Downloads

1) Beware of file-sharing programs. File sharing started with the original Napster. That incarnation is long gone, but file sharing remains popular. However, if you use a file sharing-program, be careful. They're sometimes more trouble than they're worth.
http://komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=1354&page=1

2) National Geographic Wallpaper
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/your-shot/wallpaper

3) Desktop background pictures: Change the look of your desktop by downloading one of these high resolution pictures.
http://www.caedes.net/

4) Macromedia Flashplayer: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/

5) OpenOffice.org, a free alternative to Microsoft Word, Wordperfect and other such programs. OpenOffice.org is both an open-source product and a project. The product is a multiplatform office productivity suite. It includes desktop applications such as a word processor, a spreadsheet program, a presentation manager, and a drawing program, with a user interface and feature set similar to those of other office suites. OpenOffice.org also works transparently with a variety of file formats, including those of Microsoft Office
http://www.download.com/OpenOffice-org-Windows-/3000-2064_4-10263109.html?tag=lst-2&cdlPid=10826156

6) PDF viewer: Foxit Reader is a free PDF document viewer and printer, with incredible small size (only 2.55 M download size), breezing-fast launch speed and rich feature set. Foxit Reader supports Windows Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista. Its core function is compatible with PDF Standard 1.7.
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php

7) DVD Player:
http://www.videolan.org/

8) Any Video Converter Freeware:
http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/

9) The Easiest, Fastest Way to Update or Install Software
http://ninite.com/

10) Windows Live Movie Maker
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-movie-maker

Email/Internet

1) Stay safe online: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/stay-safe-online-5-secrets-every-pc-and-mac-owner-should-know/3542?tag=mantle_skin;content

2) Online Safety information: OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.:
http://onguardonline.gov/index.html

3) In Pictures: How to Spot an E-Mail Scam
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,138310/article.html?tk=nl_spxsld

4) Spotting Web-Based Email Attacks
http://krebsonsecurity.com/2011/06/spotting-web-based-email-attacks/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KrebsOnSecurity+%28Krebs+on+Security%29

5) How to avoid phishing scams:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3000_7-6459186.html?tag=nl.e501

6) FAQ: Recognizing phishing e-mails
:http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10396786-245.html?tag=nl.e404

7) Tips on how to avoid getting Spam: http://email.about.com/cs/spamfightingtips/tp/most_effective.htm

Hoax - check it out before passing it on

Before you forward that email...check it out to be sure it is not an hoax!

1) Truth or Fiction: http://www.truthorfiction.com/

2) Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/

Miscellaneous

1) Microsoft Fix it Solution Center
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_fixit_main

2) Dictionary:A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language, the first truly American dictionary
http://www.m-w.com/

3) Radio online: http://www.windowsmedia.com/radiotuner/findstations.asp?locale=409&genre

4) Free TV/Movie web sites (Scroll down to bottom of page for sites): http://clarkhoward.com/topics/freetv.html

5) CEOExpress: A one stop site, fine web sites on just about any subject or topic:
http://www.ceoexpress.com/default.asp

6) Op-out: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you ("Firm Offers"). The FCRA also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers.
https://www.optoutprescreen.com/opt_form.cgi

7) Free credit report: Fight identity theft by monitoring and reviewing your credit report. You may request your free credit report online. Free credit reports requested online are viewable immediately upon authentication of identity.
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp#EasternStates

8) Report Identity Theft: Identity Theft is a crime in which an impostor obtains key pieces of personal identifying information (PII) such as Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers and uses them for their own personal gain. This is called ID Theft. It can start with lost or stolen wallets, pilfered mail, a data breach, computer virus, phishing, a scam, or paper documents thrown out by you or a business (dumpster diving). This crime varies widely, and can include check fraud, credit card fraud, financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, governmental identity theft, and identity fraud.
http://www.idtheftcenter.org/

9) U.S. Census data on zip codes:
http://zipskinny.com/

10) Test you Broadband speed: http://www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/about/

11) Before giving to a Charity, check out this site to be sure they are truth worthy:
http://charitywatch.org/

Photo Editing

1) Picasa: Picasa is a free software download from Google that helps you: Locate and organize all the photos on your computer. Edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks. Share your photos with others through email, prints, and on the web: it’s fast, easy and free. http://picasa.google.com/

