Whenever you buy a new device, whether it’s a tablet, laptop, smartphone, or something else, you end up spending several hours downloading and trying apps. There was a time when everyone used the same few programs with their computers or phones. But as with most of technology, overtime the market eventually becomes saturated.
There are thousands of programs and applications for your electronics and sometimes it can be difficult to know which ones are the best. So to help save you some time, take a look at this list of the 6 best applications/programs for new device owners.
1. Protect Your Device with Norton Anti-Virus
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Malware and Spyware are growing concerns for electronic owners. Most people keep extremely valuable information on their devices such as passwords, credit card numbers, and even their social security number. If that information was to fall in the wrong hands it would prove much more costly than simply purchasing protection.
No new laptop or electronic device should be without security. You should download Norton Anti-virus or another security application to protect your information as soon as you get a new device. You never know when someone might steal your device or try to hack it. Aside from protecting against malware or spyware, anti-virus security also keeps you safe on the Internet so you don’t get harmful bugs that make your computer run slower.
2. Store Files in the Cloud with Dropbox
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This nifty app lets you share documents from one computer to another on a secure cloud server. This is a great option for people that need to access files on multiple devices and want to do it without the cumbersome download times associated with email. It is perfect in a working environment because it allows you to quickly and easily share spreadsheets, documents, or other paperwork with everyone in the company.
Dropbox is also helpful to students because it enables them to store papers o the cloud server and then access them from any computer in the school. This makes it easy to quickly manipulate that homework assignment or print off that project before class.
3. Keep your Schedule Synced with Fantastical
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Whether you are overly organized or incoherently amiss, Fantastical is here for you. Fantastical is a calendar application that can be downloaded to any of your electronic devices. Its interface allows you to type in “Dinner Thursday Night with Brittany” and the application will automatically insert it into Thursday’s events. If your device supports Dictation you can speak the details instead of typing.
It also allows you to instantly sync your schedule with several other devices, including Google Calendar and Outlook. This is a great time-saving feature. Plus, Fantastical is easy to use and it looks nice.
4. Take Pictures with Instagram
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Another app you should download on your smartphone or tablet PC is Instagram. This app lets you take and store pictures on your device. It also works as a social network which allows you to upload your photos in a variety of different designs and publish it for all your friends to see.
This is one of the best photo applications available because of its ease and style. It is also one of the most versatile with its intricate connection to a social platform. If you want to find a program that will allow you to take, distort, and edit photos like a professional photographer, then this application is for you.
5. Takes Notes and Write Documents with Evernote
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Most people use their laptop or device for professional use as well as personal. If you are looking for software that will improve your work efficiency and overall productivity, then I would suggest you get Evernote. Evernote allows you to do much more than just take notes. You can save, sync, and share files from your laptop to your smartphone to your tablet. It allows you to plan for trips, keep track of to-do-lists, and even save emails or tweets.
All productivity software is not created equal in the app store. You want something that is both versatile and easy to use. Evernote is exactly that! If you want to keep track of your ideas and stay organized then this is the perfect download.
6. Listen to Music with Pandora
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If you like to listen to music but you don’t want to take the time to transfer all of your music over to your new device, you can setup radio stations through Pandora and stream the type of music you like. It is a very simple program that finds music based on a style that you select. If you chose a specific band, then it will only play songs from that band or from similar bands to that artist.
It is really easy to use and you are able to rate music up or down depending on your preference. Pandora has an evolving interface that keeps track of music you like and music you don’t like. This means that the more often you use Pandora and rate the music, the more tailored the experience will become. Pandora is not only a great program for entertainment purposes, it can also help you find new bands or songs that you have never heard before.
Purchasing a new laptop or gadget is a tough decision, but an even tougher decision is deciding what to put on that device. It’s smart to have a good blend of entertaining programs as well as productive applications. Depending on what you intend to use your device for will ultimately mold your decisions for what to download, but this list will give you a good premise to build off. Most of the programs listed are available on all electronic devices and should be strongly considered on your new device.
What other must-have apps do you think people need to download on their new electronic device? Leave a comment below.