Programs
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Operating Systems - Windows, Apple Mac, GNU/Linux, Unix
An operating system is a program that manages computer hardware and other software and provides common services for computer programs. An operating system is an essential component of a computer system. Most application programs require an operating system to operate.
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows first released in 1985 designed by Microsoft to run on Intel based computers and has an estimated 88.9% total share of computers using the world wide web. The latest version is Windows 8.1, Windows 7 recently became the most used OS.
Corruptions are common in windows for any number of reasons, some are easy to fix, others are more complex and occasionally a full reinstall is necessary. We have developed a number of fixes for the many errors windows creates and we are happy to leave free software with our customers to help erradicate errors as they occur.
Apple Mac OSX
OS X (formerly "Mac OS X") is a line of open core graphical operating systems developed and sold by Apple Inc. The latest version is pre-loaded on all current Macintosh computers. OS X is Apple's primary operating system and is based on the UNIX operating system. The most recent version is OS X 10.9 "Mavericks".
errors and problems occur in Apple mac, not as many as in windows, but with the new emulator software allowing microsoft to function in OS X, the probability is that errors will become more frequent.
GNU/Linux
The GNU project is a collaboration of programmers who have created a free and open operating system similar to Unix but with completely original code. It was started in 1983 by Richard Stallman, the Linux kernel began as a side project of Linus Torvalds in 1991 a university student from Finland. GNU/Linux is used in a wide range of devices from supercomputers to wristwatches. Linux is used in Red Hat, Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint Bonhi and Google's Android all are free to download and use.
As a special feature we will install any linux system on your computer which will run as an alternative OS to the windows program already installed, telephone us for more details.
UNIX
Most computer users will not be aware of UNIX as it tends to be used in supercomputers, engineering environments, Universitys and other large institutions, as opposed to PCs and Laptops. A number of variant software systems have been developed on the back of Unix, Linux and OS X to name but two.
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Browsers - Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox
There are numerous Internet Browsers available, most computer users opt for Internet Explorer, Chrome or FireFox simply as they believe that is all that is available and so would, Microsoft, Google and Mozilla have you believe.
Internet Explorer
Until the intervention of the European Union, Microsoft had the monopoly on Internet Browsers as IE came as an integral part of the windows operating system. Today, Microsoft must make users aware of alternative Browsers and provide download links to allow them to install the alternatives of their choice.
Windows 8.1 operates IE version 11.
Chrome
Chrome is a broswer built by Google, it is a lightweight standalone program and is favoured by Internet users who have fallen out of favour with Microsoft.
As this is a free standalone program, Google create a revenue stream by monitoring your internet activity and sell the information to advertisers allowing them to target your browser with their products.
Google operate a 'pay-per-click' marketing strategy as well as 'adsense' where website designers place a few lines of script on their webpages which allows Googles advertisers a presence, should a viewer click on the advert, the website designer receives a commission from Google, a percentage of the advertisers fee.
FireFox
Firefox is another standalone broswer, which was originally built on IE software, but recent versions mimic Chrome.
Firefox is reportedly to be save and secure, but it is suggested that firefox has vulnerabilities and can be a gateway for dangerous malware.
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Office - Microsoft, Open Office, Libre, Ability
Most computer users require some form of office program;
Microsoft Office
Most computer users use a version of Microsoft Office either Works, Office 2003, Office 2007, Office 2010, Office 2013 and then there is the newer Office 365, but many find cost of these programs has become overly expensive and for some prohibitive, especially when much of the programs capability remains unused, even a monthly subscription makes this software expensive!.
Open Office
Open Office was one of the first free full office programmes which competes successfully against many of the paid programmes. Open office is a highly competent and useful program.
Libre Office
Libre Office created by a German programmer and designed to be totally free, although a voluntary donation is requested and no matter how much you may give, it is a truly excellent and highly functional program.Kingsoft
A free lightweight office program and is made available as an introduction to the fee paying premium program, ideal program for systems with limited space and limited functionality. -
AntiVirus - Macfee, Norton, Kaspersky, Panda, MS Security Essential
Fraud is on the increase and it is in every computer users best interest to have a competent functional Anti-virus program running on your system to protect against the threat of incoming infections.
McAfee
Total Protection helps to block malware and malicious downloads and it scans your computer or mobile device to search out viruses and malware. Once the unwanted software is located, the program will quarantine it and either remove it right away, or ask your permission to remove it if there is some doubt over the suspicious program's use.Norton
Secures multiple PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets with a single subscription. Helps you manage protection for all your devices with an easy-to-use Web portal. Safeguards your identity and online transactions.Protects better and faster than the competition.Kaspersky
Regularly research the market and the needs of Internet users. Many users don’t need a standard all-in-one solution to protect them from cyber threats. In addition, many need protection from other dangers as well as from cyber threats. Today’s security solution must take into account each person’s individuality and their security needs and be able to adapt itself to the user.Windows Defender
An integral anti-virus program shipped with windows 10, fully operation at no additional cost and maintained on a daily basis by Microsoft's own security team.MS Security Essentials
A free lightweight anti-virus program suitable for windows 7 managed and maintained by Microsoft's own security software team, it is the forerunner to windows defender. -
Adware - ADW Cleaner, MalwareBytes
Adware is a small program or piece of script which promotes advertising by linking into a 3rd party server and pulls into your computer, most often on a web page, and attempts to sell something to you.
Toolbars are the most common of these as they masquerade as search engines whilst sending your data back to a central server for analysis.
ADW Cleaner
This is a small lightweight adware eradicator, created by French programmers and is exceptionally effective for quick scans. A free program available direct or through www.bleepingcomputers.com asks for donations if you are of a mind to give something!
MalwareBytes
Has been around for a number of years and has proven to be a mainstay against the threats of most malware.
This program is free with limited functionality, the user must run it on each occasion, the average scan is about 20 minutes and is effectively good with deep scanning of all files and folder.
The premium version costs around $25 USD and runs in the background from startup, it is well worth the investment as it suprises all users on it's effectiveness, especially users of Chrome and Facebook.
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Games - Games,
Games are one of the biggest gateways of malware and if downloading a game ensure you don't click on the recommended download use the option download and decline any recommended programs, you really don't need them!
