Here is where you can learn about and download
the various software programs and plug-ins you may need to fully
experience the Internet.
Anti-Virus Programs
Anti-virus software consists of computer programs that attempt
to identify, thwart and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious
software (malware).
AVG
Free
McAfee
Stinger
Browsers
You must have a web browser in order to Surf the Web. A browser
is a software program that acts as an interface between the user
and the World Wide Web. Browsers can be text-based or graphical
and can make the Internet easier and more intuitive to use. There
are many different types of browsers. A text-based browser shows
a user text only. A graphical browser allows the user to see more
of what the WWW has to offer such as graphics, photographs and
multimedia.
Mozilla
Firefox
Internet
Explorer
Netscape
Email Programs
Both Netscape Communicator and Internet Explorer come with an
email program, attached, Netscape Messenger and Outlook Express.
Here are some other optional programs you may want to use to retrieve
your email. Email set up instructions are available on the Email
Setup page for the program you decide to use.
Mozilla
Thunderbird
Eudora
Netscape Mail & Newsgroups
Zip Files
Zip files are compressed "archives" used for distributing
and storing large files. You will need a software program to unstuff
or unzip the file.
Stuffit
Expander (MacIntosh, Windows, Linux)
WinZip
Telnet
Telnet is the main Internet protocol for creating a connection
with a remote machine. The Telnet program runs on your computer
and connects your PC to a server on the network. You can then
enter commands through the Telnet program and they will be executed
as if you were entering them directly on the server console.
BetterTelnet
for Mac
Tera
Term Pro for Windows
SFTP
Abbreviation of File Transfer Protocol, used for downloading or
uploading files to a server on the Internet. You will need an
FTP program if you want to upload web pages, documents, pictures,
etc. to your web site directory or personal homepage (include
link) directory.
WINSPC
Secure FTP for Windows
PDF Files - Adobe Acrobat
Acronym for Portable Document Format. This is an Adobe technology
that has become a a popular way of formatting documents in such
a way that they can be viewed and printed. With free Adobe
Acrobat Reader software, you can view and print Adobe
PDF files regardless of the hardware and operating system on your
computer Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
Ad Blockers
For protection against ad-serving software, Trojan horses, and
other means of tracking your surfing habits, get Spybot
Search & Destroy or Spyware
Blaster. These programs are free software available
at several download sites.
Tired of browser windows that pop up in
front of the screen without permission. This free software prevents
them (and pop-under windows) from displaying. Pop-Up
Stopper v3.01
Multimedia Plug-Ins
Some web sites will require that you have the following plug-ins
downloaded on your computer before you can access any video or
audio files they may provide
Microsoft
Media Player
Plays audio and video files. Comes with your Windows or Internet
Explorer Software. Make sure you have the most recent version.
Real
Player
Plays streaming sound files as you download them.
Quicktime
Plays video files as you download them.
Shockwave
Plays both audio and video files as well as other types of animation.
Firewalls
If you have a permanent connection to the Internet via wireless,
DSL or a cable modem, your IP address is permanent. Although this
has benefits, it also carries the serious shortcoming of rendering
your PC vulnerable to attacks. A firewall, in this respect, becomes
not just desirable but a necessity. Zone
Alarm is a top choice, and best of all, the basic version
is free.
Zone
Alarm
Parental Control
Parental control software lets parents control the days and times
that their children can access the computer, the Internet or any
application on a system.Telnet is the main Internet protocol for
creating a connection with a remote machine. The Telnet program
runs on your computer and connects your PC to a server on the
network. You can then enter commands through the Telnet program
and they will be executed as if you were entering them directly
on the server console.
Family
Browser
Net
Nanny
Free
Windows Software Programs