Andrés Valencia

PC Updating

This page offers information on how to keep your PC updated and increase your productivity.

Business and the Internet:

Will you perish or profit in today's Digital Economy?
By Robert McGarvey

Are you geared up to compete in the new "Digital Economy", the computerized business world?
"Businesses that aren't will be toast", warns Don Tapscott, author of "The Digital Economy" (McGraw Hill), a book that's long held a place on bestseller lists.

Brave New World (Local)

This interview was published in the WWW by the magazine "Entrepreneur".

Windows Operating System:

Windows 98:

On June 30, 1998 Microsoft released 'Windows 98', the successor to Windows 95.
Windows 98 uses the new 'FAT 32' system for allocating the space in your hard disks. This system reduces wasted space and might be somewhat faster.
New hardware and software managing capabilities are introduced, and more integration with the Internet.
Windows 98 was supported until November 30, 2003.

On June 30, 1999 Windows 98 reached it's Second Edition (Windows 98 SE), requiring 24MB RAM, in a step towards unification under a future version of Windows.
Windows 98 SE was supported until March 31, 2004.

On December 31, 2000 Microsoft released Windows Millennium Edition (Me), mainly a multimedia upgrade to Windows 98.
Windows Me was supported until June 30, 2004.

See Windows Life-Cycle Policy.

Do not use an unsupported version of Windows;
its vulnerabilities represent a grave security risk.

Windows XP and Windows Vista:

On December 31, 2001 Microsoft released Windows XP, mainly an advanced multimedia upgrade to Windows Me on new 32 bit code (DOS is now an emulation), with important new firewall-like security features in its version SP2.
The original Windows XP was supported until August 30, 2004.
Windows XP Service Pack 1 was released on August 30, 2002 and supported until October 10, 2006.

Upgrade your Windows XP to the SP3 version (Service Pack 3) that is available from May 7, 2008.
Windows XP was available to be pre-installed in new PCs until June 30, 2008 (or later for small manufacturers).
On April 14, 2009, Microsoft ended basic free support for Windows XP Home and Professional, as well as for Office 2003. Upgrade now!
Microsoft support for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) ended July 13, 2010.

The successor to Windows XP was Windows Vista (released on January 29, 2007).
The Windows Vista SP1 (Service Pack 1) was released on April 18 2008.
The Windows Vista SP2 (Service Pack 2) was released on May 26 2009 and is available through Windows Update and as an automatic download.
Also available at Download details: Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone (KB948465). Upgrade now!
Microsoft support for Windows Vista Release to Manufacturing (RTM) will end July 13, 2010.

Determine what versions of Windows Vista your PC can run using the program Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. Windows Vista requieres modern processors (at least 800 MHz) and SVGA graphics processors. And between 512 MB (core experience) and 1 GB (full experience) of RAM. Also a DVD-ROM drive is required for installation.

The successor to Windows Vista, much improved Windows 7, was released on October 22, 2009.
For a limited time, Microsoft offered the chance to pre-order Windows 7 at a special price for some countries.

Determine what versions of Windows 7 your PC can run using the program Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. Windows 7 requieres modern processors (at least 1 GHz) and SVGA graphics processors, and 1 GB of RAM. Also a DVD-ROM drive is required for installation.

Keep your operating system and networking software (web browser, mail program, etc.) updated. In the MS Internet Explorer menu: Tools, Windows Update. Or visit Microsoft Update.
Install all Critical and Security Updates as soon as possible. Microsoft releases them on the second Tuesday of every month.

On Windows XP new security updates are only available for versions SP2 and SP3. Service Packs 2 and 3 are free, but are only available automatically to legitimate Windows XP users.
If your PC clone came with an illegal copy of Windows, you can buy and install an original without loosing your installed programs or your documents.

If you can not install and keep updated a legal copy of Windows, it is a matter of time before your vulnerabilities will be exploited, even if you expertly use a complete firewall program.
Get your updates from The Software Patch (Download site for patches, upgrades, service packs and hardware drivers).
Do not use an unsupported version of Windows; its vulnerabilities represent a grave security risk.

From September 28 to November 15, 2006, 90% of oarval.org visitors were using Windows, but 13% of them had unsupported versions.

Regularly update your Microsoft Office programs: visit Microsoft Office Online, and select "Office Update". Or visit Microsoft Update. Have your original MS Office installation disks on hand.

