Rosemary K. West

The first PC I used was a TRS-80 Model 1, back around 1980, and I credit that machine with starting my life on a very unexpected path. DOS was my first operating system, and I still like to drop out to a command prompt now and then to get a few things done fast. Naming my favorite work-related program is nearly impossible, since my needs and preferences change constantly. Right now I like CuteFTP a lot. My favorite game is still Sim City 2000.

My primary computer uses Windows XP Home Edition with an Intel 3.20GHz processor and 512MB of RAM. The 40-gigabyte drive is plenty, but next time I'll get more RAM! It has a 19-inch flat monitor, a DVD player and burner, and a floppy drive (I'm not quite ready to give that up). I usually keep the speakers turned off; I don't like things beeping at me. My notebook is a Dell Inspiron 700 that will fit into a purse -- my first wireless machine, and I love it. Over in the corner is the old "Frankenputer" I built with spare parts from previous machines, although it has been months since it was turned on.

The first PC I used was a TRS-80 Model 1, back around 1980, and I credit that machine with starting my life on a very unexpected path. DOS was my first operating system, and I still like to drop out to a command prompt now and then to get a few things done fast. Naming my favorite work-related program is nearly impossible, since my needs and preferences change constantly. Right now I like CuteFTP a lot. My favorite game is still Sim City 2000.

My primary computer uses Windows XP Home Edition with an Intel 3.20GHz processor and 512MB of RAM. The 40-gigabyte drive is plenty, but next time I'll get more RAM! It has a 19-inch flat monitor, a DVD player and burner, and a floppy drive (I'm not quite ready to give that up). I usually keep the speakers turned off; I don't like things beeping at me. My notebook is a Dell Inspiron 700 that will fit into a purse -- my first wireless machine, and I love it. Over in the corner is the old "Frankenputer" I built with spare parts from previous machines, although it has been months since it was turned on.

No doubt my desktop looks cluttered, but it works well for me. I like having plenty of icons where I can see them, grouped by theme -- graphics, Internet, utilities, hobby, etc. I change the look from time to time. Right now I'm using the Windows classic theme with standard colors, with a screen resolution of 1280 x 1040, and no background image.With all those icons beckoning from the screen, it's hard to point to just a few as favorites. I prefer programs that are easy to use, that get the job done with a minimum of fuss, and that don't cost too much.

Easy Envelopes by Direct Logic Systems is perfectly named, and exactly what I was looking for. It is the easiest way to print indidivdual envelopes on demand. There is no learning curve and nothing to search for; everything it does is clearly visible on a single input form.

KABcam, by KAB Software makes it really easy to upload webcam photos. It gives me just enough options to have plenty of fun, including time stamping, photo captions, and archiving. Now friends all over the country can look over my shoulder while I work, enjoy the view from my window, or see really scary closeups of my curious cats.

Legacy Family Tree, from Millennia Corp. is the genealogy program that keeps track of everyone in my huge family database. Genealogy software is unavoidably complex, and I haven't yet explored everything this program can do. It stores an unlimited amount of data on each individual, produces dozens of customizable reports and files, imports and exports in standard formats, and helps me keep my hobby organized.

Some of the other programs I use regularly are Forte Agent, Firefox, Ad-Aware SE, and Group Mail. And I'm blogging with Wordpress.