Free and Essential Windows and Mac Software for Normandie Teachers, Parents and Students

The best free Mac software is at http://bestmacsoftware.org/ or http://lifehacker.com/5562864/lifehacker-pack-for-mac-our-essential-list-of-the-best-free-mac-downloads

This list is for Windows computers:

Ninite Incredible website that installs scores of programs on your computer automatically including most of the programs on this page.  It's one stop shopping and installing!

Microsoft Security Essentials A comprehensive anti-virus and anti-spyware suite and it's free.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Fantastic free anti-spyware program.  (Remember you can put as many anti-spyware programs on your computer but only ONE anti-virus program or you can cause trouble for your computer.)

Microsoft Office 2010 file converters Converts newer office documents to be viewed by older software.  Install on your pre-2010 MS Office computer.

CutePDF Writer Create a PDF document from any web page or document.  All you do is choose it as your printer and instead of printing it will create a pdf document.  Great way to save complete web pages.

The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

AVG anti-virus software A free anti-virus program for personal use

LibreOffice LibreOffice.org is a clone of Microsoft Office.

Google Earth software Type in a street address and zoom from space to street level views.

Firefox Mozilla Firefox is a great Internet browser built by volunteers around the world.

Chrome Chrome is another great Internet browser built by Google.

Picasa Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them. It is a Google product.

Adobe Reader, Flash, Air and Shockwave

Java

Dropbox Install Dropbox on your home desktop computer, laptop and classroom computer and any file copied into your Dropbox folder from any of your computers is accessible to all.  Great way to transfer files without a USB thumbdrive.  There is a 2 GB limit. 

Norton Anti-Virus for Windows and Mac "The Los Angeles Unified School District has purchased a District-wide license for Norton Anti-Virus Corporate Edition. This product is intended for use on all District-owned computers. LAUSD Employees may also use it on their personal computers. However, this product is NOT Licensed for Student home use." (you must be on the  LAUSD network to download this software. Even better, see Mr. Roth for a disk.)