Home

   Resources

   Contact Us




 
   
Areas of Concern

There are areas of concern in regards to system reliability when using todays Internet.  These are:

  • Computer Viruses
  • Security
  • Spyware

To prevent, reduce or eliminate problems caused by these threats, your computer should have Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, and Firewall protection.  We are pleased to provide links to three effective free solutions for these critical areas.  With these concerns addressed, you're ready to enjoy trouble free Internet access.  Scroll down for links to free solutions, MS Office file viewers, and other useful links.

Anti-Virus
We recommend Anti-virus software be installed on all computers for protection against computer viruses that are inadvertently downloaded or contained in e-mail attachments.  Please note that some ISP's are now providing free Anti-virus software solutions. 

There is at least one free Anti-Virus program available online.  AVG is a free anti-virus program that can be downloaded at www.grisoft.com.  Norton Anti-Virus or Trend Micro Anti-Virus are also recommended solutions.

Firewall (Security)

Firewalls provide protection from hackers, their auto hacking programs, and viruses that enter via your internet connection, infect your computer and in most cases attempt to infect other computers via network and  Internet connections, instead of the more familiar virus delivery method of infection via e-mail.  Windows XP has a built in Firewall that can be enabled on all Internet connections.  We recommend using the built in "Firewalled" Internet connections with Windows XP.  With XP Firewalled connections enabled, additional Firewall software is NOT required to protect your Windows XP PC. 

It is our opinion that Broadband Router/Firewall hardware devices such as Linksys, DLink or NetGear are the best way to share your high speed Internet connection and secure your computers and network running all versions of Windows.  With a Broadband Router/Firewall in place, it is not necessary to install Firewall software.

If you are running versions of Windows other than XP, (such as Windows 98/ME/2000) and you DO NOT have a Broadband Router/Firewall device connected to the internet, we recommend ZoneAlarm as a Firewall solution.  To get your free version of ZoneAlarm visit www.zonelabs.com (Not needed for XP).

Anti-Spyware
Spyware is best described as software unknowingly installed and hidden from the user.  Spyware programs typically get installed by using features or free programs such as free tool bars etc. that are offered at some web web sites.  Among other things, Spyware runs in the background and is known to gather marketing and other information and send it to it's creator company.  By taking up resources, it causes your system to run slow and can cause some applications to not function properly.  We recommend Anti-spyware software for all versions of Windows accessing the Internet. 

For Windows 2000 or XP only, Microsoft offers an excellent free Anti-Spyware program available for download at www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware  It's all you need to stop Spyware and Pop Ups etc. for your Windows 2000/XP computer.

For Windows 98/ME editions, a freeware program called Spyware Blaster can be downloaded at www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Microsoft Office Viewers
For use on computers without any or all Microsoft Office programs

Microsoft Office has gained popularity over the years and has become a widely used program.  It's an excellent product but, what if you don't have it?  No problem!  Click on the links below, and finally view those e-mail attachments you've been wondering about!  Click on a viewer to connect with Microsoft's web site.  After downloading directly from Microsoft and then installing, these free programs will allow MS Office files and attachments to open in your Internet Explorer program.  You will be able to view and print but not edit files that have extensions such as .doc, .ppt, .xls, .csv, and Visio files.  

The free Acrobat Reader program will open files with the .pdf extension.

View files with the .doc extention
 Word Viewer

 

View files with the .ppt extention
Power Point Viewer

View Visio files
Visio Viewer

View Excels spreadsheet files that have the .XLS extention
Excel Viewer

 

View .pdf files with this free reader

Acrobat Reader


Useful Links

Find Canadian telephone numbers and addresses at Canada411.com
Get maps and driving directions at MapQuest.com
Translate text and web pages into any language at Google
Play cards online and other free games at the Zone.com

Please Contact Us to suggest a link here

Disclaimer

We will not be held responsible for any damage caused by, or any problems or issues you encounter as a result of downloading and/or installing any third party software including the links to software found at this site.  The links maintained on this page are only designed to provide locations where potential solutions can be found.  Check system requirements, and carefully read all the information below prior to any software installation.  Download and install software at your own risk.  Please feel free to call us for further information or assistance. 

Home | Resources | Contact Us