Links to Software, Web Sites and Resources for Windows PC Users
Owning a PC seems like it should be simple, but sometimes there's issues related to managing the PC and making your life more productive that get in the way of getting work done or using your PC. When you bought your PC you didn't get an instruction manual for using and maintaining it.
While there's a lot that Windows like to try to help with as an operating system, there are preventive maintenance tasks that are helpful and preventive measures that can be taken to avoid and solve problems. In the class Improving PC Performance, I cover the most critical tasks necessary for managing a PC and provide a list of useful tools for making a PC owner's life more productive.
This list has additional, updated information and includes links to recommended software, Web sites, and resources for Windows PC owners.
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Type of Software or Service
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Recommended Product and Link
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Description
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Security, Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software
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Microsoft Security Essentials |
The best all around anti-virus and anti-malware software, and it's completely free from Microsoft. Be sure to install it when you get a new computer. Save money on renewal of paid anti-virus and anti-malware by replacing it with Microsoft's product.
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| Malwarebytes |
In case you think your computer is infected with malware, download a free copy of Malwarebytes and run a scan of your system. It removes most malware and it's completely free. Once scanned and malware is removed, be sure to install Microsoft Security Essentials. |
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| Windows OS Updates |
Microsoft Service Pack Updates |
If you aren't sure or haven't been updating your operating system, download the latest Service Pack from Microsoft here. |
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| Backup Drive |
ClickFree Backup Drive |
My recommended local backup drive. The ClickFree brand will automatically install and run a full backup of your data (not applications) by scanning everywhere on your computer by looking for over 500 different types of files. The software is contained in the device driver, so it doesn't use up computer resources. |
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| Cloud Storage |
Microsoft SkyDrive |
Get 25GB of free cloud storage from Microsoft to backup and access files and documents from anywhere.
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| Dropbox |
Dropbox is simple to use, provides 2GB of storage for free, and works on PC's, Macs, iPhone, iPad, and Android, and has Web access. A useful feature allows the sharing of a file with a Web link so you can share folders with other people and teams. Many iPhone, iPad, and Android applications are integrated with Dropbox for uploading and sharing of files with the mobile application. |
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| Remote Backup and File Sync |
Mozy Backup and Stash |
Mozy is an automated solution for backing you your data to a secure, off-site service. Mozy allows you to share backup storage across multiple computers, both PC and Mac, and has mobile apps for remote access to backed-up data. A new service, called Stash, provides file syncronization for files. 2GB of backup is provided free. |
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| PC Cleanup Tools - all purpose |
CC Cleaner |
A useful tool that does a number of maintenance tasks to improve your PC's performance. Manage and disable programs from starting up in your Startup programs group, do a registry scan and clean-up problems, and clean-up your hard drive all from one application, and it's completely free for home and personal use. |
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| PC Cleanup Tools - Registry Cleaner |
Registry Mechanic |
If you're just looking for a registry cleaner to improve performance and start-up and shut-down performance, Registry Mechanic is one of the best tools and it's simple to use.
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| PC System Inventory |
Speccy |
Get a complete and detailed description of your PC. Speccy will tell you the operating status, brand and manufacturer's model number of almost every component in your PC, making it easier to upgrade and manage. Very useful for checking to see if your CPU is overheating. |
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Free software for documents,
spreadsheets, presentations, forms
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Microsoft Office Web Apps
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Get free Web versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications. These fully functional versions are used from your Web browser and may allow you to avoid purchasing new versions of these applications. The Web versions use Microsoft's Skydrive to store your documents, so you can view and edit them from any Web browser, even on mobile devices. When used with the PC software, documents can be kept in sync everywhere. |
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| Google Docs |
Free document, spreadsheet, presenation, and forms from Google, with free productivity application software that can be used on PC's, Mac's, and mobile devices. Stored and backed-up by Google, with local versions that allow local access and editing. Google has a paid version for small businesses or home users and supports multiple user accounts. |
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| Web Browser Software |
Internet Explorer (Microsoft) |
Your Web browser is probably the most used application on your computer. Microsoft's Internet Explorer is still used by almost 50% of all computer users. Included with the operating system, it's sometimes the only browser supported by some Web sites so you'll want to have it convenient. |
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| Mozilla Firefox |
Firefox is built by a non-profit group of contributors who created and contribute to Mozilla, the organization that manages Firefox. Becuase it's open source, it has a wealth of third-party add-ons and extensions that offer additional features and functions. Firefox also has a new feature which keeps all of your bookmarks and cookies in sync across all of your computers, including Android tablets and phones, most of which can run Firefox. |
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| Google Chrome |
Because of the integration with Google applications like Google Docs, and additional features provided by Google that are only available on Google Chrome, Google's browser has become popular on PC's and Macs. It's the standard browser on Android devices, since Google makes Android. Simple, clean, and uncluttered it is gaining market share rapidly and is now the #2 most used browser, after Internet Explorer. |
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| Apple Safari |
Standard on all Apple Mac's, Apple makes a version that runs on PC's. Using it makes synchronization of bookmarks and cookies possible between iPhone, iPads, PC's, and Macs, in case your an Apple mobile user. |
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