2) Picasa : Picasa 3 feature overviewhttp://picasa.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=93773

3) Picasa Tutorials: http://geeksontour.com/picasa.cfm

4) More Picasa Tutorials: http://picasatutorials.com/

5) Upload pictures from Picasa to Facebook. http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/6739/how-to-quickly-copy-photos-from-picasa-to-facebook/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Tech-RecipesMain+%28Tech-Recipes+Main%29

6) Photoshop Elements User Learning Center http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/learningcenter/

7) Photoshop ELements Brushes downloads http://www.brusheezy.com/brushes

8) Scan old photos: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,124718/article.html?tk=nl_poxhow

9) Windows Live Movie Maker:
http://explore.live.com/

Search

1) Google: http://www.google.com/

2) Answers: http://www.answers.com/

3) Find an address: http://www.anywho.com/

Security

1) Microsoft Safety & Security Center - a new site that puts all the computer security, digital privacy, and online safety information and tools you need conveniently in one place. http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.aspx

2) The Most Dangerous Words on the Internet
http://billpstudios.blogspot.com/2012/02/most-dangerous-words-on-internet.html
3) As disasters spread, so do online scammers
http://windowssecrets.com/2011/03/24/01-As-disasters-spread-so-do-online-scammers

4) How Win32/FakeSysdef Corrupts Your Computer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnP0pq4EJgs

5) Firewalls FAQ
http://www.microsoft.com/security/firewalls/faq.aspx

6) Looks Too Good To Be True: Every day, American consumers receive offers that just sound too good to be true. In the past, these offers came through the mail or by telephone. Now the con artists and swindlers have found a new avenue to pitch their frauds — the Internet.
http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/index.aspx

7)WI-FI SECURITY Some Advice from the FBI. You’re at the airport waiting for your flight. With time to kill, you’re thinking of connecting your laptop to the airport's Wi-Fi to check your office e-mail...do some personal banking...or shop for a gift for your spouse.
But first, consider this: odds are there’s a hacker nearby, with his own laptop, attempting to "eavesdrop" on your computer to obtain personal data that will provide access to your money or even to your company's sensitive information.
http://www.fbi.gov/page2/may08/wifi_050608.html

8) Do you think your PC has a virus?
Use the Microsoft Safety Scanner to scan your PC, find the virus, and remove it. This no-charge, downloadable security tool provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

9) F-Secure Online Virus Scanner (version 3.3) is a free service. Use it to find out if your computer is infected, and disinfect your computer if needed. The product will automatically download the necessary components and virus definition databases as it is started. The size of the download package is about 35 MB incl. databases. Depending on the size of your harddrive(s) will determine how long it will take for this program to run.
http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/home_us/protection/free-online-tools/free-online-tools

10) Online security Health check by F-Secure. Be sure that all programs that you use while online are safe and are up-to-date:
http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/home_us/protection/free-online-tools/free-online-tools 

11) The Secunia Online Software Inspector, or short OSI, is a fast way to scan your PC for the most common programs and vulnerabilities, thus checking if your PC has a minimum security baseline against known patched vulnerabilities. http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/online/


PROGRAMS THAT CAN HELP KEEP YOUR COMPUTER SAFE

12) Free Internet Security WOT warns you about risky websites
ht8p://www.mywot.com/

13) Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a high performance anti-malware application that thoroughly removes even the most advanced malware and spyware. http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol

14) Sypware and Malware Removal Guide (DO NOT CLICK ON THE DOWNLOAD OFFERS AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE, scroll down to find instructions for the removal guide)
 http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-antivirus-vista-2010

IMPORTANT: YOU SHOULD HAVE ONLY ONE ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAM INSTALLED. THESE ARE FREE, BUT ONLY USE ONE. UNINSTALL THE ONE YOU HAVE BEFORE INSTALLING ONE OF THESE.

