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REO-Genesis Inc.
Property Preservation & Clean up
Specializing in REO & Foreclosed property clean up services.
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Mostly FREE Software Programs (Apps) You Can Use
In addition to real estate, one of my passions is computer technology. For over twenty years, I've tested, repaired, upgraded and built PC's for myself, my family, friends and clients. (The first and last store-bought PC that I purchased was back in 1993.)
Every couple of years, when my current PC seems to be falling behind in speed, I build a completely new system for my businesses. Then I update the older system and generally give it away to someone who needs a computer - but for one reason or another, can't afford one. Some I lend to friends and family, until they realize they really like computers. At that point, I'll either build them a new custom system, or will help them locate just the right system online or locally at BestBuy, for example.
I mention all of that, just so you'll have an idea of where I'm coming from in this section of my website. Especially since this is a real estate website. (There's more info on my blog, Home Tech Blog.)
Business Productivity/Office Apps
A good program called Ashampoo Office is one program that I suggest to friends and clients who need to work with Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint - but can't afford or prefer not to - purchase Microsoft Office suite
It opens the newer XML-based .docx, .xlsx, and pptx files, which a lot of folks use at work. Another good choice has been Open Office which plays nice (most of the time) with the newer files. Open Office is FREE.
You may also be interested in an off-shoot of Open Office, called Libre Office. Many of the same developers for Open Office have moved to working on Libre Office. (Why? The developers felt that Oracle, whose purchase of Sun Microsystems included Open Office - wouldn't continue updating and maintaining the Open Office product.)
I originally was searching for an office suite that was similar to MS Office for some friends - but without the price tag that comes with MS Office. IBM has a free version of it's Lotus Symphony program, but it can't open some of the newer .docx files. Free or not, you need a program that will play nice with the big kid on the block (MS Office).
What Do I Use?
On my computers, I use Microsoft Office 2007 Pro in my businesses, and Libre Office on my laptop. And I'm considering the newer Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 - 1 User-2 PC [Download]
CD-DVD Burner Apps
If you've been using the CD/DVD burner tool in Windows, you'll want to try BurnAware, There is a free version and a paid version. BurnAware is simple and just works.
If you need a kitchen sink app, there's Nero Burning ROM which has gotten very bloated and expensive over the years. Originally, Nero Burning ROM was the only way to burn a CD, to make sure theycould be read on another computer without any problems.
Since moving to Windows 7 Pro, I've had to look elsewhere for a great CD/DVD/BD burner app. Yes, I do realize that Windows can burn them for me, but have you ever burned a CD or DVD with it? It's ungodly slow.
Currently, my favorite program - also from Ashampoo - is Burning Studio 2010 Advanced. This is the first program I've used that just gets it. Put a blank disc in the drive, and in a few seconds the program opens, checks for updates, and is ready to roll (er, burn). I think they have a newer version out, but this one is perfect for my work.
Utility Apps to Speed Up Your PC
There are two very good programs available, that will safely clean the junk files, trash and other flotsam and jetsam of the digital variety from your computer.
I use both of these when working on a PC client's computer (see, I told you I had a passion for computers!) The first is Glary Utilities. They have a free version which is regularly updated, and a Pro version. Personally, I used the free version for about two weeks, then purchased the Pro version - it's very reasonable for such a powerful program at just $39.95. They have a trial version of the Pro version, if you want to check it out.
The other program is Tuneup Utilities. If your PC is slow on a fast connection, you'll want to at least download the trial version (it's a full version you can use for 30 days). When it first runs, it will ask you about your use of the PC, and Internet speed connection. Then it will get to work fixing anything that's broken, or not set correctly. I've been using this program since version 1, and they're on version 8 or 9 - although they've changed the naming by using the year instead of a version number.
Why use both? I use the memory manager in Glary Utilities, because it doesn't use a lot of memory while it's running. And I run it all the time on both my PC and laptop. Tuneup keeps my Internet connection and some system tweaks running for me. It has a designer section that will allow you to change most of Windows default graphics settings, which is great if you are using anything other than Windows 7 Pro.
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