Key: Windows, Macintosh, Linux

1. Gmail Email Notifier

Gmail users, the notifier sits on your taskbar and notifies you of emails instantly even when you don't have your internet browser open.

2. Windows Messenger

Hotmail/Windows Live users, stay logged in to MSN Messenger (or Microsoft Messenger) to be notified of new emails instantly.

3. Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack
Office Mac 2008 XML File Converter

Microsoft Office 2000-2003 users and Office Mac 2004 users, your compatibility pack will allow you to view files created in Microsoft Office 2007 or Office Mac 2008.

4. Adobe Acrobat (Reader)

If you haven't been able to view .pdf files, download Adobe Reader. Newsletters and resources are usually in a .pdf format, so it's important that you download this.Mac users, the program "Preview" to view .pdf files is pre-installed on your computers.

5. PrimoPDF Creator

Changing Word documents to .pdf files reduces file sizes and loads pictures faster upon viewing. If you're antsy about downloading files, there's an online .pdf provider at the second link. To create a .pdf file, go to a Microsoft Word document, choose File > Print. Then, instead of printing to your normal printer, choose "PrimoPDF" as the printer. It will electronically create a .pdf file wherever you choose to save it.

Mac users, the .pdf creating ability is already installed if you have OS X. Open a Microsoft Word document and choose File > Print. Instead of pressing "Okay," click the menu at the bottom left corner and choose "Save as PDF." If you have OS 9 or older, then you can download a .pdf maker at the following link:

6. Microsoft Office 07 Add-in: Save as PDF or XPS

For those with Microsoft Office 2007, this add-in allows you to export and save to the PDF and XPS formats in programs such as Word and Publisher. An easier alternative to PrimoPDF Creator.

7. Cups PDF Creator

Mac users, I would create .pdf files on a Windows computer because a Mac creates margins that are too large.

8. Digsby

Digsby is an all-in-one communication tool which allows you to sign into all of your IM clients, social networks, and email accounts at once. Combines all your contacts into one simple to manage buddy list, alerts you of any new emails, and gives you a live Newsfeed of what your friends are up to.

Supported IM Clients: AIM, MSN, Yahoo, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, Facebook Chat
Supported Email Accounts: Any email with POP / IMAP support (same as Microsoft Outlook)
Supported Social Networks: Facebook, Myspace, Twitter

9. OpenOffice

OpenOffice is a free office suite of tools to install on your desktop to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. It is compatible with Microsoft Office, so you can read and edit existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents in it. You can also convert your materials into PDF files for free. OpenOffice docs can also be read in Google Docs. A great alternative for those who don't have Microsoft Office.

Labels: Officers, Resources