15) Microsoft Security Essentials is a free consumer anti-malware solution for your computer. It helps protect against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It's available as a no-cost download for Windows XP SP2 and higher, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. http://www.microsoft.com/security/products/mse.asp

16) AVG Free Anti-virus: AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10669237.html?tag=lst-0-1

17) Avast Free Anti-virus: Avast Home Edition is a complete ICSA & Checkmark certified antivirus, Checkmark certified anti-spyware & anti-rootkit package. Avast includes the following components: On demand scanner with skinnable simple interface, just select what do you want to scan in which way and press the Play button; On access scanner, special providers to protect the most of available e-mail clients; Instant messaging--ICQ, Miranda; Network traffic--intrusion detection, lightweight firewall; P2P protection for Kazaa, BitTorrent; Web shield--monitors and filter all HTTP traffic; NNTP scanner--scans all Usenet Newsgroup traffic and all operations with files on PC; Boot time scanner--scans disks in the same way and in the same time as Windows CHKDSK does.http://www.download.com/Avast-Home-Edition/3000-2239_4-10634953.html?tag=lst-0-2

18) How to Defeat Lizamoon Malware in One Easy Step
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2382979,00.asp

19) A nasty piece of malware known as LizaMoon has hijacked links on millions of websites in the past weeks, including some normally safe iTunes and Google links.
http://windowssecrets.com/2011/04/07/01-LizaMoon-infection-a-blow-by-blow-account

20) How to Remove Malware From Your Windows PC
http://www.pcworld.com/article/243818/how_to_remove_malware_from_your_windows_pc.html

Shopping online

1) Better Business Bureau on the Web: Use the safe shopping site to locate companies that are members of their local Better Business Bureau, pledge to meet the BBBOnLine Seal standards for ethical online business practices and have agreed to resolve complaints using the BBB's dispute resolution program or a similar program. Companies must live up to these promises or lose the right to remain in our program. There are currently 42150web sites covered by the BBBOnLine seal. http://www.bbb.org/online/consumer/default.aspx

2) Compare prices:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/
http://www.mysimon.com/
http://www.pricerunner.com/

3) Reviews:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/

4) Upgrade memory:http://www.crucial.com/

Social Networking

1. Facebook 101

This tutorial was created to get you up to speed on how to create, use, and maintain a Facebook page of your own, including understanding the complex Facebook privacy policies and settings. 

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/facebook101 

2. Facebook and Privacy Don't Mix Well
http://www.pcworld.com/article/243733/facebook_and_privacy_dont_mix_well.html

Travel

1) The Universal Currency Converter:
http://www.xe.com/ucc/

2) Track your flight:
http://www.flightview.com/TravelTools/

3) Maps
http://local.live.com/
http://maps.google.com/maps?tab=wl
http://www.mapsonus.com/
http://www.mapquest.com/

4) Online Travel Agents:
http://www.travel.yahoo.com/
http://www.expedia.com/
http://www.cheaptickets.com/
http://www.kayak.com/

5) Other sources:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/
http://www.trafalgartours.com/
http://www.frommers.com/
http://www.iexplore.com/
http://travel.state.gov/
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/front.htm

Training

1) Windows Help and How-to
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help

2) Get to know Windows 7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/explore/get-to-know  and
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/

3) Windows Guides: Learn to use Windows Sometimes it's easier to do things with the instructions right in your hand. And sometimes, it'd be nice to have some quick and easy directions to share with a friend. Here are step-by-step guides to the things people do the most with Windows. Just download, print, and go.
http//www.microsoft.com/windows/guides/default.aspx

4) 5 ways Internet Explorer helps you get more done: http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/stayconnected/ie7.mspx

5)Set up and use the Internet at home: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/internet.aspx?WT.rss_f=At%20Home%20RSS&WT.rss_a=Set%20up%20and%20use%20the%20Internet%20at%20home&WT.rss_ev=a

6) Internet 101: Come and discover how the Internet works. Find out where you can get great software. Learn the secrets of search engines. Have your questions answered and problems solved. http://www.internet101.org/

7) Mousing around: This tutorial will help you learn to use a mouse to interact with a computer. http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/intro.htm

8) Mouse exercises: If you are new to using a mouse, it may take a little practice to get the hang of it. Here are some simple exercises to help you get acquainted. http://www.seniornet.org/howto/mouseexercises/mousepractice.html

9) Visual Steps web site: Sign in using your email address and then get free PDF downloads. http://www.visualsteps.com/

10) Facebook 101: This tutorial was created to get you up to speed on how to create, use, and maintain a Facebook page of your own, including understanding the complex Facebook privacy policies and settings.
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/facebook101

