Free Programs to Ensure Computer Nirvana

We have all heard the expression "nothing in this world is free", but cyberspace can be the exception. And while these offerings might not be as feature-rich as their paid counterparts, you might just be surprised at the scope and quality of the selection that’s out there today. So it's time to put away your wallet and take advantage of free advice on getting these freebies!

Before I get into this list, I want to mention one important thing. Many new computers come pre-loaded with lots of software. Usually some type of anti-virus program is included. What many fail to realize is that it's all trial software. I have many clients bring their systems to me infected with viruses, all because they didn't know their trial expired. This leads to my first category . . .

Anti-Virus Programs

AVG Free 2013 has just been optimized for Microsoft Windows 8. AVG delivers security features usually only found in paid-for products.

AVG also goes beyond detecting and removing viruses on your PC. Its 'AVG Do Not Track' feature gives you control over which websites can collect and use your data (available if you take AVG Security Toolbar as part of your installation). This feature joins Anti-Spyware and WiFi hacker-defeating technology to deliver powerful personal protection at home or on the move. 

Avast Free Antivirus is a full-featured product, with the same anti-virus and anti-spyware scanning engine used in their premium products. 

The free version of Avast has arguably the most comprehensive set of freely available security features on the market. There's a reason these guys have more than 150 million active users (at the time this article was written). 

Anti-Malware Program

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware combines powerful new technologies designed to seek out, destroy, and prevent malware infections. 

Malwarebytes is an easy-to-use anti-malware application available in both a Free and PRO version. This free version is well-known for its detection and removal capabilities. You might recall my blog Spyware Protection and Garden Gnomes, which references this program. When installing, make sure to uncheck the 'trial' of the PRO software unless you want to try it out.

Performance Boosting Utility

Advanced SystemCare Free is a comprehensive PC care utility that takes a one-click approach to help protect, repair and optimize your computer. 

This software utility focuses on the performance of your PC. It helps to repair your registry and clean up what most programs fail to find. It also repairs the parts that are missing and makes the PC complete to run optimally.

Bringing It All Together

Just by utilizing these free resources, you can ensure your computer performs at its best. I personally use these programs to not only protect my own systems, but to also clean up the infections of my client's computers. 

Not only will you save money by taking advantage of these programs, you will save even more from unnecessary computer repairs. To add another layer of protection, see my article on Don't Let Your Data be the Next Tragic Love Story.

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of, their respective owners.

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

Coursera: How to Take Ivy League Classes for Free

How often do we find ourselves needing to further our education? Whether it's to expand our job skills or broaden our mind, finding a good educational resource is difficult. There is a multitude of choices and the costs can be astronomical!

What if I told you there was a way to take online courses from Stanford, Princeton, Brown, or 33 other universities for FREE? Yes, FREE! Lucky for you it won't take hacking the admissions site or forging your transcripts to make this happen. All it takes is a site called Coursera.

Stanford professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng launched Coursera earlier this year to provide a platform to host courses, via the Web, for an elite education for free. With over 200 courses being offered, from 33 prestigious universities, they have already reached over 1.3 million students.

Will this bolster your job resume? Absolutely! Many have reported that completion of these courses has opened up more job opportunities. And employers are starting to watch for students completing some of these courses. Coursera is even exploring career placement opportunities to further help students.

Will it enhance your degree? Not exactly. The courses being offered currently are not accredited but that is also in future development. With accreditation, surely there will be some type of cost structure put in place. Nothing has been formally announced as of yet.

You won't exactly get your letterman's sweater from your favorite Ivy league school, but you can get the bragging rights to say you took Cryptography from Stanford University!

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of, their respective owners.

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.

Computer Shopping Tips

Shopping for a computer can be a daunting experience. Trying to understand what all the specifications mean is like trying to learn another language. Well, until Rosetta Stone® figures out a way to teach computer lingo, I am going to simplify the process for you.

Finding the right computer can be a very rewarding experience. But that doesn't come without some basic understanding of what the features mean and how they apply to your needs.

So go grab your favorite pocket protector and beanie hat. It's time to learn a little computer geek lingo with my article on:

Computer Shopping Tips

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of, their respective owners.

Have a computer topic you would like see covered? Leave a comment below or send me an email.