I first became interested in computers in 1992. When I think of my first computer - 2 MB of memory, 16 MHz processor, 2 floppy drives (one was the old 5.25) and a hard drive that wouldn't even hold today's operating systems. The operating system on my first machine was Windows 3.0 - I don't remember the rest of the specs except there were no external speakers. The sound consisted of a "beep" now and then. WOW!
How computers have changed since then! My current computer consists of 2 hard drives, one 80 Gigabyte and one 120 Gigabyte in size; 2 Gigabytes of memory, AMD Athlon 64 x 2 Dual Core Processor 4400 + 2.29 GHz., 6 USB Ports, a DVD Writer, ATI Radeon X1300 Series Video Card, Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Card, external speakers for 5.1 sound. All of this would have sounded quite foreign to us 10 years ago; larger hard drives, huge amounts of memory, faster processors are now becoming the standard. The purpose of home computers has changed considerably over the past decade as has the number of households having at least one computer.
I certainly am not a computer expert but hopefully my knowledge has increased greatly since the purchase of my first computer. I have numerous computer web sites listed under "Favorites". Like a lot of folks; I find it difficult to keep up with the changing technology. These are a few of the sites that I find helpful in my attempt to stay up to date.
Forums and Newsletters
Smart Computing -There is a lot of information here plus a Question and Answer Board.Suggest A Fix -This is an extremely helpful computer forum with a lot of knowledgeable folks.
Cybertech Help -Another good sight complete with helpful tutorials.
Scot's Newsletter Forums -Another computer forum. Scot's Newsletter is very good also.
LangaList Home Page - Fred Langa is very well known in the computer world - I receive his LangaList Plus Edition Newsletter - a lot of good information in Fred's newsletters. This newsletter is now merged with Windows Secrets and can be found here: Windows Secrets
Here are a few resources that are useful when the need arises:
Definitions For Most Current IT-Related Words - Do you need to know what a "byte" is, or the meaning of other computer words - look it up here.File Extensions - Search for the name of a file extension and the program that will open that particular file.
Start-up Programs - This site discusses how to identify and disable start-up programs from running. Fewer programs running at start-up means better computer performance.
How To Use MSCONFIG - MSCONFIG allows the computer user to disable some unnecessary programs that load automatically at startup.
The sites listed below are ones that I found helpful when writing these web pages.
HTML, XHTML, and CSS - I include this web page as this is the book I relied heavily on when learning HTML and CSS. I recently purchased the latest edition (6th) and it even includes a chapter on podcasting.World Wide Web Consortium - You will find lots of useful information, news, technical reports, validators, etc. on this site. It is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to write web pages.
HTML Goodies - This site has a lot of good information and the tutorials are easy to follow. The site covers a lot of other information. If you are interested in learning PHP, you can visit HTML Goodies and try their new PHP tutorials. I have a couple of books on PHP (which I haven't looked at yet) and I think these PHP tutorials will be on my list of 'to do' things.
Getting Started With HTML - Dave Raggett has been closely involved with the development of HTML and works for the World Wide Web Consortium.
CSS Tutorial -This site is a learning/reference tool for CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).
HTML Kit - I used this tool for validating my HTML and CSS. HTML Kit is a full featured web development tool.
Web Photo Album Generator - This is the program I used to create my first photo albums; it is a free download and is easy to use.
Tizag Tutorials - I have since come across this web site. It has some great tutorials on HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, Perl, etc.; it is well written and easy to understand. This is one of the better sites I have seen.
Security Programs
Now, more than ever, security is a big issue for computer users. Before I go any further, I am going to put a link to another site that I came across some time ago:Home PC Firewall Guide - Don't let the name of the site fool you; it also takes a look at other security issues (viruses, spam, spyware, trojans, security suites). This site is well presented and has a multitude of useful information.
I thought I would add a section here and put links to programs that I am using and would recommend them to a friend.
Avast Antivirus Software - There is a freeware version (Avast Home) and also a shareware version (Avast Professional). The company, ALWIL, was established in 1991 and specializes in security software. I use the Professional Edition - thus far, it has done the job for me. The program was easy to set up.
Spy Sweeper - Spyware has become a real problem for the computer user. Rather than spelling out the definition of spyware, symptoms of spyware infection, etc. I will refer you to this page on the Webroot web site: Spyware Info - Adware Removal and Detection Information by Webroot.com Spy Sweeper detects and safely removes spyware and adware from your PC.
Spybot Search and Destroy - I use this program as well as Spy Sweeper to fight the spyware problem. It is usually recommended that 2 or 3 programs are used to compliment each other. Often one program will find something that another program misses.
I do make use of other programs:
WinPatrol I actually use WinPatrol Plus.
Spam Bully - I have used this program for quite some time now and find it very helpful. It is nice to have all the spam Emails going to a spam folder.
There are many good programs available to combat security issues. Some are freeware and others must be purchased. Do your homework. At the very least, install a reliable antivirus program, a good firewall (preferably hardware firewall as opposed to software), a couple of anti spyware programs - and keep them updated. They are useless if the databases/definitions are not updated regularly. Scan your computer for spyware - again definitions must be kept current. Always use care when opening E-mails and attachments. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy - curiosity gets the better of us and we have to see what is actually in the message. Many times, this is a poor choice; remember the delete button? One more thought - it is not a good idea to open a "Spam" E-mail to begin with; if you do open the message; do not click on a link in the message - you do not know where the link will take you. Finally, don't forget to do "Windows Update" if you use Windows as your operating system.
When it comes to the subject of Spyware and security, 'Subratam' is a great site to have in your Favorites. I will quote from their site: "Subratam is in the process of growing and developing to meet the safety needs of the internet community. This is a site dedicated to the safe operation of your computer and to keeping you current on the latest computer news and threats that have a direct impact upon your safety and security online."
Freeware Programs
These are a few programs that I have downloaded from the Internet; I find them very useful.
FastStone - FastStone has some excellent products - their image viewer is still freeware and I believe it is as good as IrfanView. Check out the other products also - I like them all. I really like their Screen Capture - I got it before it became shareware - I now have purchased a lifetime license."IrfanView" Viewer - This is likely one of the most useful graphic viewers and it is free for non-commercial use.
Kana Reminder - I have used this Reminder Program for a few years - mostly for reminders re doing tasks on my computer (clean up temp. files, do Windows Update, etc). When the reminder comes due, a pop-up window appears and a sound can be used as well.
Nico Cuppen Software - I use Photocopier - the free version (Photocopier Pro is shareware). If you have a scanner, making photocopies with Photocopier is so easy. Have a look at his other programs also.
TreeSize - Running out of room on your hard drive? TreeSize tells you how much room each folder and subfolder is using.
AM Notebook - I really do like this program. I use the freeware version. Often I will do a computer task and then may not do it again for a few weeks or even months. By this time, I have forgotten exactly how I did the task. Now, I put a note in AM Notebook and use it to jog my memory when the need arises. I also keep my HTML template and Guestbook template there - you can use it for any type of note. Very handy!
AM - Deadlink - If you are like me, you have several Favorites/Bookmarks in your browser. This small program can detect dead links and duplicates in your list.
Zappit System Cleaner - This program was designed by the folks at Cloudeight.This is a quote from Cloudeight: "Zappit System Cleaner is the fun and easy way to keep your computer clean and free from junk files and temp files that cause your computer to run slow. Zappit is powerful enough for the advanced user, yet safe and easy enough for the newest beginner." Zappit also has a Startup Manager and a Favorites and Start Menu Manager.