When I say, "No", I Don't Really Mean It

I wanted to order the Softless Netbook with Ubuntu, but I missed that Dell offering by a week or two. Because of that, I am using a modified version of Windows XP. That's OK, not great, but workable. Once I find out the UNR will work with the Mini 10 I may switch, but for now I will stick with XP. It will require some adjustment(s).

First I did the Windows Update thing and got all the latest patches.

I turned off most of the enhanced graphics(icon shadows, and window movement enhancements) to help with performance. While I was at it, I also turned off the Windows indexing for search features. I don't plan to store too much on this thing, and I should know where it all is if I need to find it. This kind of stuff is cool on a lap or desktop, but has no place on a Netbook. It would be too much to ask why it was not already stripped out. My guess is that there will be people that will try to use this thing as if it were a laptop, they will be sorely disappointed.

Next I want to replace IE with Firefox. I really want to replace IE with Chrome, but I have found that some web software (ZoHo and others) do not offer full support for Chrome. Firefox is a good second choice. I added a couple of add-ins right off the bat. Speed Dial, Omni Bar and Little Fox should just be part of the basic Firefox install. They are that good!

I also need some security. I'll use the 30 days of free Norton that came with the Netbook until it runs out, then I will replace it with AVG. Not because I have any data that one is better than the other, it's just I have used AVG for years, it has worked, and if I am anything I am loyal, ask my wife and golf partners.

I added GetDropBox, to keep photos and other files available to me. I don't really have an opinion here either. Again, I have used GetDropBox, it works, that's good enough for me to be a loyal supporter. If you have a better experience with another online file storage and syncing vendor then feel free to comment.

I added iTunes. I know it is client software, but I think it is allowed. If not, I am making an exception. After all, one of the big draws of a small computer like this is that I will finally be able to work on the Nerd Bird when I don't get upgraded. And I have realized, if i can turn on the music, tune out the guy snoring next to me, I can get some real work done.

That's already a lot of software. I plan to add more. But does this software count in the "No Software" kingdom? I am going to consider it infrastructure software. Except for iTunes, everything I installed was done to make the computer assessable and secure.

At some point the online file sync software as well as the security software will just be built into the OS. I know, monopolies and free market. As a consumer I wish I didn't have to go through what I just did to use this Netbook. But, I know if I didn't, we would not have the choice.

Maybe the answer is a configurable install for the OS. I go to a site to order my net appliance, and I select what "infrastructure software" I would like and it is configured before it is delivered. I will leave that to someone else to figure out.

Now that I am set up with a basic system I will begin to incorporate it as part of my everyday travels.

Next week, I'll let you know how my first 7 days go.