What software do you use?

Now that you're no longer a manager at Microsoft, do you really need Visio?

And ImageMagick... It may be the most powerful image processing suite in the world, but it's also the hardest to learn. Would you really recommend it to any non-techie?

Actually, I like Visio.

ImageMagick is there for the command line utilities. Though I note that PaintShop Pro 8, my image GUI editing software of choice, is missing from the list :-).

I've always admired your advice so I tried installing all the software in your list. I started with XP Pro and went from there. Didn't take very long until I got an error message. My computer has an 8GB HHD, P1, 64MB RAM. Do you think this might have something to do with the errors? :-)

But seriously, if someone wanted to copy your list, what would be your recommendation for minimum machine specs? Or do you have a network set up with certain tasks assigned to certain computers? Just curious because that seems like a lot for one machine to handle reliably.

Actually that list was comprised from walking the start menu on my "Primary" machine, so it just represents one of my several boxes. I expect that I'll add a few items as I check out a couple of other machines as well.

My primary is a Dell 3Ghz machine with 2GB of RAM with an 80GB hard disk. These days I typically recommend 1.5Ghz and 1GB as a minimum for most machines, and that should handle the list as well. It's actually hard to get hard disks that are too small, but I'll stake out 60GB as a minimum in that arena as well.

This is exactly what I wanted to see. A list of what the pros use. For what I do, I have had good luck with a lot of "stuff" you use. Paying heed to good recommendations from reliable sources sure makes choosing a lot easier.
I wonder if you have played with AdvancedWindows Care from IOBit Software yet. I took part in the Beta testing and now run the free final version regularly. I was curious as to your thoughts on this software. It really seems to do good for me and my amateurish fumblings.
Many thanks for your great advice in so many areas.

Bob

I want to design a little gadget (like a calculator) with buttons, a display and numerical inputs. Ive got some experience of using microsoft infopath but thats forms and doesnt really lend itself to a gadget (although the logic design set up is really nice to use) i've also programmed in pascal but i dont really want to start from there. I havent got a clue how a gui would be designed from scratch either!

Hello Leo:

Just one question if possible:
Are IObit Softwares safe to use and why does Internet Explorer keep blocking the downloads and so does Kaspersky Internet Security 2008.

Your assistance is highly appreciated and keep up your good work and regretfully more Microsoft Users should learn to know you.

I am using XP PRO at this time and next year will plan to go to Vista.

Thank you much,

MK35XR