Linux Operating System:

Ubuntu:

Ubuntu is a complete Linux-based operating system, freely available with both community and professional support.

Ubuntu is suitable for both desktop and server use. The current Ubuntu release supports PCs (Intel x86), 64-bit PCs (AMD64), Sun UltraSPARC and T1 (Sun Fire T1000 and T2000), PowerPC (Apple iBook, Powerbook, G4 and G5) and OpenPower (Power5) architectures.

Ubuntu is available in many languages and with different interfaces (Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu and Edubuntu), with different pre-installed applications.

Ubuntu includes more than 16,000 pieces of software, but the core desktop installation (.iso) fits on a single 700 MB CD. Ubuntu covers every standard desktop application from word processing and spreadsheet applications to web server software and programming tools.
Get it from Ubuntu Download. But first see BurningIsoHowto (Community Ubuntu Documentation).
The resulting CD can be used to start your PC and try Ubuntu without modifying it, or to install Ubuntu in one or more partitions on its hard drive, to serve as the primary or alternative operating system.

Warning: Creating partitions is a delicate operation, that could result in the loss of the data on your hard drive.

On April 24, 2008, Canonical Ltd. released Ubuntu 8.04 LTS for Long Term Support.
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS will be supported until April 2011.
Between these dates updated versions with short term support will be released.

Communications:

Networks:
Profit from the easy communication and resource sharing facilities offered by simple personal computers networks under Windows. These networks between equals ("Peer to Peer") do not require servers nor other specialized operating systems.

Modems:
Update your modem to a 33.6 Kbps (or more) unit; almost all telephone Internet Service Providers are offering this connection speeds. Your per-minute cost will be much reduced, and your Web waiting and FTP downloading times will also be decreased. You will also be able to take advantage of the new communication modes now available in the Internet (see below).

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL or DSL):
Update to a wide bandwidth modem offered by some telephone services. It releases your telephone line for normal calling while giving you a permanent Internet connection, at high-speed (hundreds of Kbps).
[1 Kbps = 1,000 bits per second. 1 byte = 8 bits]

Speakeasy Speed Test
Measure your Internet download and upload rates (Free)
[Transfer rates in Kbps = Kilobits per second]
(Choose the server nearest to your Internet destination)

Software

Java:

Java is a free computer programming tool and software platform used by every browser in the Internet, and many Web sites. It has been developed by Sun Microsystems since 1991, and in 1995 it appeared the Web with the Netscape Navigator browser. Java brings animated interactivity to Web pages.

There's one place Java enthusiasts and developers should go: java.com
Keep your Java updated and delete all old versions.
Test with Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI).

Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Java, which can be exploited by malicious people to compromise a user's system.
The vulnerabilities were reported for Java before Version 6 Update 13.
See Java JDK/JRE Multiple Vulnerabilities (Secunia Advisories, March 27, 2009)

Free Adobe Flash Player:

Adobe Flash Player is the standard for delivering high-impact, rich Web content. Designs, animation, and application user interfaces are deployed immediately across all browsers and platforms, attracting and engaging users with a rich Web experience.

Adobe recommends that all Adobe Flash Player users upgrade to the most recent version of the Player through the Adobe Flash Player Download Center to take advantage of security updates.
Test with Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI).

Users of Adobe Flash Player on all supported platforms can manually check whether their installed Flash Player is the latest, most secure version at Adobe Flash Player - Version Information.

Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Adobe Flash Player, which can be exploited by malicious people to compromise a user's system.
The vulnerabilities were reported for Adobe Flash Player Versions 9 and 10 before Feb 24 '09.
See Adobe - Security bulletins and advisories.

Free Adobe Reader:

Adobe Reader is the standard for delivering trusted Web content. Verified documents can be deployed immediately across all browsers and platforms, ensuring users with trustable Web experience.

Adobe recommends that all Adobe Reader users upgrade to the most recent version of the Reader through the Adobe Reader Download Center to take advantage of security updates.
Test with Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI).

Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Adobe Reader, which can be exploited by malicious people to compromise a user's system.
The vulnerabilities were reported for Adobe Reader Version 9.1.1 and earlier.
See Adobe - Security bulletins and advisories.

Free RealNetworks RealPlayer:

RealNetworks, Inc. RealPlayer:

• Plays all Real content.
• Searches for audio and video content.
• The most striking new feature of RealPlayer is its dramatically improved audio and video quality.
• ZDNet's Hotfiles.com awarded RealPlayer a 5-star rating, saying RealPlayer is: "definitely worth the download if you want higher-fidelity audio and better-quality video".

