Technology Designed for Your Needs

So you got a new computer for Christmas and can’t wait to see what it can do. Now, the biggest challenge is finding the right software. While there are many retail options available, there is another approach worth considering. You can download powerful software for everything from cleaning up nasty viruses to editing YouTube videos, for free. Over the next few weeks, we will unlock the secrets to getting free software including: Anti-virus, Office Applications, Photo Editing, Graphics, and Multimedia. Let’s get started.

Sluggish response times, pop-ups and system errors - these are often symptoms of malware. Whether your computer is brand new or has some age, the best time to think about protection is immediately.  Don’t bother with the slick sounding television commercials promising to fix your computer on line.  Tests show that the results from these sites are mediocre at best. Most computer problems can be fixed with a few simple downloadable tools. If they don’t do the job, consider seeking local professional help as more serious problems may exist that can be worsened with tinkering.

Malware is a huge nuisance and can also cause serious problems including lost productivity, damaged files and stolen personal data. According to a report by PR News Wire, Panda Security’s anti-malware laboratory received more than 20 million new strains of malware in 2010. It’s a serious problem!

Although there are a lot of great free anti-malware products available, space limits me to a few favorites.  I consider these better than many of their costly commercial competitors.  Pick one and run with it.  (Never run more than one antivirus application at a time.)  For Windows, Microsoft Essential Security (http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/) works great.  Another favorite is AVG (http://free.avg.com/us-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free.) Panda Security offers a fairly new approach with Panda Cloud. (http://download.cloudantivirus.com/) It relies on an Internet (Cloud) server for most of the work so your machine is less burdened. For Macintosh, consider Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition (http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/.) It’s been said that Macs don’t get viruses - don’t believe it.  The much smaller market-share compared to Windows, means fewer viruses, but they are out there.

Don’t take the chance with your data or personal information.  Get protection and keep it up to date! Cost is no longer an excuse.  Next time, free Office applications.

What technology topics would you like to see addressed in upcoming articles? Contact me.

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