Top Ten Software That Everyone Should Have

10) Utorrent
Okay, this software isn’t vital, but it is really cool. Utorrent is a torrent client that allows you to download and share torrent files. File sharing is becoming more and more widespread all of the time. If you plan on joining the craze, this is a good one to have. Oh by the way, this one is also free.
9) Skype
Make internet calls for free and calls to any phone with pay as you go and monthly subscription services. With Skype, you can make free video calls, instant message and voice calls. You can use Skype on a phone, a computer, or on a television that has it on it. This is another free download that you will use regularly.
8) Real Player
Real Player is a multimedia player that plays a wide variety of media files. Real Player is much more versatile than Windows Media Player and it is free. If you are going to listen to music or watch videos on your computer, you will be able to use this software.
7) Family Tree Maker Deluxe
Genealogy has never been easier and more rewarding than with this software. Family tree Maker will help you uncover the story of your family tree with help from the really cool capabilities this tool has. It integrates sites like Ancestry.com, and others to take what once was a very dull and tedious chore, left for the backrooms of libraries, and turn it into something interesting that anyone can do.
6) Winzip
WinZip is free to try and cheap to buy. It is a file compression utility. What that means is that WinZIp zips and unzips files. This software (or one like it) is required for opening files with a .zip or a .rar extension. This might be a tool that you can wait until you need it to get it, but you will eventually need it.
5) Adobe Reader
Adobe Reader allows you to open, view, and print PDF files. Many ebooks and other documents on the web are in PDF format. This software is a must. Adobe Reader is another free download that anyone who spends anytime on a computer will need this software eventually.
4) Dragon Naturally Speaking
Most people speak over 120 words per minute but type less than 40 words per minute. What if you could create email, documents and spreadsheets simply by speaking? What if you could control your PC just by talking to it, starting programs, using menus, surfing the Web? Voice recognition software has come a long way and this is the leader of the pack. This is one software title that you will become dependent upon. Six months after you begin using it, you won’t know how you ever did without it.
3) Firefox
Firefox is a free, open sourced internet browser that is head and shoulders above Internet Explorer. Searching the web is where this browser really shines. It is much easier and more intuitive to find what you are looking for. It ensures that you don't face any difficulty while searching the Web. A few mouse clicks and you will be able to assign keywords to inbuilt Firefox search engines. This will make things simpler. Just enter the search words in the location bar.
2) Quicken Home and Business
Quicken allows you to organizes your personal and home based business finances all in one place. It helps you to identify tax-deductible home business expenses and shows your profit and loss at a glance. With this software you can create customized invoices and estimates and creates Schedule C reports to save you time on taxes. Whether you run a small business or simply managing the household budget, this software is a valuable tool.
1) Microsoft Office
This one is an absolute must have. The office suite lets you create professional documents, spreadsheets, databases and more. Sure, there is Open Office, and the Corel Suites, but none really compare to the real thing. As with everything else (especially from Microsoft), I wouldn’t recommend buying the newest version every time they come out. This article was written with Office 2007 Home and Office and, for most people, it will meet all of your needs. Older versions work really well also. Normally, I don’t upgrade until I buy a new computer. This is a tool that will, more than likely, be used consistently.