Info

I will try and keep you posted with the latest developments of what you should be applying to your computer.  As well as some latest trends and technologies.

• Office Service Packs
• Windows Service Packs
• Latest Virus Information
• USB storage devices
• Protection
   

Check your version of Microsoft Office for any updates at Office Online.  Like Windows Updates, Office products can now be automatically updated from the above site.
 

Office Version	97/98	2000	2002 (XP)	2003	2007	2010
Latest Service Pack	SR2b	SP3	SP3	SP3	SP2	-

 

Use Microsoft Update for the 'hands free', automatic approach to keeping your computer up to date.  To find a particular update, try looking at Windows Download Centre.
 

Operating System	95,98,ME	NT	2000	XP	Vista
Latest Service Pack	-	SP6a	SP4	SP3	SP2

 

Virus Information

Symantec, the makers of Norton's Antivirus, constantly updates their site with the latest virus information.  It is a great reference place to get all the details on current and past viruses and download a virus removal tool.  And you don't need to be the owner of a Symantec product to use these features.

 

 

There are two main types.  The external hard drive or a USB Flash Card, also known as a Flash Stick or Memory Stick.

USB hard drives.

These are external housing boxes used to accommodate either the hard drives found in desktops or the much smaller hard drives found in laptops.  Personally I prefer the small 2.5 inch laptop drives as they are more portable.  These are connected to your PC via a USB cable and the laptop hard drive enclosures do not need a separate power supply.  Their storage capacity is only limited by your budget.
This medium is VERY useful for backups.

 

USB memory sticks.

These are lipstick sized 'sticks' that can fit in your pocket or on your key ring.  Typically storage capacities are 2, 4 and 8gigs.  16, 32 and 64gig sizes are now appearing.  Prices are high for the top end devices and the dollar per megabyte ratio is much higher than the USB hard drive option.
These are excellent for files that need constant transferring, eg; reports, accounting data, homework, projects etc.
 

 

 

This is a list of very useful programs I use and can thoroughly recommend.  I believe they can even be considered ESSENTIAL.
And they are all FREE.

After you download these, make sure you regularly visit the relevant sites to check for updates.

 

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware

Anti-adware & spyware protection, all rolled into one.  Searches for intrusive, malicious programs.  The free version is reactive, not proactive.  It must be manually updated and scans must be manually initiated.
 

AVG

Anti-virus and anti-spyware protection.  Automatically updates itself.  Has full email scanning.  Has the added benefit of not being anywhere near as resource hungry as Norton's, McAfee or TrendMirco products.
 

Sunbelt Personal Firewall

Internet 'traffic control'  program.  All access paths to and from your computer are listened to and you are prompted to Allow or Deny each new access.  The program remembers your responses and, over time, it gives less and less alerts as rules are created.
 

CleanUp!

A handy and quick program that removes temporary files, cookies, empties the recycle bin and generally free up disk space.

Defraggler
Simple. little program that seems to do a better job then the supplied Windows version.  More controllable as well.  Good way to keep your hard drive compact and responsive.

 

CCleaner

Another great little program by the makers of Defraggler that goes through your system looking for files that you don't need to have.  Similar to the Cleanup! program.  Also customisable in what extra folders/files you can include in your searches.

Can also edit the Startup program list and do a fix of Registry errors.