I know Programmers who wouldn't be without certain Computer tools, easily downloaded from the Internet, free of charge, but a great asset to every computer owner.
Ad-Aware This program removes Adwares that invade your computer, every time you surf the Internet. Each page that you visit sends out cookies, they say to allow you faster access to their sites, but with some kinds of cookies, your computer can be invaded, so if you have Ad-Aware and use it each time you log off the Internet your computer will be all that much safer. You can find Ad Aware at Ad Aware.com and it's a free download.
Zone Alarm is a firewall. A firewall in case you don't know, protects your computer from being hacked and this program is also a free download. It can be found at Zone Alarm.com or Tuscows which ever site you wish. You can't have enough security on your computer as Windows Firewalls aren't enough, you should have at least two firewalls on your computer. Double the protection. Double the safety.
AVG Anti Virus. This free version is just great. I've used it for years now and have never had a virus problem. AVG Anti Virus is also a free download and can be found at AVG.com
PC Tune-Up. I bought this particular program as they aren't free on the net. What this program does is scan your computer for glitches in the programming sections of your computer, and fixes them at the click of a button. You don't have to have any knowledge of computers for this program, its so easy to use, it's just remarkable and should be run at least once a week.
With these programs on your computer they won't slow you down one bit, not like Norton Anti Virus, which personally I find a bit much strain on most systems. They say it's the best, but it costs a bundle to buy and AVG Anti Virus does everything that Norton Anti Virus does, for free.
On a closing note. Good maintance of your computer takes you a long way from the repair shop, as they too aren't cheap. If each time you log off the Internet, you run Ad Aware, you will be sure there are no tracking cookies on your system, but it has to be done each time, no exceptions, as you may regret not running this program, if one of your cookies happens to have a Virus in it.
Computer users can never be too secure. Do take care of your computer and it will last for years. The one thing I never do is turn my computer off, and there's a good reason for this. When a person starts their computer up, tiny strands of Electricity go through the Mother Board and various circuts. If there is any dampness in your computer, you won't know it, until it crashes. Keeping your computer in sleep mode while you aren't using it will avoid possible problems in your life with your computer.
Paul Faulkenham November 13,2008
