Acrobat Reader
Thunderbird Mail Client
Firefox Web browser
Anti-Virus
AVG Free
Anti-Spyware
Spybot S&D
PC Tips
Thunderstorms
Always unplug your computer during lightning activity, It is the only way to protect your PC from damage during a thunderstorm. Don't forget to unplug the phone line from your ADSL modem during a storm as a lightning strike can easily damage ADSL modems, You have probably been instructed never to use your home phone during a storm, well same goes for your modem which has its ear to the receiver 24/7 whilst it is plugged in. Another tip is to check the Energex Lightning Tracker to see if there is any lightning in your area.
Having Trouble reading the text on a web page?
Hold down the "CTRL" key on your keyboard while using your scroll wheel on your mouse. Rolling the mouse wheel towards you will increase the size of the text. (This works on most websites but not all)
Firefox speed tweak:
Type about:config in the address bar and you will have the settings list open. Scroll down until you come to Network prefetch-next, and if the entry in the Value column reads "True" right-click on it and select Toggle (or double click) and it will change to false. You should now notice a speed increase in the time it takes for web pages to load.
Internet Forms:
If you are filling out forms on different websites, set up a free email account to get all the mail sent there, and try to clean it out once a week. By saving your personal e-mail address for legitimate e-mail traffic only, say family & friends, you will reduce the chances of spam being sent to your personal mail address.
Long Web Pages:
Browsing a web page and want to get to the end or the bottom of the web page? Just hit the "end" key on your keyboard and it will take you to the bottom of the page, using the "home" key brings you back to the top of the web page. "Page Up" and "Page Down" keys can be very useful as well.
Antivirus Tip:
Update your antivirus weekly, daily if you are paranoid. But make sure you do a system scan at least once a month. Weekly if your a business. If you do not have Antivirus software you are leaving your computer wide open to anyone on the internet, It's kind of like walking into an infectious ward without a mask. Don't risk it. There are a couple of free antivirus programs listed to the left of this page.
Computer Security:
Some websites carry misleading ads and dodgy tactics to sell internet security products. Do not download or install any software that you are not 100% sure of.
Be careful about installing ActiveX controls. The only ActiveX controls or plugin that ordinary people can safely install are that of Macromedia Flash, Real Player, QuickTime and Windows Media Player. All others like Gator or Bonzi are likely to be spyware of some sort. Many anti-spyware products are released along with diallers, screensavers, and other unwanted programs. They are almost impossible to uninstall. Even if you run their uninstall programs, they will continue to hide in your computer without your knowledge. So, be careful about installing software. Our Tip: Use "Spybot Search & Destroy" and the antivirus program suggested to the left of this page to protect your PC. You should update Spybot and immunize the system weekly to protect yourself against unwanted activity on your system.