11) GCFLearnFree.org® creates and provides quality, innovative online learning opportunities to anyone who wants to improve the technology skills needed to be successful in both work and life. By delivering over 750 different lessons to millions of people in over 200 countries and territories ABSOLUTELY FREE, GCFLearnFree.org is a worldwide leader in online education.
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/topics

Windows 7

1) 10 Tweaks for Win 7
http://windowssecrets.com/2010/12/16/01-10-great-Do-these-first-tweaks-for-Windows-7

2) Microsoft At Work: Skills
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/default.aspx


3) Windows Help and How-to
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help

3a) Get to know Windows 7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/explore/get-to-know and

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-Vista/help

4) Microsoft Technical Help and Support
http://support.microsoft.com/ph/14019#tab0

5) Troubleshoot Aero Problems in Windows 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976170/en-us

6) Make the most of Window's 7 Libraries
http://windowssecrets.com/2011/03/10/01-Make-the-most-of-Windows-7s-Libraries

7) 7 best Windows 7 features: http://windows.about.com/od/windowsforbeginners/a/7-Best-Windows-7-Features.htm?nl=1

8) Microsoft Fix it Solution Center
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_fixit_main

9) Windows Media Center
Enjoy your entire digital entertainment library in full glory on your PC or even on your TV. View your photos in a cinematic slide show, browse your music collection by cover art, easily play DVDs, watch and record TV shows, download movies, and project your home videos—then pass the remote to let friends and family join in the fun!
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-media-center/default.aspx

10) A complete guide to Win 7 shortcuts
http://windowssecrets.com/2011/02/17/01-A-complete-guide-to-Windows-7-keyboard-shortcuts

11) Understanding the Task Manager:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/224448-2/windows_task_manager_a_troubleshooting_tool.html

12) You deleted a file yesterday; now you really need it back. Your Windows recycle bin is empty — what now?
http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/rpv-win7s-least-known-data-protection-system/#

13) Gadget calendar is blank, how to get it back.
http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/calendar-gadget-sidebar-blank-orange-background/

Windows Management

1) Do a clean sweep of your computer
Remove software and files from your PC safely and easily
http://www.microsoft.com/canada/home/productivity-and-planning/articles/do-a-clean-sweep-of-your-computer.aspx

2) Set up your computer so that it will work for you http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/default.aspx

3) Set up and use the internet at home: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/internet.aspx?WT.rss_f=At%20Home%20RSS&WT.rss_a=Set%20up%20and%20use%20the%20Internet%20at%20home&WT.rss_ev=a

4) Windows Help and How-to
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_fixit_main

5) Ten tips to help improve your wireless network:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/wirelesstips.aspx?WT.rss_f=At%20Home%20RSS&WT.rss_a=10%20tips%20to%20help%20improve%20your%20wireless%20network&WT.rss_ev=a

6) Microsoft Support Links: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/support.aspx?WT.rss_f=At%20Home%20RSS&WT.rss_a=Support%20on%20Microsoft.com&WT.rss_ev=a

7) CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner.
http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/?tag=mncol

8) Check Startup: Startup programs are programs that are automatically started by Windows when the operating system starts. The problem is that many programs, viruses, hijackers, spyware, and other malware set themselves to start automatically when Windows starts. As more and more programs are started automatically, your computer's valuable resources are drained, causing your computer to operate slowly.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/

9)How to avoid 5 PC Upgrade mistakes:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/236731/5_more_pc_upgrade_mistakes_and_how_to_avoid_them.html#tk.nl_esx_h_cbintro

10) How to clean you computer, inside and out:http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/cleancomputer.aspx?WT.rss_f=At%20Home%20RSS&WT.rss_a=Learn%20how%20to%20clean%20your%20computer&WT.rss_ev=a

11) How to Remove Malware From Your Windows PC
http://www.pcworld.com/article/243818/how_to_remove_malware_from_your_windows_pc.html#tk.nl_spx_h_cbintro

12) Blue Screen of Death help
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/termsb/g/bsodbluescreen.htm?nl=1

13) Gadget calendar is blank, how do I get it back?
http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/calendar-gadget-sidebar-blank-orange-background/

14) Using Windows' Event Viewer
http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/what-you-should-know-about-windows-event-viewer/#

15) How to Lock Down Your Wireless Network

http://www.pcworld.com/article/243017/how_to_lock_down_your_wireless_network.html#tk.rss_howto

16) Local computer service: http://www.intrex.com/