Deciding on what you require for your computer is a daunting task if you think about it all at once. People, though, usually buy their computer and simply install whatever comes their way or what they fancy over a period of time. But others usually state they want Windows, Office and a good antivirus. From there, they take the next steps on their own. Lets make things simple by guiding you into choosing the most simplest to the hardest programs you might need.

Operating systems

The most popular is of cause, Windows. With Windows 7 being the most popular OS in the world and with many people having second thoughts on moving up to Windows 10, sooner or later you will have to go to Windows 10 as all support for Windows 7 ends on January 14th, 2020.

For an easy to use operating system, Windows 10 would have to be first choice as it does resemble Windows 7 and 8 but with a bit more technology in it. The ease of use and knowing exactly where to look, Windows 10 would have to be the first choice.
OSX (or Mac as it is commonly known), is a very easy Unix operating system to use but to get it, you have to buy one of their computers with it already installed. Apple has designed OSX to be simple to use without the user having to go into any of the core files to fix this or that so OSX would the second choice. Not as popular as Windows, it does have a lot of faithful followers.
Linux has come a long way to make it a threat for Microsoft. It is easy to use and everything is there but the programs can have rather strange names to them. We all know FireFox, Thunderbird, Libre Office, Chrome, Gimp and even Audacity but then have you heard of K3b, Beagle or even Konqueror. Different names means differnet alternatives to Windows software. It will be like learning everything all over again but if you are willing to try, Linux is perhaps the most powerful OS out there but if something goes wrong, you will have to look hard for a technician to solve your problem.

For every one, Denlyn Computers recommends Windows 10.

Office Suites

As stated above, Microsoft Office is the most widely used program second only to an operating system. The question is, how often do you use Word, Excel, PowerPoint or even Publisher? Microsoft has returned an email app to Windows 10 but if you need power, you can buy Microsoft Outlook or download the free Thunderbird program. If you do require Outlook, then downloading and installing Office 365 is a breeze.

The most popular is Microsoft Office where you can buy the disc version which gives you Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. The second is Office 365 which comes with everything a business or home user will need including Outlook. 365 is a yearly license but it has continued updates and when new updates comes out, you see it first. (Available for Windows and Mac)
A different alternative is Libre Office which is free. Always updated, it will run on any version of Windows and the best part is the classic button tabs at the top which so many people still love to use. Very easy to use and runs extremely well, it too comes with Word (Writer), Excel (Calc), PowerPoint (Impress). (Available for Windows, Mac and Linux)
The third would have to be OpenOffice. Very easy to use and it actually resembles Office 2000 but don't be fooled by it's looks. Under the bonnet is a powerful engine that can do just as much as Microsoft and Libre Office. Constantly updated for security, the looks though, seem to have been forgotten about altogether. The style is old and gritty but for a free Office suite, what more could you ask for.

For power and ease of use, Denlyn Computers recommends the latest Microsoft Office. (Runs on Windows and Mac)

Antivirus

With Virus's and Malware ruining every day life on a computer, no matter how safe they say an operating system is, it isn't safe at all. Windows 10 has it's own antivirus built in called Defender which actually ranks very high but it simply doesn't cut the chase. As for added protection, many experts still recommend the installation of Malwarebytes which is the best in the field for catching Malware but you have to pay for that. So if you have to pay for protection why bother with Defender?

It is hard to say which is the best as everyone has their own opinion but for a good deal and very good protection, Kaspersky (Not pronounced as Casper-Sky)would be the choice of the moment. The most common is the Internet security version which if you buy wiseley, gives you the option to install on 3 computers for 2 years protection. They do have the odd popup but this is because the program has detected something that you normally wouldn't do.
Still being just as good, Norton Premium is by far just as powerful, if not more. It rarely ever bothers you and the biggest advantage is the background scans that you never know is happening. One of the biggest failures by Norton was the removal of the Identity Safe feature which allowed you to save all your passwords. Now it is a standalone product called Norton Password Manager but you still have to have Norton installed on your computer where you access it through the cloud.
Free versions of antivirus are good to get you out of trouble but they truly free? No matter what you think, they are making money by having a "Track you browser habits" installed and from here, they sell it to other companies. Other areas like "Secure Search" which is actually a toolbar, changing your homepage so it goes to their page where advertising is rampant, installing junkware files to urge you to buy their "Other" products. Years ago, they were great but today, they are simply a junkware program. To save you the hassle, download Malwarebytes Free and see how that handles your surfing. If you are satisfied, then we recommend you buy the pro version.

For the best protection, Denlyn Computers recommends Kaspersky Internet Security