Links and Downloads

For your convenience, we have compiled a list of links to programs and informational sites aimed and enabling you to get the most enjoyment and utility out of your personal computer.

Spyware Removal:

To keep your computer free of spyware and invasive programs that may steal your information and/or interfere with the normal operation of your computer we suggest you download one of the following and use it to scan your PC on a regular basis.

  • Ad Aware – Robust and easy to use. Free download w/commercial versions also available.
  • Spybot S&D – One of the leading privacy software titles. Free download supported by donations.

Anti-Virus and AV Definition Updates:

Key to keeping your PC safe today is running good anti-virus software and regularly updating your virus definitions. If your antivirus software does not automatically update its definitions be sure and update them manually to ensure your protection is as complete as possible.

  • AVG Anti-VirusFree Edition – A fast, efficient, and easy to use anti-virus program. The Free Edition is a great solution for home use. Try this one out!
  • McAfee FreeScan – An online scan to check your computer for viruses. Free.
  • Norton AntiVirus (NAV) definition updates – Updates are located at Symantec Security Reponse. Additional security tools are also available.
  • McAfee VirusScan – Good for VirusScan 6 and 7.

Instant Messengers:

One of today’s leading methods of keeping in touch with others is through the use of an Instant Messenger (IM). IM’s allow you to create lists of other IM users and send/receive messages, exchange files, voice/video conference, game, and much more. In general you can only communicate with users using the same IM program, so you may wish to install more than one depending on whom you wish to communicate with.

  • ICQ – One of the oldest IM titles – both ‘lite’ and ‘Pro’ versions offered. Free download.
  • MSN Messenger – Microsoft’s IM program is one of the most common and is easy to use. Free Download.
  • Yahoo! Messenger – Yahoo!’s IM program is easily one of the most entertaining messengers. Free Download.
  • AIM – America Online’s contribution to the IM world. Perhaps the more intuitive of the bunch. Free Download

Music and Video:

  • Winamp – Perhaps the best MP3 player around. Free download.
  • RealPlayer – A fantastic all-around audio and video player. Several versions available, including their free version. Free download.

Using the Web:

The array of content and information available on the internet is staggering. To fully experience some of the more robust sites on the web you may need to install additional software or perhaps even an alternate web browser if you want features not offered by your current choice.

  • Mozilla – Derived from the old Netscape Navigator, this open-source title is arguably the best web browser available. Free Download.
  • Sun JavaVM – The Java Virtual Machine enables your browser to execute Java programs prevalent throughout the Web

Terminal Shell and File Transfer:

For those who are a bit more involved in their online activities you may benefit from the following…

  • PuTTY – The best Windows terminal emulator around – supports telnet, ssh (our favorite), and Rlogin. Free download.
  • PSFTP – An SFTP commandline file transfer program that behaves like traditional FTP while providing encryption. Free download.
  • WinSCP – An open source GUI SFTP client for Windows. Free download.

Information and Search:

Part of the fun of being online is having information at your fingertips.

  • Google Toolbar – This handy little IE browser toolbar lets you search Google from anywhere at any time. Includes a pop-up blocker! Free Download.
  • Weatherbug – A fun program that displays live weather for your area 24/7. Free download.

General Links

As an ongoing list of interesting places to read about the online world, get news, purchase interesting things, and find information, the following links are among our favorites.

  • Google – The gold standard of search engines.
  • Google News – Google’s news site that searches and digest over 4,500 news sources, updated continuously. It’s a news junkie’s dream.
  • Slashdot – “News for Nerds. Stuff that matters.”
  • Tom’s Hardware – One of the first PC hardware review and comparison sites.
  • Anand Tech – A good source for PC hardware analysis and news.