Ben Hovinga

The year is almost over so I decided that I would start doing the 2009 top stuff that I like and first on that list is Windows Based Software.

The great thing about this list verses all of the other 2009 top lists is everything on this list is free. I like free and a lot of other people do too.

This year I have been concerned about keeping things as simple as possible. What most people don’t realize is that when you keep your computer as simple as possible then it runs a lot faster, something my father still hasn’t figured out. Keeping it simple will not only improve computer performance but also is simpler to use and that could make your performance faster also. What I mean about keeping it simple is, if you know that you don’t need it then don’t install it. Or if you need a program but know that half of the features that are included in that program will never be used then try to find a simpler alternative, a program that you know has only the features that you need. I will talk more about keeping it simple throughout this post and many other top 2009 lists.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the fastest, securest, and simplest browser that I know. The reason that this browser blows the others out of the water is that it is very minimal. Internet Explorer is just a slow insecure browser but Firefox gets slow and has problems when you install extensions. Chrome looks a lot different then IE or FF but the speed and security of having  simple, minimal and basic browser is worth getting used to a little bit of change.

OpenOffice.org

OpenOffice.org is not just the name of the website but also the name of the program. This program is not simple compared to its expensive competitor Microsoft Office (newer versions) but this program is free and works with a large array of file formates. OpenOffice.org is a free open-source office suite that includes program to write documents, manage spreadsheets, create presentations, organize databases, and even a drawing application.

VLC Player

VLC Media Player is an all in one media player. This very small program is a very powerful player that is still simple to use. This little program can read almost any audio and video file standard available. No need to mess around with codecs and different software for different media types, this program will do it all. Talk about simple.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials is the most basic antivirus program there is. It is quick and doesn’t slow down your system when it loads, gets updates or scans. It is lacking in some features that a computer expert would prefer to have access to but being basic is perfect for the average joe looking to get some easy to understand security. And I don’t mind that some features are not there, I would never use them anyway.

I could go on with all of my favorite programs but these are my top favorite. I might continue later on in the new year with some more that I like.

I love reading the Oatmeal comics and this comic caught my attention because its about computers and the three stages of owning a computer. Well I am going to show you 2 simple steps to prolong the painful event of computer ownership stage 3.

Clean up

This is the hardest part of the 2 steps because you are not only cleaning up temp files, cookies and other files that are useless but you will also need to uninstall useless programs. This can be hard because most people don’t know what programs to uninstall.

The average computer user just needs a basic web browser, some basic office software (ex. microsoft word) and some basic computer security so I will be basing the examples around that.

Some things that you should be removing include:

• Trial Software – Its been used once and probably wont be again until you pay for it.
• Old Games – You played them, beat them, now they just sit there clogging your hard drive.
• Useless Media Programs – If you just have WMP or iTunes and just use those then you don’t need to worry about any other programs for media… If you need to play media that isnt supported by those then go ahead and look at getting VLC Player, its small and plays about 99% of media files.
• Manufacture Software – These days when you buy a printer or camera they not only come with the drivers but also some very useless software like photo managers… If you can remove the software without removing the drivers then do it.
• Old Programs – If you haven’t used it in the past month then you don’t need it.
• Old Drivers – If you had a printer but it died or just replaced it with a new printer then remove the old printers drivers.
• Toolbar programs – Google Toolbar, Yahoo Toolbar and many others. they are useless and you can live without them.

Some things that you should never remove include:

• Acrobat Reader – You need this to read PDF files and most documentation on the internet uses PDFs now.
• Used Programs – If you use it daily or almost daily then you should not remove it… All tho you could consider replacing the program with one that performs the same function you use but will do it faster.
• Security Software – This is essential for staying safe… If you have paid for it or it is asking you to pay for it then remove it, there is free software that will do the same thing. This will be discussed more in the next section.

After you have removed the useless programs you should perform a disk cleanup. Just start the disk cleanup utility (usualy start, all programs, accessories, system tools, disk cleanup) and follow the steps to remove the junk.

Also considering cleaning up your desktop. Move files to the documents folder, shortcuts to programs can be deleted. Right now I have no icons on my desktop, having a clear desktop with a nice background from interfacelift can also help you stay on track with a clear mind.

Seruity

Security is essential to staying safe on your computer. Having the top of the line security software is not always the best, most of the high end security software requires big subscription fees and slow down your computer. When it comes to security stay simple. Only have one antivirus program installed at any time (most antivirus programs will fight with each other), ease of use is also a big factor because if its to difficult for you to use then you will never use it.

I have tested many antivirus programs over the years and at the moment Microsoft has the be solution for the average user called Microsoft Security Essentials. It is very simple to install and use. It is very basic and will not slow down your computer, not to mention its free.

Antivirus is only one step, installing a safe and easy browser is the next step. I have tested the most common browsers and found that Google Chrome is the easiest and most secure, not to mention the fastest loading.

Its been about 3 weeks since my last post so i decided to make an update post.

I took another poinless photo for you to see: http://ben.hovinga.me/photogal/image.php?id=20091011001

I got a Blackberry…. yay my first smartphone

Google Street View finaly came to Canada and im glad Google is still thinking about Canada

I got a bad cold (not H1N1)

I seen Zombieland and I think that it is the best movie of the year

I joined the navy and i am going to be waiting about 3 months for them to accept me

I am looking to work

The way of the physical document is becoming extinct. Almost everything we do today is digital. Why not also make your resume digital. I don’t mean using MS Word or OpenOffice to make one and then print it out. Make a 100% electronic resume. By putting your resume on the internet not only can you change details on it after it is handed out but also use very little paper(about 80-90% less), making it a very eco-friendly resume.

It’s a very simple process and can be done in a 3 simple steps. (1) Make your resume like you would any other, (2) publish it, (3) tell future employers. I will go into further detail now.

What you will need is:
- A Google Docs Account. If you already use any of the Google services then you have one.
- An existing resume (optional)
- Business card paper. I had a box of it in my basement but you can get some for a few bucks at an office supply store like Staples.

Making your Resume

You are first going to log into Google Docs and create a new document. Now you can just copy and past your old resume or type out a new one, that’s up to you. Save the document something like My Resume.

Publish your Resume

With your document open click [Share] and then click [Publish as web page...]. Make sure [Automatically re-publish when changes are made] is checked and then click [Publish document]. Copy the link that is displayed because you will need it for the next part.

Share your Resume

With the link you copied from the last step go to tinyurl.com and turn it into a tinyurl. This will make it easier for employers to type in the address. You can start quickly by using that link on employment websites but for employers that want the more face to face approach use that link and put it on a business card. You don’t need much on it, something simple like this is fine.

John Doe
Electronic Resume
Please Visit:
http://tinyurl.com/p9z646

Print that off and start handing it out. My cards came on a sheet of 10 so that is 10 resumes from 1 sheet of paper.

To see an example of an electronic resume go here http://tinyurl.com/p9z646