Software Necessary on Any Office Computer

Your barebones desktop or laptop come pre-packaged with a range of tools and software solutions, but they’re not going to make up the barebones of what’s necessary to keep your business ticking over. If you run a small business or spend your days glued to a monitor, you’re going to need the following software installed on your computer.

Office_Worker_with_Two_Monitors.JPG


Google Chrome

Every modern computer needs a browser, period. And the one that gets our vote is Google’s very own Chrome. The search engine giant has created a stellar product that recently eclipsed the once unbeatable Internet Explorer, with almost 32% of all computers having a version of the software installed.

The main thing that helps Chrome stand out is the fact that it’s so lightweight. Speed tests consistently show that it’s the fastest browser, carrying less bloat and pre-installed plugins out of the box. It also leads the way in terms of HTML5, which uses the latest technology to drive cloud-based applications. Furthermore, it has extensive plugin choice and support, allowing you to add to the browser according to your business requirements.

Microsoft Office

Despite the increasing number of suppliers out there, Microsoft Office still stands head and shoulders above any other office suite. Not only that, the most recent iteration has fully caught up to cloud functionality – you can now sync on several devices, there’s an online version for quick edits while on the move, and everything you do can be instantly backed up to OneDrive.

Many will claim that free third-party tools such as Open Office and Google Docs are preferable. But despite the clear plus points and zero dollar price tag, these are still very much a poor man’s version of Microsoft Office. The lack of advanced functionality gives you the feeling that you’re operating a stripped down version of the real thing, which is fine for personal use but not when operating a business.

The glaring differences will become even more obvious when attempting to conjure up formulas, macros, graphs, and pie charts. And that’s without even thinking about PowerPoint presentations. In short, if you’re serious about your day-to-day business activities, Microsoft Office remains the go-to solution.

Norton AntiVirus

More than any other type of IT attack, viruses cause the most financial damage to businesses worldwide. They lead to loss of data, man-hours necessary to get things back up and running, as well the potential theft of sensitive data.

With the amount of viruses being churned out by hackers on a daily basis, the average business can’t survive without the protection of an antivirus. And Norton still continues to lead the way when it comes to producing a solid piece of kit that will keep your computer clear of nasty Trojans.

With these 3 software solutions, you’re ready to handle the barebones of any business organisation. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in either – these tools will come in handy whether you’re a law firm, a marketing consultancy, or an electrician. Without having these installed as default, you’re going to be making life much harder than it needs to be.
 
The article provides a fundamental list of essential software for small businesses or individuals who spend a lot of time on computers, focusing on a web browser, an office suite, and antivirus protection. While the categories remain highly relevant in 2025, some of the specific product recommendations and market share statistics are dated.

Here's an updated perspective on the recommendations:

1. Web Browser: Google Chrome​

  • Article's Claim: Chrome is lightweight, fastest, leads in HTML5, and has extensive plugin support. It surpassed Internet Explorer with ~32% market share.
  • 2025 Reality: Google Chrome is still the dominant browser globally. Current market share data from late 2024 to mid-2025 consistently shows Chrome with over 60% of the global browser market shareacross all devices, often reaching even higher percentages on desktops. Its speed, vast extension library, and integration with Google services (which are heavily used by many businesses) continue to make it a strong choice.
    • However, the "lightweight" claim is debatable in 2025. Chrome is known for being resource-intensive, especially with many tabs or extensions open, consuming significant RAM.
    • Internet Explorer is effectively extinct. Microsoft Edge, built on the same Chromium engine as Chrome, has replaced it and is now the second or third most popular desktop browser, particularly for businesses deeply integrated with Microsoft 365. Safari also holds a significant share, especially on Apple devices.
  • Overall: Chrome remains a very strong recommendation for a business browser due to its ubiquity, compatibility, and ecosystem. However, other browsers like Microsoft Edge (especially for Windows users) and Firefox (for privacy-conscious users) are also viable and popular options for business use.

2. Microsoft Office (now Microsoft 365)​

  • Article's Claim: Still "head and shoulders above" alternatives, with cloud functionality (syncing, online version, OneDrive backup). Free alternatives like OpenOffice and Google Docs are "poor man's versions" lacking advanced functionality.
  • 2025 Reality: Microsoft Office, now primarily branded as Microsoft 365, absolutely remains the industry standard for productivity suites in the business world. Its deep feature set, especially in Excel (formulas, macros, advanced charting) and PowerPoint, is often unmatched by free alternatives for professional, complex tasks.
    • Cloud functionality is now central to Microsoft 365, with seamless integration across devices, web versions, and OneDrive/SharePoint for storage and collaboration.
    • Google Workspace (formerly G Suite/Google Docs) has significantly matured since the article was likely written. While the article dismisses it as a "poor man's version," Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides offer robust real-time collaboration features that some businesses prefer, particularly for cloud-native workflows and simpler document creation. Many businesses operate effectively on Google Workspace, and market share data from 2024 shows Google Workspace holding around 50% of the market compared to Microsoft 365's 45% (though these numbers can vary by source and methodology).
    • OpenOffice and LibreOffice are still viable free, open-source alternatives, but they generally do not offer the same level of advanced functionality, integration, or corporate support as Microsoft 365 for business-critical operations.
  • Overall: Microsoft 365 remains the gold standard for most businesses due to its comprehensive features and ubiquity. However, Google Workspace has become a very strong competitor, especially for businesses prioritizing cloud-first collaboration and a slightly different pricing model.

3. Norton AntiVirus​

  • Article's Claim: Viruses cause significant financial damage; Norton "still continues to lead the way" in antivirus protection.
  • 2025 Reality: While antivirus/endpoint protection is absolutely critical for businesses, the landscape has evolved significantly beyond just traditional "antivirus." The threat landscape includes ransomware, phishing, zero-day exploits, and advanced persistent threats, requiring more comprehensive Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR)solutions.
    • Norton is still a recognized brand, particularly in the consumer space and for small businesses. However, in the enterprise and often even in the small to medium business (SMB) segment, companies like Bitdefender, CrowdStrike, Sophos, Trend Micro, and even Microsoft Defender for Endpoint are often cited as leading solutions for business-grade endpoint security in 2025. These solutions offer more than just "antivirus" by providing advanced threat detection, managed services, and centralized management for multiple devices.
    • The market for antivirus/endpoint protection is highly competitive, and the idea of one single leader like Norton "still continues to lead the way" in the broad business sense is less accurate today. Many businesses opt for integrated security suites that go beyond basic antivirus.
  • Overall: The need for strong endpoint security is paramount. While Norton is a valid choice for very small businesses or individuals, larger SMBs and enterprises often opt for more robust, centrally managed security platforms from a wider array of industry leaders.
Conclusion:

The article correctly identifies three foundational software categories for any business computer. Its recommendations for Google Chrome and Microsoft Office (now 365) are largely still valid, albeit with a more nuanced understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and competition in 2025. The recommendation for Norton Antivirus, while pointing to a critical need, is less reflective of the broader, more advanced endpoint security solutions favored by many businesses in the current cybersecurity landscape.
 
Back
Top