Software and Hardware for you, my Top 10 Picks.
Do you need a tip on what to get for your home or office ? If so, then here are my top 10 choices (and a couple more) that I think will keep you and your business going and work best for you. Everything below with just one exception is what I use myself. If you want a second opinion, check out PC World Magazine Reviews section for the latest information.
I tend to updated this list about once a year and am not really surprised that several still remain on the list. If you think I missed something, drop me a note.
The Best Picks of November 2009:
Monitors are getting better all the time and one reason I still stick with the Samsungs is the 3 Year warranty. You can't get away from the wide screen models so if you are thinking of getting a 19 inch wide screen monitor to replace your old 17, think of that 19 as a "stretch 17". If you need vertical space, then you need to go to at least a 21". www.samsung.com.
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Want the easiest way to transfer data from one computer to another. Forget CDs, DVDs, Networking, and emailing it. Just use one of these USB Drives like the Mini-Cruzer or the Jump Drive. Get a good brand name but you can store up to 64 Gigabytes of information on them, they are fast, and you can't beat the prices per gigabyte. Quick tip is to avoid the U3 drives because they add software and confusion to your comptuer.
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Epson America's Printer Page
Like every year, Ink Jet printers have changed a lot and this Epson Stylus Photo R260 was the best of the bunch when I bought it two years ago. You can't beat Epson for photo quality pictures.
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Microsoft Windows 7 Comparison
I don't normally go out on a limb but Windows 7 is where you should be. Only if you have a new computer, new hardware, and don't have any really old software to run. I have been using it for most of 2009 but it won't work on my old notebook nor will it recognize some old hardware I have..
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Microsoft Outlook 2007
For a stand alone email program that does the best job of securing my email and keeping junk away, you can't do better than Microsoft Outlook. For managing junk mail, keeping you private, not to mention a great address book and calendar. Look for it as part of Microsoft Office. Tip, The 2007 Student Teacher Office edition does not include Outlook !
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If you burn a lot of DVDs, then you already know to get a good name brand like Verbatim. Whether it is making data discs, copying movies, creating your own movies or content, you really need a good name to ensure your discs have been created and not get that nasty surprise when you discover your backup isn't. |
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Netgear Firewall Products
If you are not into Broadband internet connections, you really miss out on a lot. When you get connected, tell your provider that you just want the simple modem and then get the router yourself that will connect you with the other computers in your house. Something like this Netgear WNR3500. Super Wireless N range, super performance, and gigabit speeds to the other computers for sharing files and the like. Around $120 at Best Buy.
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Corel Paint Shop Pro
From Corel still this is probably the best graphics program under $100 available today. It does everything the big boys does and sometimes, even better. This is something I use all the time with everything from my scanner to digital camera to web stuff. One of my top ten. Also, take a look at Aftershot, a really neat way to work with your digital photo images.
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| I can't let you go without getting on at least one soapbox and that is the problem of not keeping your equipment protected and today, you need it more than ever. First of all is a good Antivirus product like Norton's Internet Security 2010. Best part about this program is that it keeps itself up to date. This new one has some great features and is so much better than their older versions. Tip: buy the box, not the internet upgrades, so you get the latest software and can take advangate of the rebates. |
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| APC makes some terrific units that will protect your equipment from surges and spikes and you should not only protect the computer, but also the phone line for the modem or cable line if you connect to the internet that way. If Power outages is a problem, then get the UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) unit that keeps your computer going when your lights go out. |
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Copyright 2009. Sanborn Software Systems LLC
This Page Last Updated: November 22, 2009
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