10 Software Programs Essential for Any Business or Home Office

Having held nothing but office and administrative-related jobs for the past ten years, I've become familiar with what large and small business and corporations use in terms of computer software. In the past it would be a perk to use these programs to make life easier, now many of these programs are mandatory office staples, holding businesses together in terms of organizational efficiency.

Here are ten programs which I have used myself in the past, and which are used today by many businesses and home offices.

1. Quickbooks

Intuit's Quickbooks is great accounting software for small businesses which has rapidly been gaining popularity in recent years.

People love Quickbooks because you don't have to be a genius to use it; in fact, many business owners who have no accounting experience find QuickBooks to be the easiest software out there to learn to use in terms of financial aspects.

The online layout resembles basic paper forms like checks or invoices, making transactions easily visible to the eye.

Features of Quickbooks include being able to send and prepare invoices, inventory management, entering sales receipts, employee payroll, tracking expenses, printing checks, preparing reports and financial statements, sales tax tracking and more.

Depending on what version you purchase, Quickbooks usually costs from $90-$250.

2. OpenOffice

OpenOffice is a free software program that typically comes with different computer operating systems. It supports OpenDocument and Microsoft Office formats and is available in over 110 languages.

Openoffice was originally known as StarOffice, than changed its name when it became a free service, mainly to compete with Microsoft Office. In turn, many of the applications mirror those of Microsoft Office.

Applications include "Writer" (word processor,) "Calc" (spreadsheets,) "Impress" (presentations,) "Math" (equations,) "Base" (data import) and "Draw" (graphics editor.)

Check out the software's website to check your computer's compatibility.

3. CutePDF

CutePDF is a free program that allows anyone who uses email and internet to easily transfer pictures and documents into PDF files.

With this software you can read and convert PDF files, which take up less room on your hard drive, cannot be changed and are easily distributed.

Typically it is used with Microsoft Windows. There is also a CutePDF Writer available, which allows you to print documents in PDF format for free.

Check out the software's website for more information.

4. Firefox

Firefox is a software application that is essentially a web browser, used in unison with the internet to make for safer downloads and bug-free web browsing.

Most websites today are built with Firefox in mind, as there are way more advantages to having this application than not having it. With Firefox you have options to enhance security on your computer, check for viruses, malware and spyware, and maintain "add-ons," which essentially give you the power to choose which websites you consider to be safe or unsafe.

Firefox for Windows is constantly being updated, and there are many free versions available for download.

5. Adobe Creative Suite

Adobe Creative Suite is an excellent program for businesses of any kind in terms of graphics, branding, marketing and promotions.

Unlike pictures and logos that you may find online or through programs like Clipart on Microsoft Word, Adobe offers plenty of options to make your image or video look the most polished and professional.

Its programs include Adobe Photoshop, Acrobat and InDesign, which provide functions such as free reading of PDF files, digital motion graphics, editing website content, digital audio editing, recording and monitoring software, DVD and Blu-Ray file transcoding, language scripting and much more.

The whole bundle costs around $450-$550 depending on what version you purchase, but it's well worth the investment.

6. Microsoft Works

Microsoft Works is an entry-level software program that integrates many at-home users' basic needs. It also is conveniently installed in most notebooks and PCs upon purchase.

When opening Microsoft Works, the tabs include "Home," "Templates," "Programs," "Projects" and "History."

"Home" provides a calendar/planner, and "History" provides a glimpse at recently saved documents. "Projects" is essentially a planner that organizes and stores information and data for different occasions, such as "Plan a Party," "Organize the Household" or "Start a Fundraiser."

"Programs" consists of a word processor, spreadsheet, database, dictionary, PowerPoint viewer, address book, and many different options for making birthday cards, grocery lists, event flyers, certificates, cover letters, resumes and more. "Templates" provides in one click, resources for checking email, reserving flights, finding maps, calculating retirement expenses, stock quotes and more.

Overall, this is perfect for the at-home business user who is looking for something inexpensive and easy to use.

7. Microsoft Office

Many PC and Mac OS X users are familiar with Microsoft Office, as it is more updated than Microsoft Works and is the leading software program available today. What started off as Microsoft Office for Windows 1.0, than transformed to Microsoft Office 97', than to Microsoft Office XP, and finally to the newest version, Microsoft Office 2010.

Microsoft applications include Word (word processor,) Excel (spreadsheet program,) Outlook and Entourage (email software,) Powerpoint (presentation program) and Publisher (designing software.) Windows also has additional applications, such as Access (database manager,) InfoPath (XML forms,) OneNote (notepad,) Visio (flowchart,) Project (project management) and many more.

Microsoft Office is convenient for at-home users and typically provides applications to suit all needs of the at-home business or personal user.

While one typically has to purchase the software, many notebooks and PCs come with it, or at minimum provide deals like 60-day free trials.

8. Norton AntiVirus

Norton AntiVirus is a program developed by Symantec Corporation and provides malware removal and prevention. There are many versions, with its most recent being Norton AntiVirus 2010 (Version 17.0.)

This software typically runs on Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows and is available as a download and physical software.

Essentially Norton AntiVirus is one of the top programs to have to ensure your computer stays virus-free and running fast. It identifies viruses, offers phishing protection, computer scans and email spam filtering. Since most computer users are warned to only use one or two AntiVirus programs (as more than one would be useless,) this software contains everything you need to keep your computer and information protected.

While there are many free downloads available online, many turn out to be scams, so purchasing the software straight from the website itself is best for businesses.

9. McAfee

McAfee is an antivirus, encryption, DLP, IPS, Firewall and internet security program.

It conveniently offers different products for Home and Home Office, Small Businesses, Medium Businesses and Large Enterprises.

While McAfee can be found in free downloads online (which I personally found to be safe,) their website allows you to explore your software options to be sure you are getting what you need for your business. In comparing prices, I also found that McAfee, when purchased online, is fairly cheaper than other anti-virus programs.

10. Graphics

Graphics (or graphics.com) is essentially a website for art and graphic design lovers. But for businesses, it can be used as a form of software and an informative starting point for those interesting in graphic design.

The website offers news, tips, forums, downloads, resources, on demand videos, job postings and more. It gives you tips and pointers on how to work with programs like Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop, as well as giving you tips and tutorials on how to use 3D features, Animation, Audio, Design, Flash, Fonts, Digital Photography, Stock Images and more.

Essentially, graphics.com will decode for you anything you do not understand about the programs you are using, along with offering you access to other programs and users who are having the same issues as you.

For something that can get very complicated, Graphics reminds you why you are in the field in the first place, by presenting you with information AND pictures to peak your interest.

http://www.openoffice.org/

http://quickbooks.intuit.com/

http://www.cutepdf.com/

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ie.html

http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX102855291033.aspx

http://www.symantec.com/index.jsp

http://www.mcafee.com/us/

http://www.graphics.com/index.htm