Randy's Recommendations:
Google Gmail
Having a Gmail account is your gateway to all things Google. Yourname@gmail.com becomes your login username for Android, Google+ for Business, Analytics, Search, Google Docs and more.
Office Apps
Google Docs
Use Google Drive to save your docs and never be without a file.
Microsoft 365 (Formerly Office 365)
Impressive new features and a cool yourname@outlook.com user name.
Browser
Brave
Just like Google Chrome – based on the open-source Chromium, has 80% of the features of Chrome, but NONE of the tracking and add features. It is secure, reliable, compatible and has options for terrific extensions and plug-ins. Warning: Some sites don’t work with Brave, so don’t delete Chrome quite yet.
Edge (2020 version)
Microsoft joins the Google Camp by offering the Edge Browser based on Google’s Chromium open-source. Yes, Google. In my mind, the jury is still out deciding, but it’s a Brave new World (pun-intended)
Google Chrome
Simply the most widely used browser, and for a good reason; it is secure, reliable, compatible and has options for terrific extensions and plug-ins.
Mozilla FireFox
A great alternative to Chrome when you need. Sometimes can be less secure because of its open architecture.
Cloud Storage
Google Drive
Sync files and folders from your hard drive to the Cloud and always have your files available, anywhere. A key part of Google Docs.
Microsoft OneDrive
Great companion for the free online versions of Word, Excel & Outlook. Some limitations in quantity of files that can be stored make it less attractive to business use.
Accounting Software
Wave Accounting
Basic Accounting system that is superb for home businesses and entrepreneurs. Includes a powerful Invoicing system with a built-in merchant account. Read a 3rd party Wave Apps Review Here by Cloudwards.net
VoIP
Google Voice
Get a free phone number with voice mail. Advertise this as your business line, then direct calls to your home or cell while keeping them private.
Email Marketing
Mail Chimp – Randy’s Favorite
Blast your news to your contacts! But, be sure to use the double-opt-in features to get your contacts or you could be black-listed quickly.
Free Security Software for Windows
CAUTION: Many others can NOT be trusted. I only recommend those on this page.
AntiVirus
Sophos Home
In the past Sophos has only offered business solutions – now with Sophos Home you can get that same protection on up to 10 computers for free.
Anti-Malware & Antivirus
Malwarebytes
The new standard in eliminating Malware. Perfect when partnered with Webroot.
The Full Version stops malware before you are infected – well worth the $ money.
Anti-Malware
SpyBot S&D
(Difficult to use – only recommended for advanced users).
Clean-up Tools
CCleaner
Caution: this will clean all browser settings including history, cache, etc.
Password Manager
LastPass
If you are tired of managing passwords for dozens of sites, try Last Pass – it takes SOME of the pain out. Still it is up to you to use effective passwords.
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OpenSource (Free)
software for Windows and Linux
Office Suite
Libre Office
Reads and writes all Microsoft Files with near 100% accuracy.
Open Office
Photo Editor
GIMP – Randy’s Favorite
80% of the features of PhotoShop – takes some experience to become proficient.
Desktop Publishing
Scribus
Advanced users only: Suggested for experienced DeskTop Publishing experts only.
Graphic Editor
Inkscape
Advanced users only: Suggested for experienced DeskTop Publishing experts only.
Media Player
VLC Media Player – Randy’s Favorite
Frustrated with Media Players that don’t play your file type or disc? VLC can do it.
Audio MP3 WAV Editor
Audacity
Audacity is a free, easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems.
PDF Printer
CutePDF
Create PDFs quickly and easily from any program that will print.
FTP Client
Filezilla
Yes, FTP is still used in many applications – mostly web devs and geeks, but this is a handy one.
Linux Operating Systems
Linux Ubuntu
(Leading Linux Distro)
If another OS isn’t cutting it, or you want to free yourself from the mainstream, install Linux on your computer.
Get your Geek on… it takes some patience and geekiness to make it the most effective.
Linux Mint
(best for Windows users)
An alternative distro of Linux Ubuntu that operates more like Microsoft Windows.
LOW COST Services
Merchant Credit Card Systems
Wave Apps – Randy’s Favorite
Built-in Merchant Account (2.9% plus 30 cents)
More than 2 million small businesses and freelancers use Wave to send invoices and manage accounting and bookkeeping.
Paypal (2.9% plus 30 cents)
PayPal is the faster, safer way to send money, make an online payment, receive money or set up a merchant account.
Square (2.75% – 2.9% depends on card type)
Square helps millions of sellers run their business- from secure credit card processing to point of sale solutions.
Accounting Software
QuickBooks Online
Start at $12.95 per month for a basic system. The #1 rated small business accounting software. Run your whole business better with QuickBooks.
FreshBooks
The best cloud based small business accounting software. Send invoices, track time, manage receipts, expenses, and accept credit cards. Start at $12.95 per month for a basic system.
Office Apps
Microsoft Office 365
At $85 per year you can get ALL of Microsoft’s Office apps on Five (5) of your computers. No need to fork out $360+ for the premium version of Office anymore. Expand your OneDrive capacity and your redundancy improves again.
G Suite
Create an entire collaboration environment with Google products. Manage and control for all your employees on one console. Similar in price to others at $10 to $15 per month
