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Internet Filtering/Parental Controls Further reading and useful links I hope this FAQ will accomplish one of two things: It will provide a starting point for new computer owners to guide them through the myriad of software, or, it will provide a link for veteran computer users to give to their novice friends. The right software can make or break anyone's computer experience. Software needs vary depending on the needs of the user, the hardware it will be installed on, and the underlying Operating System (OS). Because of the audience this page is for, discussions will be about software for the Microsoft Windows OS. There is essential software for every computer user, regardless of expertise. Everyone needs to type a document, protect their computer from virus attacks, fend off hackers or unauthorized access to the computer, and to do so without spending money needlessly. I have no objections to spending money on commercial software if it is needed or you must have it for use on a home office computer for compatibility or support with your employer. However, if you have the freedom to pick and choose there are many Open Source or low cost alternatives. In fact, there is a movement towards open source software due to concerns of future document availability with closed software such as Microsoft Office. Read a very eloquent letter written by a congressman of Peru addressing these concerns at this link. Below are some categories, and in the case of Utilities there are sub-cateogries, of software applications for a tight budget. I have no affiliation with any of these products. After testing, benchmarking, and pricing I either use them or know enough people who do that I feel comfortable recommending them. Most computers come with a suite of applications already installed. Suites such as Microsoft Office and WordPerfect Productivity Pack have several programs included such as a word processor and spreadsheet. Don't be too concerned if your computer did not come with one of these suites. They can be purchased and installed with little or no difficulty. The difficult part might be in spending several hundred dollars for them. Open Office is an open source suite that has file compatibility with Microsoft Office. It's free and well worth the download.
If you don't think you need anti-virus software, you've been living in a cave. If you're too cheap to buy the software to protect not only yourself but everyone in your e-mail address book, download one of the free versions from the table at the bottom of this page. AND, keep it updated! Of the three Avast is recommended, primarily because I like the boot-time feature as explained in another one of my FAQs.
A common response about firewall software is "I don't have anything on my computer that I'm worried about anyone getting". Maybe so. However, if you have an always on broadband link such as cable or DSL you have something more valuable to the "Black Hats". You have a nice connection that they can launch attacks from, hide and store their files on your computer, and, well, you should be getting the picture.
The way we use our computers has evolved as have the operating systems that run them. Using a disk editor to find a deleted file gave way to utility companies writing software to undelete them to the current Recycle Bin included with the OS. Many utilities are now included with the OS that used to be an after thought. There are few reasons to purchase utility suites these days. They often cause more problems than they solve, slow the system by using RAM and disk space, slow the boot process while they launch, and often times cause conflicts with the OS or other applications that you really do need. My advice: save your money for an evening socializing with family and friends away from the computer! Having stated the above, there are some utilities available that are necessary. Internet Filtering and Parental Control: As Internet use becomes such a necessity for kids' school work it is not possible, nor desirable, to keep a watchful eye on every moment of their Internet use. Having some help from a utility that can block sites is not a substitute, but an aid, to good parenting.
Password Managers: We all have too many usernames and passwords these days. A good password manager uses one password to encrypt a database of usernames, passwords, and notes. It should also categorize them into groups and generate passwords of various strengths.
PDF Creators and Readers: Adobe's Portable Document Format is a way to ensure the recipient of a file can read it even though they do not have Excel, Word, or the same software that created the file. There are also security features in creating a PDF file that will prevent someone from copying and pasting your hard work into their own document, even printing can be disabled. Good PDF creation software adds a printer to your system and making the PDF is as easy as printing to that PDF printer.
Popup Stopping: If you have Windows XP, installing Service Pack 2 will add pop-up blocking to Internet Explorer. Otherwise, use the free Google or MSN toolbars. Personally, I use FireFox for a browser. It has built in pop-up blocking and tabbed browsing is the only way to surf. note: random pop-ups that are still occurring even with these suggestions is an indication of spyware infection. I used to recommend utilities like pop-up stopper, but have found they aren't needed if the system is disinfected regularly and only masked spyware infestations until they would cripple the system in other ways. Read on to the spyware category!
Spyware Cleaning: Like spam and viruses, it can't be stopped. But, doing nothing will eventually render your computer useless when online, so download and use one of the recommended utilities. For more info, see my spyware FAQ.
SPAM Filter and E-mail: A very effective method involves using Bayesian filters. In a nutshell, they go through a training period and learn how words and phrases are used. This is great, as the Viagra jokes from your friends will not get filtered while the Viagra Spam will! A nice article that is widely referenced is Paul Graham's "A Plan for Spam".
"Zip" Utilities: Zipping files began back in the days of dial-up bulletin board systems as a way to package a shareware program or several related files together into a single compressed file to download. This is still the case today with the exception that BBS's have been replaced by the Internet. Winzip is probably the most popular, but to be legal requires a registration fee. IZArc is a Winzip look-alike that is freeware and, in my humble opinion, equal or better.
File Transfer Utilities: Believe it or not, e-mail was never meant to transfer files, especially large ones. Because it is so convenient to attach a file to an e-mail many lose sight of that. Transferring files to and from servers requires an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program.
Further reading and useful links: http://www.schmahl.net/mailclient.php http://www.schmahl.net/spamtips.php http://www.schmahl.net/spyware.php http://www.schmahl.net/avastbootscan.php Click HERE to mail a link for this document to someone.
Schmahl World Computer Assistance, LLC this page: http://www.schmahl.net/everydaysw.php updated September 9, 2008 |
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