Only Free Software for a New PC?

Is it possible to set up a new PC and equip it for everyday use without actually having to fork out anymore hard earned cash for software? Pirated software notwithstanding?

Definitely.

Most new PCs come with Windows pre-installed so I’m going to assume that for the purposes of this article.  If you get a PC without an operating system installed then setting it up without purchasing any software is still possible but involves Linux and that’s a whole other story… 

So, you’ve got your new computer with only windows installed but nothing else.  What software does the average home/home office/small business user need?

Here’s a suggested ’shopping list’ (don’t go out and actually buy anything, though - remember, we’re getting it all for free!):

• Anti-virus software
• Firewall software
• Anti-spyware software
• Word Processor and maybe spreadsheet software
• Photo editing software
• Web design software
• Zip software
• PDF reader software
• Video editing software
• Media playing software
• CD/DVD burning software

I could go on but that’s probably enough for a start and the good news is that there are free programs to cover each of these needs quite nicely thank you very much which means you can keep your wallet in your pocket.

Now, Windows actually comes with a few good tools that can cover a few of these already.  For example Windows Movie Maker is quite good and more than adequate for most home video makers.  It’s also very easy to use which cannot be said of many video editing programs.  Windows also now comes with a Firewall and of course there is also a basic word processor but most folks are conditioned to think they need Microsoft Office for their computer and while Office has been getting cheaper lately it is an unnecessary purchase for most when OpenOffice.org provides nearly all of what MS Office does and then some.  OpenOffice.org is also compatible with MS Office file formats.

The free software I recommend to cover everything else on the shopping list is listed and described (with download links) in the relevant sections of the main Guide to Free Software website.  Browse through the site and you’ll find a whole lot more free software you can use and enjoy as well as just these essentials.