This day and age everyone and every business has a computer of some sort. No matter what type of computer you have or use, there are some very common elements in the form of software everyone should have for their every day computer usage.

Not having the right software for the right job is literally the difference between success and failure, being able to do what you want to do, or not. The good news is most, if not all of the software you need at this point in time, is very affordable or free.

What is software?

Computer software, or just software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system.

The term includes:

• Application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users.
• Firmware which is software programmed resident to electrically programmable memory devices on board mainboards or other types of integrated hardware carriers.
• Middleware which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
• System software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the necessary services for application software.
• Software testing is a domain independent of development and programming. It consists of various methods to test and declare a software product fit before it can be launched for use by either an individual or a group. Many tests on functionality, performance and appearance are conducted by modern testers with various tools such as QTP, Load runner, Black box testing etc to edit a checklist of requirements against the developed code. ISTQB is a certification that is in demand for engineers who want to pursue a career in testing.
• Testware which is an umbrella term or container term for all utilities and application software that serve in combination for testing a software package but not necessarily may optionally contribute to operational purposes. As such, testware is not a standing configuration but merely a working environment for application software or subsets thereof.

Software includes websites, programs, video games, etc. that are coded by programming languages like C, C++, etc.

“Software” is sometimes used in a broader context to mean anything which is not hardware but which is used with hardware, such as film, tapes and records.

What software should I use:

No one can tell you excactly what software would best suit you and your needs.  Everyone is different and has different needs and likes and dislikes.  However, I can tell you what software is most comman and what software our Townville computer repair technicians recommend to all our customers.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader – Free – Reads PDF files.
• Firefox – Free – An alternative to Internet Explorer with more features and security.
• AVG – Free for home use – Anti Virus software.
• Adobe Flash Viewer – Free – Browser plugin to view sites with Flash embedded in them.
• Microsoft Office – Paid – Contains regularly used applications such as Word, Excel, Power Point etc.
• Open Office – Free – Alternative to Microsoft Office and can open and edit the same files.
• VLC – Free – Plays most media files, video, movies and music files.
• Gimp – Free – Image editor to modify and enhance existing images.
• Ubuntu (Linux) – Free – Operating System alternative to Microsoft Windows XP, Vista etc.

You need Townsville computer repair support.

As you can see you pretty much no longer need to pay for software you use every day.  The technology and market has pretty much turned in the direction were Hardware is now you main outlay and maintenance and support from professional businesses like Computer Repair Townsville is both affordable and necessesary.

For all your computer needs please call Ross on 0402 807 890 and we will come out and see you straight away.  No fix – No Fee.

Nine out of every ten times a Townsville computer technician comes to someones house in Townsville is because of Spyware.  If your computer is playing up, running slow or simply acting different all of the sudden, you may have Spyware on your computer.

What is spyware?

“Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously
on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control
over the user’s interaction with the computer,
without the user’s informed consent.”

Although the name suggests that Spyware is used to spy on your computer, it in fact does far much more than that.  With estimates that 80% of computers are infected with some form of Spyware strain, Spyware has fast become a very serious security risk to your computer and private information.

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How is Spyware usually installed on your computer?

Spyware is often installed as part of a 3rd party software package, without the users knowledge. Once installed, the software then proceeds to gather information about the users browsing habits and can sometimes monitor and track other personal information. Spyware has now become a broad term for any software operating without the users consent, which somehow benefits a 3rd party. Some direct effects include:

• Adding affiliate links to shopping portals
• Monitoring internet activity
• Install other 3rd party applications
• Adding new homepages, icons and favorite links
• Identity Theft
• Sluggish PC

What can you do?

1. Make sure you are running an up to date Antivirus software package.
2. Keep your firewall on.
3. Update your Operating Systems security and patch definitions frequently.
4. Don’t install software you are not sure is 100% Spyware Free.
5. Be careful what you open through your email and web browser.
6. Use a security enabled Web Browser such and Firefox.

If you have any problems with your computer or you think you might have Spyware on your system call a Townsville Computer Technician on 0402 807 890 for a free on site, No Obligation Quote!