A vulnerability was reported for the RealPlayer from RealNetworks, which can be exploited by malicious people to compromise a user's system.
The vulnerability was reported for RealPlayer versions prior to 11.0.0.663.
See RealPlayer 11.x - Vulnerability Information (Secunia Advisories)
See RealPlayer Unspecified Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (Secunia Advisories)

Microsoft Windows Media Player:

With the new Microsoft Windows Media Player (Free), you can play most multimedia content formats, including Windows Media (formerly NetShow), RealAudio and RealVideo 4.0 and below, QuickTime, AVI, WAV, and much more, from one, easy-to-use application.

• The most open and flexible player for accessing multimedia content
  The Windows Media Player provides the most extensible, flexible, and convenient player for accessing multimedia content.

• Highest quality multimedia experience
  Users can select video image sizes of 50%, 100%, 200%, and full screen, or resize the video to any size they want, depending on their preference and image quality.

• Easily tailored to user preferences
  Users can easily build a playlist with the Windows Media Player for quick access to their favorite content.

The Microsoft Media Player is available in various languages for Windows XP, Vista, and Mac.

If you have MS Internet Explorer, use it to access the links above, for a much smaller download.

Skype:

Free Internet telephony that just works.
Skype is for calling other people on their computers or phones.
Download Skype and start calling for free all over the world.

High audio/video quality and good security. File transfers, audio/video-conferences and instant messaging.

Keep your Skype updated to avoid known vulnerabilities.

MSN Web Messenger:

See. Hear. Share. Instantly.
MSN Web Messenger allows private video and audio conversations, and file sharing.

This free chat (keyboard conversation) program includes graphics for expressions and much more.

ICQ:

Something new in Internet communications.
ICQ is a free, innovative, user-friendly Internet tool that informs you who's on-line at any time and enables you to contact them at will. No longer will you search in vain for friends or associates on the Net. ICQ does the searching for you, alerting you in real time when they log on.

The program runs in the background, taking up minimal memory and Net resources.
Among the functions available are: chat, message, e-mail, and URL and file transfer. All these functions are consolidated into one easy-to-use program that integrates smoothly into desktop systems.
But do not use ICQ to read e-mail, this function is not secure.

It's simple. When you install ICQ, the program asks you to register at a server, which is connected to a broad network of servers spanning the Internet. At the time of registration, you receive a unique UIN (Universal Internet Number). In addition, ICQ gives you the option of entering personal information along with your UIN. This allows other ICQ users to recognize you when you log on.

Once you've registered, you can compile a selected list of friends and associates. ICQ uses this list to find your friends for you. Meanwhile, ICQ waits quietly in the background without interrupting any other applications in use. As soon as you log onto the Internet, ICQ automatically detects the Internet connection, announces your presence to the Internet community and alerts you when friends sign on or off.

Eudora 7.1:

A new version of the popular free e-mail software is out!

There are versions for Windows and Mac.

Get the latest version at Eudora.

Microsoft Internet Explorer:

On March 19 2009 Microsoft began to release a new, improved version of their Internet Browser, the Internet Explorer 8; faster and easier to use, and safer.

It is available since May 26 2009 for Windows Vista and XP-SP2 in various languages through the "Microsoft Update" service.

To download the program manually, select the graphical "Windows Internet Explorer 8" link.
There are many language versions available for Windows Vista (~13.3 MB) and XP-SP2 (~16.1 MB).

Keep your Internet Explorer browser updated to avoid known vulnerabilities.
[Tools - Windows Update]

The Internet Explorer 8 is free, but is only available to legitimate Windows users.
The Internet Explorer 8 can be uninstalled to revert to Internet Explorer 7.

A vulnerability is reported for Microsoft Internet Explorer, which can be exploited by malicious people to compromise a user's system.
The vulnerability is reported for Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 7 and 8 (other versions might be affected).

See Internet Explorer Charset Inheritance Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability (Secunia Advisories)

The Microsoft Outlook Express e-mail and News client program is an excellent application that should be configured for maximum security. Also Windows Media Player and other multimedia enhancements, are separate products. They will be updated with the Windows operating system.

