Here is where you can learn about and download the various software programs and plug-ins you may need to fully experience the Internet.
Anti-Virus Programs
Anti-virus software consists of computer programs that attempt
to identify, thwart and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious
software (malware).
Ad Blockers
For protection against ad-serving software, Trojan horses, and other means of
tracking your surfing habits, get Spybot
Search & Destroy or Malwarebytes. These programs are free software available at several
download sites.
Browsers
You must have a web browser in order to Surf the Web. A
browser is a software program that acts as an interface
between the user
and the World Wide Web. Browsers can be text-based or graphical
and can make the Internet easier and more intuitive to
use. There
are many different types of browsers. A text-based browser
shows a user text only. A graphical browser allows the
user to see more
of what the WWW has to offer such as graphics, photographs
and multimedia.
Mozilla
Firefox
Internet
Explorer
Safari
Netscape
Email Programs
Mozilla
Thunderbird
Zip Files
Zip files are compressed "archives" used for distributing
and storing large files. You will need a software program to
unstuff or unzip the file.
Stuffit
Expander (MacIntosh, Windows, Linux)
WinZip
SFTP
Abbreviation of File Transfer Protocol, used for downloading
or uploading files to a server on the Internet. You will
need an
FTP program if you want to upload web pages, documents, pictures,
etc. to your web site directory or personal homepage (include
link) directory. We recommend WINSPC
Secure FTP for Windows and Filezilla
PDF Files - Adobe Acrobat
Acronym for Portable Document Format. This is an Adobe technology
that has become a a popular way of formatting documents in such
a way that they can be viewed and printed. With free Adobe
Acrobat Reader software, you can view and print Adobe
PDF files regardless of the hardware and operating system on your
computer Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
Word Processing / Office Suites
OpenOffice.org is a full featured suite of tools for wordprocessing
and spreadsheets. Compatible with and a free replacement
for Microsoft Word documents. Also supports OpenDocument
Format.
Download
OpenOffice
AbiWord
A word processor. Leaner
and quicker than OpenOffice. Compatible with Microsoft Word documents
and OpenDocument Format.
Download
AbiWord
Multimedia Plug-Ins
Some web sites will require that you have the following plug-ins
downloaded on your computer before you can access any
video or audio files they may provide, below are some programs
that you may need.
Microsoft Media PlayerPlays audio and video files. Comes with your Windows or Internet Explorer Software. Make sure you have the most recent version.
Real
Player
Plays streaming sound files as you download them.
Quicktime
Plays video files as you download them.
Adobe Flash Player
Plays both audio and video files as well as other types of animation.
Firewalls
If you have a permanent connection to the Internet via wireless,
DSL or a cable modem, your IP address is permanent. Although this
has benefits, it also carries the serious shortcoming of rendering
your PC vulnerable to attacks. A firewall, in this respect, becomes
not just desirable but a necessity. Zone
Alarm is a top choice, and best of all, the basic version
is free.
Parental Control
Parental control software lets parents control the days and times
that their children can access the computer, the Internet or any
application on a system.Telnet is the main Internet protocol for
creating a connection with a remote machine. The Telnet program
runs on your computer and connects your PC to a server on the
network. You can then enter commands through the Telnet program
and they will be executed as if you were entering them directly
on the server console.