There is no denying that the netbook boom, started in Fall 2007 by the ASUS Eee PC was one of the biggest computer stories of 2008. Many would consider 2008 the year of the netbook but 2009 promises to offer users even more choices than before. For those that are not in the circle of the knowing, a netbook is defined as a small portable laptop designed for wireless communication and access to the internet. It is no secret that these "new" machines are merely repackaged terminals of the past. Of course a few improvements have been made to increase battery life and usability, the sole technology dates back many years. Since most road warriors and students have invested in one of these low cost machines, it is probably a good time to introduce some of my favorite non-resource hog and free applications. After all the economy isn't great and I wasn't willing to shell out for my trusty MSI U100, why should my software cost more than the computer itself?
My Favorite Software:
Google Chrome- Although I use Firefox with its millions of extensions on my main computer, I have found that Chrome is an excellent alternative for Firefox. According to many industry tests, Chrome is the fastest most light weight browser available. Although it is only available for Windows users at the moment, a linux version is in the works.
VLC Player- Although it is still considered in a beta stage, VLC Player is the least bulky and offers the most codecs for your media needs. It plays just about everything.
Rocket Dock- A dock maximizes your valuable screen space on an 8 or 10 inch netbook. It works much better than short cuts and is fun to customize during boring business meetings. Rocket dock is a free alternative for object dock (a free version is also offered with reduced functionality).
Foxit Reader- It doesn't matter where you go Adobe's PDF is going to follow you like the plague. It may only be me but Adobe Reader crashes my netbook and sometimes even my gaming computer. The remedy for this is Foxit Reader. This light weight PDF reader is more powerful than the free Adobe Reader.
TeamViewer- I don't like keeping a million files on my netbook so I use Team Viewer (free for personal use) so I can access files on my home PC. The encryption and speed is the best offered on the free market.
Starcraft- All work and no play makes Michael a dull boy. Those long meetings or boring lectures need the destructions of siege tanks and dragoons to make life more bearable. Blizzard's hit classic is one of the best remedies. Although the constant movement of the mouse may give you away, sitting in the back usually helps.
Those are the main applications I run on my trusty netbook. Now, some people may ask why I don't have an antivirus installed. It's simple, it aint worth it for a low power netbook. Careful computing does just fine.
That's all for now.
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