Windows Live Mail:

As of June 30, 2008, Microsoft was to disable the DAV protocol and you would no longer be able to access your Hotmail Inbox via Outlook Express.
As an alternative, Microsoft recommends that you download Windows Live Mail, a free desktop e-mail client that has the familiarity of Outlook Express and much more.
But the DAV protocol will NOT be discontinued at this time, and you can continue to use Outlook Express beyond the June 30 transition deadline previously announced. The Hotmail team will provide an update in the coming months.

Microsoft has developed a new, much more efficient protocol called DeltaSynch that is far superior to DAV especially for large e-mail inboxes.
The new protocol unfortunately is NOT supported by Outlook Express.

Windows Live Mail is Microsoft's next-generation e-mail program. It includes the familiar features of Outlook Express and more. Use it to get multiple e-mail accounts in one place, including Windows Live Hotmail, plus other e-mail accounts that support POP3/IMAP, and seamlessly access other Windows Live services like Spaces and Messenger.
Get spam and virus filters across multiple e-mail accounts, and warnings when it looks like an e-mail message could be a scam.

You can download the new Windows Live Mail client at http://get.live.com/wlmail/overview.

To insure a correct transition from Outlook Express to Windows Live Mail, before instaling Windows Live Mail, clean, and then compact all of your e-mail folders in Outlook Express:
Menu: File, Folder, Compact all folders.
After installing Windows Live Mail and verifying that it handles all of your e-mail folders and messages, you may uninstall Outlook Express:
Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs, Add or Remove Windows Components:
deselect Outlook Express and continue to Next.

The working language for Windows Live Mail can be determined with the Windows Language Bar and the keyboard (left Alt-Shift, by default).
If your installation of Windows Live Mail does not recognize all of the Microsoft languages installed in your PC, see the article "Dutch Spellcheck", by "Ildhund", on 3/16/2008 1:32 PM PST (Discussions in Windows Live Mail Desktop).
You can check the Microsoft languages and keyboards installed in your PC, and activate the Windows Language Bar, in the Control Panel; Regional and Language Options, Languages, Details.

Windows Live Messenger:

See. Hear. Share. Instantly.
Windows Live Messenger allows private video and audio conversations, and file sharing.

This free chat (keyboard conversation) program includes graphics for expressions and much more.

Windows Live SkyDrive:

Share Files Anywhere You're Online, 24/7.

Store, access, and share your files with friends or co-workers, from anywhere online. Free 25 GB online storage means you can easily get to your stuff with just a few quick clicks.

With 25 GB of free, password-protected online storage, you've got the freedom to share large photos, files, and documents.

SkyDrive now does a great job with your photos, including large previews, thumbnail views of your photos, captions, and comments.

With personal folders, you can keep your files online and access them with virtually any Web-enabled computer or mobile device - whether it's yours, a friend's, or a public computer.

Password protection: You set the passwords and you decide who sees what, so you have confidence that your data is in your control.

Drag and drop: Uploading content is as easy as dragging and dropping the files from your computer onto the Web.

Shared folders: Working on a project with classmates, co-workers, or family? With shared folders, the whole crew can upload, download, and collaborate with you on documents and other files.

SkyDrive folders can be shared with Everyone (public), My Network, Just me, or you can Select the people you share them with, to just view the files, or to add, edit and delete them.

Direct links: Each folder on SkyDrive has a unique Web address, so you can save the link as a favorite or copy-and-paste it into e-mail or other documents for direct access, substituting the dangerous and heavy "file attachments".

You can start using the new Windows Live SkyDrive at http://windowslive.com/Online/SkyDrive/

Mozilla Firefox:

Mozilla is the generic term referring to Internet client software developed through an open source project. Mozilla Firefox does not handle ActiveX controls.

The new and improved Mozilla Firefox 3 is available.
Mozilla Firefox 3 is a fast and secure browser, with multiple functions.

To download Mozilla Firefox (for Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux i686),
select the "Get Firefox" link (for Windows ~7.1 MB).
Uninstall Firefox 2 and then install Firefox 3.

Keep Mozilla Firefox updated to avoid known vulnerabilities.
[Help - Check for Updates]
(see Known Vulnerabilities in Mozilla)

The NoScript Firefox extension provides extra protection for Firefox, and other Mozilla-based browsers: This free, open source add-on allows potentially dangerous JavaScript, Java, Flash and other plugins to be executed only from trusted Web sites of your choice (e.g. your online bank).
See PC Security - Malicious JavaScript.

