[Brian]

We have lots of discussions about favorite roller cover, paint brush, and putty knife. What about computer applications?

I have 3 that are absolutely crucial to running my business:
1. Microsoft Access-- I used this to build an estimating/ customer contact program. I used to use it for invoicing customers, but then I discovered...
2. QuickBooks-- This software allows me to keep accurate financial records easily. I can retrieve whatever records or reports with a few mouse clicks.
3. Internet Explorer-- This allows me to explore the web, visit Paint Talk, and learn so much more than I could when I had to go to the library. It's added years to my life. I know there are alternatives, but IE is what I use.

Very honorable mention goes to:
Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft Excel
Go To My PC

Brian Phillips

 

[MAK-Deco]

As for business I use Access also, as for exploring the internet I use safari or firefox.

Other mentionable's go to MS Money, Google Maps (thru web browser) and a good backup software you have to have that if all your contact and financials are on the computer.

I do use google maps and a gps locator on my blackberry which is essential when looking up clients address' for meeting them for proposals

 

[George Z]

Google Apps for Your Domain,
It's been as expected and more.
The shareable web calendar is my favourite part of it.
Quikbooks of course.

 

[vermontpainter]

Quickbooks
Microsoft works
Corel Snapfire
Google Analytics
Internet Explorer

 

[bikerboy]

Quickbooks,
Microsoft Streets and Trips w/GPS
PEP
Word.

 

[Dave Mac]

lotus 123

qicken

internet explorer

word processer


very simple here but can track everything, to every job, and bid.

 

[MAK-Deco]

lotus 123

qicken

internet explorer

word processer


very simple here but can track everything, to every job, and bid.

Haven't seen the Lotus name in a long time. I used to use the whole Lotus suite, when IBM bought lotus years ago they kind of faded the whole suite away and then it just wouldn't work anymore with newer versions of Windows. And newer programs had better options.

 

[GMack]

I imagine almost everyone will at least mention QB but I could be the spokesperson for that program . . . Hands down, most valuable program for small businesses out there.

 

[vermontpainter]

I imagine almost everyone will at least mention QB but I could be the spokesperson for that program . . . Hands down, most valuable program for small businesses out there.

You would be a great spokesman for them. Why didnt you think of this sooner...I think your retirement just showed up! :thumbsup:

 

[GMack]

You would be a great spokesman for them. Why didnt you think of this sooner...I think your retirement just showed up! :thumbsup:

GMack for Quickbooks? I'm in if they are!

 

[daArch]

Paint Shop Pro 7
Opera (browser)
convert.exe
Excel
Word
Acrobat
Outlook Express
MS Streets & Trips
Quicken
Azureus
ISOBuster
Nero6

sorry thing is that I despise MS and Adobe, yet I am very dependant on many of their programs. My Linux geek bro keeps telling me to leave the dark side and feel the force..

 

[KeirK]

For sure the MS office suite, and all the programs you take for granted to get through the day. But I have a new one, sugarsync. The program links your computer to an automatic web backup. No more lost files. Got a new computer, just add it to your list and it will transfer the files to it. HUGE if you depend on the data like I do.
www.sugarsync.com
definately worth trying, as I have encountered many difficulties in backups over the years, most offsite programs require too much thinking and are counter intuitive. Personal or onsite back ups, no thanks.... drives break, connections lost, coppied wrong. I literally have drives all over my office that I can now destroy. They all failed at some point anyway, but was fearful to let them go.

 

[[email protected]]

Calculator (came with OS.... ) Most used....
Mozilla FireFox (Web browser) It's free
Mozilla Thunderbird (E-mail client) Again Free....
Quickbooks 2006, moving to 2009 next year.
Google maps
Google Picasa2 for online photo storage (Free).
MS Office (I use Excel and Word the most)

J

 

[alta]

open office
google apps
firefox

 

[[email protected]]

Oh... how did I miss this one... I'm using it today:

Print Master 15

It's a simple program that allows you to create letterheads, business cards, flyers, calendars, post cards, CD covers, labels, banners, brocures, envelopes, fax covers, ect...

I created my neighborhood hand out today. I'll pass them out in the tomorrow morning and give folks a chance to see our work while we are there finishing up by the end of the day.