THUNDER BAY – Did you get a new computer, Ipad, or other wireless device under your tree as a Christmas gift? As you start surfing the Internet, there are a few things you should do before you start cranking out the websites. First, make sure that you have a good anti-virus program. Next, install a good firewall program if you don’t already have one, and then one of the favourites is a cleaner program to keep the hard drive spinning.
Another great step is to make sure you have a great web browser. For most serious surfers, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome, are the browsers of choice. One of the reasons are that both browsers are “Open Source”. They allow individual users to create applications for them, as well as rely on a massive number of people to fix any possible problems that may happen, often far faster than the traditional Microsoft Internet Explorer.
If you are looking for a decent (and free) Anti-Virus program, AVG offers a good option to choose. It updates frequently and allows you to keep your computer safe.
For a good firewall, there are lots of options, one is the basic Microsoft offering that likely came with your computer. If you are on a Mac, there is a firewall installed as well.
One program that is a good one to have is CCleaner. This program allows you to quickly get rid of unwanted garbage off your computer. It includes a registry cleaner and a way to wipe your hard drive too. CCleaner Download. CCleaner is the number-one tool for cleaning your Windows PC. It protects your privacy online and makes your computer faster and more secure.
If it is not pre-installed, Itunes is another great program that is free and adds to your computer enjoyment. You don’t have to have an Ipod in order to enjoy this program. One of the neat features on Itunes is that it has a listing of radio stations from around the world that you can listen into included on its menu.
Another great addition is Skype. Skype is a program that lets you make telephone calls from your computer to others using Skype, or if you subscribe you can call land-line numbers too. It is a great way to make inexpensive telephone calls world-wide.
Open Office is a program that is an open source, and free offering that is like Microsoft Office. If you need a top quality word processor, this one is worth having.
Digital photography is growing hourly. Gimp is a free photo editor that is a welcome alternative to some of the more costly photo software offerings.
Have fun with that new computer!