Mozilla Firefox is the recommended browser to use with Tor (Anonymity Online), and Torbutton (Tor Button for Firefox).

Mozilla Thunderbird:

The new and improved e-mail client Mozilla Thunderbird 2 is available.

Thunderbird 2 includes several new features to help you manage your inbox. As you receive e-mail, Thunderbird 2 will help you organize the most important messages to get you through your day.
Import your existing messages and enjoy powerful spam protection.

To download Mozilla Thunderbird (for Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux),
select the "Get Thunderbird" link (for Windows ~6.4 MB).

Opera:

Opera is a fast and secure browser, with multiple functions. Opera does not handle ActiveX controls.

The new and improved Opera 10 is available with interfaces in various languages.
Opera passes the "Acid2 Browser Test" from The Web Standards Project, and is very compact.

To download the Opera Browser (for Windows, Mac, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, OS/2 and QNX), select the "Opera Software" link (for Windows ~6.6 MB).

Keep the Opera Browser updated to avoid known vulnerabilities.
[Help - Check for Updates]
(see Security, Privacy and Cookies in Opera)

Google Chrome:

Google Chrome is available, a new web browser for Windows.
It is a fast and secure browser, with multiple functions.

Google Chrome is a browser that combines a minimal design with sophisticated "sandbox" model technology isolating the Tabs, to make the web faster, safer, and easier.

Chromium is the open-source project behind Google Chrome.
Google Chrome does not handle ActiveX controls.

Private browsing: Open an incognito window when you don't want to save your browsing history.

There are reports on browser privacy problems. Read about them in the Security Section.

IBM Lotus Symphony:

On June 10 2009 IBM released the much improved version 1.3 of Lotus Symphony for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.

A Free productivity suite, Symphony consists of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications. Based on the Open Document Format standard (ODF), Symphony can also open, edit and save Microsoft Office 2007 documents.

IBM Lotus Symphony runs in a single window with a tabbed interface for editing documents, regardless of whether the file in question is a word processing document, spreadsheet, or presentation. Each file is in its own tab.

Lotus Symphony is built on IBM's Eclipse software platform, so it's efficient and tightly integrated. Eclipse's architecture supports plug-ins to extend functionality, such as the Database Connection, which connects an external database to the spreadsheet document, or Exporting Presentation to Flash, which converts presentations into .swf Flash files.

Setup is simple in various languages, for Windows, Linux and Mac. Dictionaries for many additional languages can be downloaded and installed afterwards.

Lotus Symphony Documents lets you create, edit, share, and save word processing documents.
Lotus Symphony Spreadsheets lets you create, edit, share, and save a variety of spreadsheets.
Lotus Symphony Presentations lets you create, edit and save graphic presentations that can be shared with audiences via a slide show mode.

LogMeIn:

Remote Access and Desktop Control Software for your PC.

To be controlled through LogMeIn, a PC needs to have the LogMeIn application installed and its owner has to have a free LogMeIn account.
To be controlled, a PC needs to be running under Windows, and have MS Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox installed.

LogMeIn has a free version that shows the controlling user the screen and mouse of the controlled PC, and transfers keyboard and mouse actions.
The Pro version additionally permits file transfers and remote printing. There are specialized network management and service versions.

To control a PC that is online and running LogMeIn, a controlling user needs to receive by e-mail a LogMeIn invitation from that PC.
The controlling user needs to know a user name and password to log-in to the controlled PC.
Invitations are issued for a limited time span.
Connections must be of wide bandwidth; DSL or better.

See LogMeIn FAQ (Web pages in various languages).

Correct Spanish (easily) with your U.S. Standard keyboard:

To facilitate writing correct Spanish (and other European languages) on your U.S. Standard keyboard, you can declare it under Windows, as "U.S. International"(See "Control Panel" - Keyboard). This will cause the shifted keys for ', `, ~, " and ^, to behave as "dead" keys:

You press any of these keys, and nothing appears immediately on the screen;
The PC waits for the following key press before responding.
If the following key is a vowel, n or c, this will show as modified by the dead key.
If the following key is a consonant (except for n or c), the dead key's symbol will show, followed by the consonant, as normally.

