GTMOO…

First there was Google pack. The collection of software that Google bundled with stuff to improve your computer experience. Then I saw on makeuseof.com that someone had listed their pack choices. I thought that I should do that so below are my essential MPack recommendations. These are FREE programs that no computer should be without.

1. AVG AntiVirus http://free.avg.com/ (get the free basic protection)

Everyone needs antivirus software and this is the one I use. The current version takes up more resorces than the previous one but if it can run without problems on my three year old Compaq it will probably run fine on yours. It does add a toolbar but you can remove it with no problems.

Here are some other options for antivirus software.

Avira AntiVir Personal I’ve heard good things about this and will probably review it in the future.

2. Spybot Search and Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html

Most good good antivirus software tends to bundle some kind of spyware software. I however like to have an old standby that I know is good at removing things. I’ve been using this for quite a while now. I started with ad aware but always had problems and had to keep reinstalling it. I’ve never had that problem with spybot. My mom had some malware on her computer recently and she used spybot with great sucess.

3. Firefox http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

The browser of choice for non Mac geeks everywhere. Even though Microsoft is trying to catch up I still think that Firefox is superior. They have many add-ins to enhance the browser that are very easy to add. My favorite one is from the weather channel. For example right now I know it is 20 degrees without going to a weather site or leaving my computer.

4. Internet essentials

I am including the following under one entry because I think they are all essential to the web browsing experience. It is possible that these are already installed on your computer but you should go to these sites to make sure.

Adobe reader http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Flash http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/

Java http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp

5. iTunes http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

The standard for buying, organizing, playing, and transferring mp3s and podcasts is iTunes no question about it. It is an all in one and easy for people to understand. There are alternatives but this is the easiest and if you have an iPod it is even easier. For now everyone needs iTunes.

6. Hamachi VPN https://secure.logmein.com/products/hamachi/list.asp

You can see the previous article I wrote about why you need a VPN. Hamachi is my favorite. I’m now using it on both my computers. I never knew security could be so easy yet not slow down my computer. Hamachi is a must for anyone who wants privacy and or security.