Common Applications for the Workplace Computer

The standard list of software the average office user utilizes in the workplace today

Whether you work from a home or office, chances are you have all or most of the software mentioned in this article.  We dissect the officer workers computer from the operating system to the PDF editor, included are links to obtain the software from Amazon.com and their prices.  Our goal is to provide you with an easy guide, mapping out where to get the software, understanding the different versions and how much each cost.

Office and Productivity Software

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is the most common form of software used in the western world and is a suite of products that includes Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Powerpoint, and Outlook.  The various bundled releases of Office 2016 include all or only some of the programs; we'll explain each type and their intended audience.

Microsoft Office Home and Business 2016

‍By Microsoft - $229.00 - This is a full downloadable installation bundled with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Onenote, and Outlook. (Does not include Publisher or Access).

Microsoft Office Professional 2016

‍By Microsoft - $399.00 - Full, installed Office 2016 versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Access, and Publisher

Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is the standard PDF viewer and editor in today's workplace.  While there are free PDF editors, none of them come with the standard features the Acrobat Standard and Professional versions provide.  Also, free PDF programs come with the risk of hidden malware and adware buried in their installations.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

‍The free version that allows you to view PDFs but you cannot create new PDFs or edit existing files.  Be careful, when downloading this release directly from Adobe, make sure you read the Optional Offer carefully, and uncheck the "Yes, install the free....".

Adobe Acrobat Standard 2017

‍By Adobe - $299.00 - Create protected PDFs—Prevent others from copying or editing sensitive information.  Edit PDF text and images - Fix a typo or swap a picture in a PDF—right within Acrobat.  Export PDFs to Office—Convert PDFs to Word, Excel, or PowerPoint formats and keep the formatting.  Work with Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive—Access, edit, and store files in your Dropbox, Box, or Microsoft OneDrive account.  Sign anything—Fill, sign, and send forms fast with smart autofill.

Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017

‍By Adobe - $449.00 - The Pro version allows you to create, edit, sign and convert PDF files, but it has added functionalities that the standard version lacks. It can optimize PDF, add Bates and numbering, create technical PDFs in Autodesk AutoCAD, Visio, as well as add audio or objects on a PDF.

Quickbooks

QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2017 Small Business Accounting Software

‍By Intuit, Inc. - $179.00 - Easy to set up, learn and use.  Organize finances and payroll in one place, and save time on everyday tasks.  Track how your business is doing with one-click financial, tax and sales reports.  No accounting knowledge is necessary, and you can quickly import your data from a spreadsheet.

QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2017 with Enhanced Payroll Small Business Accounting Software

‍By Intuit - $288.99 - All the features of the previous bundle but with the added feature to easily pay employees, file taxes, and get instant W-2s at year end.  1-year prepaid Payroll Enhanced subscription.

QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2017 with Industry Editions Small Business Accounting Software [PC Disc]

‍By Intuit, Inc. - $299.00 - Get all QuickBooks Pro Desktop features, plus industry-specific tools and reports (Contractor, Non-Profit, Manufacturing/Wholesale, Professional Services & Retail).  Create Sales orders and track back orders.  See your complete business performance in one click.  Track all your bills in one place (Bill Tracker).

Internet Browsers

There are scores of Internet browsers to choose from, and each has their pros and cons and various benefits.  Below is a list of the most commonly installed on workplace computers.  We find that most users like Google Chrome, the application is just easy to use and provides the user with a ton of benefits.  Arguably, Internet Explorer when configured correctly is more secure and comes with Microsoft Windows operating systems.

Chrome - Developed by Google

Firefox - Developed by Mozilla

Internet Explorer Edge - Developed by Microsoft

Antivirus Software

Most companies provide employee workstations their preferred antivirus software.  We offer our clients a managed AV solution that provides us a 360 view of all the computers under our protection.  If a virus attack is detected, our team will immediately investigate to neutralize the threat.  If you are a business owner and would like to have us provide your company with the #1 rated antivirus, antimalware, anti-ransomware, and anti-phishing software, please visit our managed AV solution page more information.

For small business owners who would like to purchase individual AV programs for their computers, we've listed our favorite software packages and prices.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2018 | 1 PC, 1 Year | Download

‍by Bitdefender - $39.99 - Best antivirus protection against threats on Windows.  Unbeatable cyber-threats detection.  Optimized performance preserves speed and battery life.  Multi-layer ransomware protection to keep your files safe.

Bitdefender Total Security 2018 | 5 Devices, 1 Year | Download

‍By Bitdefender - $49.99 - Complete protection for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android.  Unbeatable malware detection.  Better privacy with Webcam Protection NewMulti-layer ransomware protection to keep your files safe.  Optimized speed and cross-platform performance.  This version of Bitdefender comes with the built-in firewall, file shredder and other features unavailable in the Antivirus Plus version.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus 2017 - 1 Device, 1 Year (PC)

‍By ESET - $31.00 - Antivirus and Antispyware: Provides proactive protection against all types of online and offline threats and prevents malware spreading to other users.  Anti-Phishing: Protects your privacy and assets against attempts by fake websites to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords or banking details.  Advanced Memory Scanner: Enables improved detection of persistent malware that employs multiple layers of encryption to conceal its activity.  Low System Footprint and Gamer Mode.  Device Control Allows you to prevent unauthorized copying of your private data to external devices Allows you to block storage media – CDs, DVDs, USB sticks and disk storage devices Lets you block devices connecting via Bluetooth, FireWire, and serial/parallel ports.

Operating Systems

Most computers in corporate networks are still running Windows 7 Professional. However, Windows 10 Professional is starting to surface as a trusted operating system.  We usually see a trend that when Microsoft releases a new operating system, it takes several years before businesses migrate to the new version; this has been the case with Windows XP, Windows 7, and now Windows 10.  Windows 7 Professional is obtainable as a downgraded license for new computers purchased through vendors like Dell, Toshiba, and HP.

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro | Download By Microsoft - $189.00

• The Start menu is back, and better than ever so you can expand and customize it.
• Write or type directly on web pages and easily share the markups with friends.
• Join your business or school domain for secure access to network files, servers, and printers.
• Enhanced security with BitLocker data encryption and protection.
• Login with Remote Desktop and create virtual machines with Hyper-V.

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