Netbook Optimization
Now that you’re familiar with what a netbook is, we wanted to help you get the most out of your new mobile companion. Netbooks are fully-capable machines out-of-the-box, but by replacing default applications with lightweight alternatives you can improve their performance, even battery life.
Many new netbooks will include preinstalled software as a means of lowering their retail price. The first thing to do before installing any new software, is to get rid of the software on the machine that you’ll never use, such as any trial software (games, spyware and anti-virus applications). These are usually indicated by an icon found on the desktop. Simply go to your Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, locate the software you wish to remove and uninstall.
You may also wish to clean up the Start menu. On such a limited size screen, there’s no room for options you never use. Unless you regularly use the following applications, they can be removed without second thought; simply right click and delete: Set Program Access to Defaults, Windows Catalog, Remote Assistance, Outlook Express, MSN, Windows Movie Maker and any manufacturer-specific software.
Now that we’re working from a much cleaner canvas, let’s take a look at some common software applications that can be replaced with lightweight, netbook-friendly, alternatives.
- Internet Browser: Use Mozilla Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. Firefox has a much “snappier” feel to it while surfing, proves a better safeguard against viruses and malware, while utilizing fewer system resources.
- Office Applications: Use Google Docs instead of Microsoft Office. Google Docs is free and fully compatible with MS Office. It will take a little getting used to, but once you’re working and storing your documents online, you’ll begin to see the real benefits of working in the cloud–safe, online storage and access from any Internet portal.
- Media Player: Use Media Player Classic instead of Windows Media Player: Windows Media Player runs fine on a netbook, but why waste precious resources when this reliable classic plays every media format imaginable and is available for free on the web?
- PDF Viewer: Use Foxit Reader instead of Adobe Reader for PDF files. Another free application, Foxit Reader is a fraction of the size of Adobe Reader. It launches instantly, allows you to comment (highlight, annotate) on a PDF document, and lets you convert an entire PDF document into a simple text file.
- Image Editing: Use an online image editor in place of full-size editors. Picnik, Flauntr, and Photoshop Express are some of the best online image editors, allowing you to import various file types and adding layers, filters to your heart’s content. If you prefer to work offline, you can always install Google’s lightweight Picasa Image Editor.
- Free Internet Phone Calls: Most netbooks have a built-in web cam, perfect for video calls. Download Skype, a free service capable of providing phone calls over the internet. Tell your friends to do the same, and within moments you’ll be seeing and hearing from friends.
These lightweight applications can easily turn a netbook in to your primary computing device – perfect for college students, teens, or those wanting to get their feet wet or further their entry in today’s mobile computing world.
If you’ve yet to purchase your netbook or laptop, see hhgregg’s line of notebook computers online or stop by your nearest hhgregg store. Should you still have questions, feel free to speak with an hhgregg associate. We offer the best-educated associates in the business who are smart enough to make it simple. Price and Advice Guaranteed!
