computer. Software designed to be an aid in craft publishing, will also have the capability of publishing many of your other computer tasks. Have a look at the massive potential of "ScrapbookMax" for your publishing needs.

Surfing...

With what program are you reading this? Chances are that you are using Internet Explorer (IE) by Microsoft, as IE dominates with current stats suggesting that around 70% of Web site visitors are using it. (source). But there are alternatives...

Released over the last few years, Mozilla Firefox is rapidly gaining a huge fanbase with its enhanced features available as "extensions" or add on bonus components. You can comfortably run Firefox alongside Internet Explorer, choosing between whenever necessary. Firefox is Free of charge and highly recommended.

If you are comfortable surfing the net already, then there is not a compelling reason to switch. Make sure that you keep your browser up to date by downloading the latest version or security update.

E-mail is dominated by MS Outlook Express, as this comes free with Internet Explorer/Windows. Corporate users will often be using MS Outlook across the company network. There are other programs available, almost all have similiar attributes, although some provide enhanced security features. How carefully you use your email client program is possibly more important than what that program actually lists as a feature.

Leisure...

Of course, Computers can play games and do calculations, but there is a lot of Hobby type topics that can be assisted with the use of a PC. Like to read books?, many of the old classics are available legally online for free. Try having your PC read one out loud to you! Like to be creative with a sewing machine or needle and thread? - plenty of stuff available, try Stoik software's PM Stitch Creator for example, for turning one of your own photos into a cross-stitch pattern.

Want to design a new home? ...or just plan out your existing rooms? Several types of planning software are available with one of the better recent releases downunder "My Virtual Home" freely given away (CD-rom) on a magazine cover, but still available for the cost of postage only.

Need advice on a plant disease? Want a new recipe? Whatever you can think of, then there is probably software to assist. Again - best to use the try before you buy theory. Search Engines are useful here.

Training...

Need to be trained, or just want to brush up on a topic? All you need is a PC and the time to learn. For each and every software package there should be a help file and a manufacturers web site from which you can learn. Even better - some places provide forums where actual users of the programs can ask questions or read about problems or advanced skills discovered by other people that are actually using that program.

Then there are people like us here at BushArts that provide training either online or directly to the client, or you can purchase training packages to view at your leisure, like the excellent series provided by VTC. Or you can go join a class conducted by TAFE Colleges or Universities, just check that you are being taught the latest version and not last years program or method.

Utilities...

Utilities are generally little programs that change some of the "Hidden" settings within Ms Windows. They can be dangerous in the hands of an unskilled user. For this reason the only utility we can recommend for the majority of people is to get a copy of Microsofts Powertoys for Windows, if only to use "Tweakui" to save on time spent messing about in the registry. Plenty of other utility programs are about, some are excellent, but very few are needed by the average user, and some even keep guys like us in work, repairing the damage that they do.

Beware of programs claiming to speed up your PC or Internet connection, and beware of programs supported by advertising, - sometimes known as "spyware", not because they are poor programs, many are quite good, you just-do-not-need-them. Programs like "Ad-Aware" or "Spybot" are quite good at detecting some of these unwanted intruders.

File sharing programs have also become very popular over recent times, (and supply people like our technicians with plenty of repair work!), use these at your own risk.

Decorations...

On a lighter note - why not dress up your Windows computer to make it look good? Only those who have computers that are struggling to keep up with the higher demands of todays software need to back off on the decorations touch. Put on your Desktop whatever picture you like, use that Bart Simpson icon for your personal finances file, Play "Elvis has left the building" when your PC shuts down (If you are so inclined!) Give your PC a feel good touch and have fun with it.
Tucows, among many others, has a huge library of free Themes, Wallpapers, Cursors, Icons and Sound files for you to grab.

Games...

Playtime! do you find it annoying that the Kids (and Big Kids) will play a game for a month or two and then never go near it again? Sounds like not much value for money. Check the Web; many games allow modifications that can extend the life span of a game ten fold. We have seen an old WW2 game being fought out with its own soldiers and tanks one day, Star Wars Millenium Falcons the next. (Red Alert).

The "Sims" games are classic examples. Whilst many add on packs are available to purchase, plenty of extra "mods" are around online, many of them free.

Cheat codes are another method that may allow a game to be played in a different way or may add life to an otherwise completed scenario. Update patches can sometimes enhance a game as well as fixing inherent bugs. Use the search engines with your game title, plus "patch", "add-on" or "cheat" etc.

Freebies...

Free software? Yes, plenty of programs are available for absolutely no monetary fee whatsoever. Often a skilled author will release a program they have written for no charge. Manufacturers will occasionally release a cut down or older version of a program for free, in the hope that you will like it well enough to purchase the latest version. We often see software still on the shelves or at auction with silly prices, after it has been given away for nix legally. Thinking of buying a program? - check the makers web site first.

Another method authors use, is to release a program as Shareware, that is you get to use it either in a cut down way, or for a limited time only, after which you purchase the program - or remove it from your computer, the original "Try before you Buy". This is generally where you will find the real bargain low priced software.

Other good sources for free software are the specialist sites like Tucows, Simtel, or Download.com, as well as on magazine cover CDs, particularly these English and Australian magazines...

There is also a very large (and growing), "Open Source" movement. This involves a developer releasing a program, usually at no charge, but with open access to the code that runs the program. Other developers can then amend or "improve" on the original code, and release under the same circumstance as the initial program.

Freebies, Our favourites...

These are some of our favourite pieces of Free Software or sites. Check the respective Web sites to see if they are of any use to you. (you may have to search through some sites, many are no longer free, but may supply older versions freely).


Help...

Having a problem with your computer or a particular program? Or does something just not do what you think it should do? Why put up with a problem PC? There will always be a reason, and normally a solution to an under performing system. Always take note of any error message that pops up, write it down if you are able. Finding a solution will usually be much easier if you can quote the exact error message.

You have several options in solving a problem - you can try the ways mentioned in Training above, or you can visit the owner of Windows: Microsoft, which maintains a massive Knowledgebase of which you can search whilst online, or you can visit one of the specialist help sites like these... Annoyances.org, or Winhelp.

Be specific if you ask a question, do not type "I need help!", try "How can I do such and such?", or just the specific problem itself. Always use the local site search function first - chances are that someone else has had the same trouble and your question has already been answered.

Tips and Tricks for all versions of Windows are freely available online, both of the above have tips sections as well as these very useful sites... Answers that Work, Tweak XP and Geek Girls amongst the many.

Not sure what Hardware components are inside your computer? There are several PC diagnostic programs available. Give Freshdiagnose a run over your system to identify these parts ...available in free version.

Stuff...

Plenty of other stuff you can do with your computer, or just for interest...

Be aware of the "use-by" date of any program you may consider purchasing. Many, many programs are updated almost annually, and it is pointless buying a program only weeks before a new version that requires further expenditure, is released.

Naturally, all the above mentioned products are Copyright and/or Trademarked to their respective owners. BushArts recommend care be taken when researching, downloading, or installing any product.