You’re going to need some software with that new device

You’ve chosen your operating system, picked the best device for you. Now it’s time to think about what else you need to be able to work – and that’s software. Whether this is for personal use, or you’re thinking about software for business owners it’s best to plan now for the essentials.

Productivity

Let’s get the ‘biggie’ out of the way.

It’s almost a given that you’re going to need something for word-processing, spreadsheets and the rest.

Based on the OS, you may have a decision to make or not.

Microsoft Office

The most popular computer software is productivity suite. And the most well known is from Microsoft. — Microsoft365 (MS Office)

The most well known within many companies, is available on pretty much everything.

Of course it works extremely well with Windows (Microsoft and Microsoft).

However, there’s a version for Mac.

There are apps for all of the tablets and smartphones. The apps are a simplified version, and have all the standard options, but not *all* the commands compared to the desktop.

Google Office

When it comes to productivity software, Google is being more and more popular with it's suite. Docs, Sheets, Slides and more — Google Workspace Productivity Apps

It’s run through a web-browser, so that makes it available on anything that has an internet connection. No help there, as that’s basically everything again.

It also has apps for the main products available on tablets and smartphones.

I need to check if the apps have everything or not.

iWork (Apple’s Office Suite)

The productivity suite from Apple is iWork with Pages, Numbers and Keynote — iWork from Apple

Now finally, one that only works on an Apple Mac.

So if this is your preference, you’re talking Apple all the way.

Apps are available for the Apple products (iPhone and iPad), but there isn’t a version of the app for Android phones or tablets.

Communications

This is actually a strange ‘grouping’ as we use a range of software to communicate with.

Note: Email programs are one of our main communications options, but they are generally included as part of your productivity suite. I’m going to include them here.

Phone Calls

You might be thinking ‘duh’ on this, it’s what a smartphone is all about.

(Note so sure of that anymore, I think it’s just a feature now).

All smartphones have an installed app for calls.

Tablets can be linked to your smartphone to receive calls there.

On a laptop/desktop, you can have audio calls through a web-browser or dedicated program.

Note: I highly recommend a headset (speakers and mic), for better audio.

Many of the meeting software (below), also offer an audio only option.

Primarily an app for smartphones and tablets.

It’s available through a web-browser for the rest of the operating systems.

Note: It needs to be installed on a smartphone and connected to it, to work.

Messenger

There are a number of messenger options around, from Facebook, Apple and others that I’m sure that I’m missing.

Similar to WhatsApp, they all have their own apps available for smartphones and tablets. As well as being accessible through a web-browser on all devices.

Slack

Designed for groups, rather than specifically for 1:1 communications, Slack was/is mostly about instant messaging, but offers calls and some video. Which is why it’s in this grouping.

You can download a desktop application for Windows and Mac (not sure about Linux).

It’s available through a web-browser, and has an app for smartphones and tablets.

Skype (Personal)

Skype for Business is dead, long live MS Teams.

So this is just about the personal version, that I think a lot of people may still have.

I’m pretty sure you can still download and install a desktop version.

The app for smartphones and tablets is still available, and not forgetting it ‘for Web’ through your favourite browser.

Meetings

In today’s world online meetings are ‘everywhere’, so you’ll need something for them.

Fortunately the main ones, in use at the time of writing, do offer a free basic version.

Zoom

Download the free basic program, or use the free web-browser based version.

Note: If you can use the full versions, as the web-browser will have some limitations.

Yep, you’ve guessed it, Zoom also has official apps on all the tablets and smartphones.

MS Teams

This is more than just a meeting tool, with collaborative options as well.

There’s a free version for the main operating systems, and yes there are apps for smartphones and tablets.

Google Meet/Chat

Available through most web-browsers, the Google meeting option doesn’t need to be installed on your device and works with any operating system.

No surprise, there are apps for both options available for smartphones and tablets.

Social Media

What’s our life (business or personal) without social media? No, don’t answer that! 😆

As a general rule, for tablets and smartphones, you’ll find it easier to install and connect to the platform through the relevant app.

I prefer to use a web-browser for desktop and laptop computers.