Computers and Inventing
It's hard to imagine trying to design, research and produce
new products to sell or license without the use of a computer!
new products to sell or license without the use of a computer!
Backups and Virus protection
Basics don't wait until it's too late - Every computer needs to have your important files backed up and virus protection for your security. Keep your data safe!
Free Options (Backups)
Most operating systems (Windows, Apple) have free built in ways to protect your data (Windows Backup & System restore, Time Machine on the Mac) make sure your take advantage of these and backup to USB, CD, Blu Ray etc.
It's also a good idea to take advantage of free online data storage (Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Apple) all offer a place to store files. When choosing an online storage solution make sure you pick a well known larger vendor. You don't want a service to pack up in the middle of the night leaving you know way to access your files.
A good way to organize and backup your pictures and images (even edit) is with a free software package from Google - Picasa very nice and easy to use.
For an inexpensive online backup solution Mozy beats other vendors hands down, they have great pricing. For the price of a value meal ($7.00/month) you can backup 50GB of data and access it from any computer on the Internet. The other thing that's sets Mozy apart is it's great Technical Support - all USA based.
Mozy also offers a free service with up to 2GB of data.
Viruses and Malware
There is a very good chance if you haven't had one already, someday you will.
Free Options (Virus & Malware)
Most infections today come from the Internet, to be safe you need to protect your browser and other applications you use online.
A great FREE add on for Web Browsers try My Web of Trust and download the WOT plugin. This add on identifies sites that you might not want to visit. It provides a pop up screen to protect you (you can still enter the site if you choose) but this can really protect you from troubled websites.
If you don't want to mess around and want the best protection for you and your family then Kaspersky Anti Virus is the software you should consider purchasing.
Although you see many ads for the"other" big players Kaspersky is lab verified and will protect your system without slowing it down. They also offer a No Risk, money back guarantee with no questions ask!
Productivity Software
OpenOffice - This is a free product that's easy to use and very comparable to Microsoft Office but it's FREE! It's easy to install and you can open, edit and save Microsoft formatted documents easily.
OpenOffice - This is a free product that's easy to use and very comparable to Microsoft Office but it's FREE! It's easy to install and you can open, edit and save Microsoft formatted documents easily.
Drawing / 3D Rendering
Every inventor could use a good drawing program, the downside to a great drawing programs is the learning curve associated with trying to use one.
It's best to try demo versions to find one you feel comfortable with and set aside some time every day to practice and learn it.
Note: Drawing software can use a lot of resources on your computer.
If your using an older computer you might want to think about
upgrading your memory.
Inkscape - Open source vector graphics editor FREE
SketchUp - From Google FREE and Pay version
Blender - 3D Content creation suite FREE
eMachineShop - CAD software FREE
Every inventor could use a good drawing program, the downside to a great drawing programs is the learning curve associated with trying to use one.
It's best to try demo versions to find one you feel comfortable with and set aside some time every day to practice and learn it.
Note: Drawing software can use a lot of resources on your computer.
If your using an older computer you might want to think about
upgrading your memory.
Inkscape - Open source vector graphics editor FREE
SketchUp - From Google FREE and Pay version
Blender - 3D Content creation suite FREE
eMachineShop - CAD software FREE