For example:

With ': á, é, í, ó, ú, ç, Á, É, Í, Ó, Ú, Ç
With `: à, è, ì, ò, ù, À, È, Ì, Ò, Ù
With ~: ñ, Ñ, ã, õ
With ": ä, ë, ï, ö, ü, Ä, Ë, Ï, Ö, Ü
With ^: â, ê, î, ô, û, Â, Ê, Î, Ô, Û

In the Windows XP Control Panel open Regional and Language Options, Language Tab, select Details, choose US-International.

Powerful shortcuts with your Windows keyboard:

Links to the WWW sites of some important organizations in the PC market:

3Com Network hardware and drivers
3WK Internet Radio Indie Rock and Classic Rock online radio
Acer (PC notebooks and desktops)
Adobe (Acrobat PDF Document Reader, Flash Player, Shockwave Player, Photoshop)
Amazon Online shopping for electronics, apparel, computers, books, DVDs & more
American Power Conversion Uninterruptable Power Supplies
Annoyances.org A collection of information assembled for and by actual users of Windows
Anonymizer Anonymous Web surfing, anti spyware, anonymous proxy, & identity protection
AnswersThatWork Database of processes, startups & services - The Ultimate Troubleshooter (TUT)
Anti-Spyware Coalition
Apple Computers and software
 - Avast! antivirus Mac Edition Free
 - ClamXav Free Open Source Antivirus Scanner for Mac
 - PCTools iAntivirus Free
Ars Technica - Security Section
Ashampoo Free Ashampoo FireWall for Windows (incompatible with a-squared)
a-squared (a2) EMSI Software Anti-Malware - Free malware scanner and remover software
Audit My PC Firewall Test, Web Tools and Free Internet Security Audit
Autodesk Auto CAD (Computer Aided Design) software
Avant Browser Free Windows web browser, Anderson Che
Avast! Antivirus software - computer virus, worm and Trojan protection by ALWIL Software
 - Avast! 4 Home Edition Free [In many languages]
 - Avast! antivirus Mac Edition Free
AV-Comparatives Independent Comparatives of Anti-Virus software
AVG Antivirus and Security Software Real-time protection against viruses, spyware and malicious websites (with Free version)
 - AVG LinkScanner integrates with major search engines to check search results for a variety of online threats before you click (Free)
Avira AntiVir Personal Edition Free Antivirus and AntiRootkit software for Windows
AZZ Cardfile Free-form Personal Info Manager for Windows (replaces MS cardfile.exe)
BitDefender Antivirus and security software, with Free Edition
Bleeping Computer - Computer Help and Discussion
 - RKill - What it does and What it Doesn't - A brief introduction to the program (Lawrence Abrams)
Broadband Speed tests and problem diagnosis tools (from dslreports.com)
Broadgun Software pdfMachine & pdfMachine White (Free .pdf files creation)
Broderbund Print Creativity, Educational, utility software and ExpressIt greetings
Canon U.S.A. Hardware and software
CDW.com Hardware and software mail-order
CERT Coordination Center (Computer Emergency Response Team, Carnegie Mellon University)
Cirrus Logic Display adapters and drivers
Cisco Systems Networking hardware
ClamWin Free Open Source Antivirus Scanner for Windows
 - ClamXav Free Open Source Antivirus Scanner for Mac
ClustrMaps Hit counter map widget shows locations of all visitors to your site - Free

C|net - The Computer Network:

• C|net Home Page
• Builder.com
• Download.com
• GameSpot
• Tech News
• Search.com
• Shareware.com
• mySimon
• TechRepublic
• ZDNet

Links to some of the best WWW search engines:

AlltheWeb
Altavista (Digital Electronics Corp.)
Ask Jeeves (Natural Language Search Interface)
Excite
Google (many interface languages)
HotBot
Ixquick Metasearch (many interface languages)
Lycos
MetaCrawlerWeb Search
Microsoft bing
MSN.com - Windows Live Search
Search.com
WebCrawler
Yahoo! Search A Topical Web Index and Search Engine

Search Engine Watch Tips and information about searching the Web

Links to some of the best WWW directories (White Pages):

Bigfoot
InfoSpace
Internet Address Finder
Switchboard
WhoWhere Home Page (Lycos)
Yahoo! People Search

My specialty is Personal Computing and I work as an independent consultant.

Updated: September 3 '10

Antivirus Information Section

Symantec Security Alerts Box

PC Security Section

Castellano: Sección sobre Actualización de PCs

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