Computer Freebies (Windows PCs)

Free Software

Legal, Free and Reputable Software. For Windows unless it says otherwise.

Free Security and Protection
Be very careful with USB memory sticks or other media from outside the home. There's a high probability of school/college computers having viruses and a low probability of media being properly scanned before leaving their premises. Many viruses can necessitate a complete re-install if they get embedded into a system and you stand to lose everything - photos, documents, projects, etc. You might end up re-purchasing an operating system and programs that you use every day and waste time and trouble setting everything up again. Alternately, you might have to buy a new computer. It is better to be careful.

Antivirus and firewall software is absolutely essential but there are reputable ones out there for free, if you don't mind separate programs to cover both functions. The bundled versions are always to pay for. These are quite easy to install but, after downloading, uninstall any old ones before trying to install the new one. Don't worry that a new firewall will disable the built-in Windows firewall. Always keep security software up to date (as in 'check for updates') and schedule the antivirus to scan at least once a week.

Free Utilities and Others

Free Video Progs

Free Web Browsers

Freeware and Open Source Links

Sort-of Free


Eskia Computers
Eskia BannerHere's a little plug for my old mates at Eskia Computers in Oxspring. They are very helpful to this website. www.eskia.co.uk


Tweakers:


Computer Tune-up and Maintenance (Out of Date Section)
Sections here started in 2000 and were intended for Windows 98 and Windows 2000 Operating Systems. They have not been updated much and are well out of date now. Many of the problems on older PCs were with limited memory and HDD storage but these days that is not a problem. Some of it might still be relevant but you must regard the advice as being at your own risk. Here goes:

Don't touch a thing unless you know how to get out of trouble and - most important - don't ask me. If your copy of XP is old, I recommend the Service Pack 3 update. In time-honoured computer tradition, this section starts with number zero.

0 The Workstation
1 The Hard Disc Drive
2 Performance Gobblers
3 Tweaks & Upgrades
4 The Virus Threat
5 Web Browser
6 Trouble

It is good policy to make changes one at a time and reboot the computer between changes if you are not confident, then you can undo things more easily. Windows XP has a useful 'roll-back' feature. First thing to do is install an antivirus program and a firewall make sure that they are frequently updated (they all have an update facility). An unprotected computer on the internet will certainly attract trouble within a short time.


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