Computer Programs I Recommend for your Windows PC
|
CCleaner - Download Page
I have been using CCleaner for a long time now and I highly recommend it for every windows computer. As you use your Windows PC & the internet, files and settings are stored in directories. This can cause your computer to become slow, or to run low on disk space. Cleaning your PC regularly can help it run quickly, and can free up disk space. CCleaner takes care of this by erasing: Temporary Internet Files Internet History Empties your Recycle Bin Windows Temporary and Log Files & Much More Ccleaner also has tools such as the Startup Tool which shows you which programs are run when you turn on your computer and can be responsible for making your computer boot up slow. I like to disable some of the unneeded ones such as iTunes Helper, Quicktime, Java Updater and such. |
CCleaner is great to clean your computer and make it faster.
|
|
Avast Anti-Virus - Download Page
Please, Please, Please! Run an Anti-Virus program on your Computer. If you are going to surf the internet you must have one or I promise you it won't be long before your computer is full of viruses. I recommend Avast Anti-Virus it is free and easy to use and it has good ratings. Of course if you want more protection there is always paid software and I would highly recommend Norton Antivirus as they have come a long way to make their software top-notch. |
Avast is a great free anti-virus.
|
|
Google Chrome Browser - Download Page
Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of Internet Explorer. Since it is the browser that comes with every windows pc it is highly targeted by viruses because malicious people know that a great majority uses IE. Even more annoying are the toolbars people unknowingly install that clutter up your internet browsing experience. This is why I like google chrome, it is simple, fast, secure and there's a ton of addons you can use to make your web browsing experience more enjoyable. you can learn more about google chrome here. Please use a different browser :) other good options are Firefox & Opera. |
Google Chrome is a great Alternative Web Browser.
|
|
Web Of Trust (Chrome Addon) - Download Page
This is an addon for Google Chrome or all the other major browsers. The reason I recommend this is because It will help you stay away from sites with low reputation that can either be scams or even worse give you a virus just by visiting them. It is helpful because when you are searching for results in google it gives you a rating of how safe a site is. This gives you added protection when surfing online. |
Stay safe online by avoiding sites with low reputation
|
|
Adblock Plus - Download Page (For Google Chrome)
Trust me, I am not a fan of ads in the internet, they are annoying, unproductive and some times inappropriate. Even more scary is that there are a great number of ads online that lead to malware or viruses. This is why I like to use adblock plus. It removes the majority of ads and it lets you be more productive. However sometimes there are sites like hulu and others that require you to run adds so that they can provide you a better service. You can simply tell adblock plus to disable ad blocking on that site. |
Block ads online to be more safe and productive
|
|
Open Office (Microsoft Office Alternative) - Download Page
Microsoft Office Programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint are expensive! That's why I recommend this free alternative instead. Just make sure that when you save your files to save them in Microsoft Office format such as .doc .xls .ppt for Word, Excel & Power Point Respectively, that will ensure that other people that don't have Open Office can also open your files. |
Free Office alternative
|
Windows PC Tips
Create Users with Limited Privileges
How many times do you start your computer and see that there are new programs installed on your computer that you have no idea how they got there. If everyone in your family has access to the single user account with administrator privileges, everyone has access to install what they want, which may include programs that make your computer slower, are uneeded or even a virus. You can fix this by making a standard user account for those that are less tech savvy.
You can do this by going to the Start button > Control Panel > User Accounts > Create a new User and choose the Standard account. Also put a password on the only account that has Administrator privileges so that only you can install essential programs. You can read more about this in this article called How to teenager-proof a Windows 7 PC.
How many times do you start your computer and see that there are new programs installed on your computer that you have no idea how they got there. If everyone in your family has access to the single user account with administrator privileges, everyone has access to install what they want, which may include programs that make your computer slower, are uneeded or even a virus. You can fix this by making a standard user account for those that are less tech savvy.
You can do this by going to the Start button > Control Panel > User Accounts > Create a new User and choose the Standard account. Also put a password on the only account that has Administrator privileges so that only you can install essential programs. You can read more about this in this article called How to teenager-proof a Windows 7 PC.
