Computer-Help Blog Directory

Computer acting weird? Read this.
> Is your computer crashing, slowing down, or acting weird? If so then here is a list of useful programs you can use to return your computer to its natural state.

Need to Clean Up Your Computer? Read this.
> Is your computer slowing down to the point where its unusable or close to it? If so, you might think that its because your computer is old, or maybe you'll think that it's a virus or other malicious hardware causing the slowdown. When actually it's because you have to much unneeded software on your computer. If you need some programs to help you clean up the mess on your computer and return it to as fast it was when you bought it, then read this blog.

Malware Dictionary
> So you've just ran a Spybot Search & Destroy scan on your computer and it says it has just found a rootkit on your computer, and you think to yourself "What's a rootkit?" Well look no further because this blog will define every piece of malware out there.

Microsoft Office v.s. Open Office
> Let's say that your a High School senior who's writing a big English paper, but there's one problem, you don't have a word processor. Which brings up the question, should you shell out the $700 for a reliable Microsoft Office suite or go for a free alternative? If your wondering which you should use then read this post, as I compare and contrast Microsoft Word and it's free equivalent, Open Office.

Under Construction
> Under Construction

Under Construction
> Under Construction

Under Construction
> Under Construction

This blog is currently under construction.

This blog is currently Under Construction.

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This blog is currently Under Construction.

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This blog is currently under construction.

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If you would like to express an opinion on a particular piece of software or an opinion about a certain topic related to this post, please feel free to comment.
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Let's say that your a High School senior who's writing a big English paper, but there's one problem, you don't have a word processor. Which brings up the question, should you shell out the $700 for a reliable Microsoft Office suite or go for a free alternative? If your wondering which you should use then read this post, as I compare and contrast Microsoft Word and it's free equivalent, Open Office.
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It's the age old question, which office program is better, Open Office or Microsoft Office? Both are great programs that offer essentially the same features, Word Processor, Spreadsheet, PowerPoint, etc. But which one gives you more for your money (or in Open Office's case for your download time.) That is what this article will dissect.

So let's take a brief overview of each program. Microsoft Office dates back all the way to 1989, with the latest upgrade being in 2007. Microsoft Office was also the first all-in-one Office program, offering anything a home/corporate office would need in one program rather than five or six separate ones. Old versions of Windows would include Microsoft Office for free, though newer versions offer only a 30-day trial to try out the program before shelling out the $700 to get the complete suite. Open Office was created in 2001 with one goal, to give computer users the same Microsoft Office experience for free. That's right, the same (or nearly the same) Microsoft Office components for free. Though it doesn't have the mainstream reputation like Microsoft Office, it is still a cult favorite among Windows, Mac, and Linux users worldwide.

So now that we have a brief overview on each program let's compare their components. Microsoft Office has four main components, the most well-known one being Microsoft Word, a word processor that outlined incorrect words, making manual spell check a thing of the past. Microsoft Office also contains: Microsoft Excel, a Spreadsheet program.; Microsoft Outlook, (not to be confused with Outlook Express) is a personal information manager and e-mail communication software.; Microsoft PowerPoint, a popular presentation program. As well as other non-notable programs that were only available in certain past editions of Office.

Open Office has six main components, the most notable of which being "Writer" which is a word processor similar to Microsoft Word and has nearly the same interface. Open Office also contains: Calc., a Spreadsheet program similar to Microsoft Excel.; Impress, a presentation program similar to Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote.; Base, a database management program.; Draw, a vector graphics similar to GIMP.; Math, a tool used for creating and editing mathematical formula.

Now that we know what both programs contain, let's get some background information on both. Microsoft Office is 3 GB in size, runs on Windows Operating Systems only, and costs approx. $700 for the full suite. Open Office is about 440 MB in size, runs on Windows Operating Systems as well as Mac and Linux, and costs $0.00 for the full-package.

So with all of this info, which program is better, Microsoft office or Open Office? I think it's clear to see that Open Office is clearly the better program, it has all of the components of Microsoft Office and more, not to mention that it takes up less space on your hard drive, only 440 MB (compared to Microsoft Office's 3 GB), and it's FREE, and who doesn't like free stuff?
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Get Microsoft Office

Get Open Office
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So you've just ran a Spybot Search & Destroy scan on your computer and it says it has just found a rootkit on your computer, and you think to yourself "What's a rootkit?" Well look no further because this blog will define every piece of malware out there.
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Spyware- Spyware is a term that describes software or hardware that makes use of information gathered from a computer user's Internet connection, generally without his or her permission.

Adware- This slang term is used to describe software that is free to obtain but contains sponsored advertising that appears when the program is run.

Botnet- Botnet is a jargon term for a collection of software robots, or bots, that run autonomously and automatically. The term is often associated with malicious software but it can also refer to the network of computers using distributed computing software.

Screen Scraping- Hackers who read the data seen on your computer screen.

Keystroke logging- is the practice of noting (or logging) the keys struck on a keyboard, typically in a covert manner so that the person using the keyboard is unaware that their actions are being monitored.

Worms- Self-replicating computer programs. It uses a network to send copies of itself to other nodes (computers on the network) and it may do so without any user intervention. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program.

Trojan horse (or trojan for short)- is a term used to describe malware that appears, to the user, to perform a desirable function but, in fact, facilitates unauthorized access to the user's computer system.

Rootkit- A rootkit is a software system that consists of a program or combination of several programs designed to hide or obscure the fact that a system has been compromised. Contrary to what its name may imply, a rootkit does not grant a user administrator privileges, as it requires prior access to execute and tamper with system files and processes. An attacker may use a rootkit to replace vital system executables, which may then be used to hide processes and files the attacker has installed, along with the presence of the rootkit

Virus- A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner.
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If I missed any malicious hardware on this list or gave an inaccurate definition, feel free to pm me.
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If you would like to express an opinion on a particular piece of software, please feel free to post.
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Is your computer slowing down to the point where its unusable or close to it? If so, you might think that its because your computer is old, or maybe you'll think that it's a virus or other malicious hardware causing the slowdown. When actually it's because you have to much unneeded software on your computer. If you need some programs to help you clean up the mess on your computer and return it to as fast it was when you bought it, then read this blog. I include prices for general reference, prices do change and might vary slightly from what this blog says it is.
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Registry Cleaners- These programs can help you clean up your registry by getting rid of errors, old and unused entries.

Auslogics Registry Defrag- $19.95
Auslogics Registry Defrag is an easy to use software that can help you make your computer faster by defraging your registry and getting rid of any registry errors and old and unused entries.

Wise Registry Cleaner- FREE (free version), $19.95 (pro version)
Wise Registry Cleaner is one of the best Registry Cleaners on the market today, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to use even for the most unknowing computer user.

Glary Registry Repair- FREE
Glarysoft Registry Repair is an advanced registry cleaner for Windows that allows you to safely scan, clean, and repair registry problems.

CCleaner- FREE
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner.

Easy Duplicate File Finder- FREE
Easy Duplicate File Finder is a free powerful tool that helps you to find and remove duplicate files on your PC.
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Remember this is a list of legitimate security programs that I've personally tested in both work and recreation, if you see a software that is not on this list and you believe it should be, pm me the name of the program, a short description of the program, and a link to it's homepage or download source.
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If you would like to express an opinion on a particular piece of software, please feel free to post.
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Is your computer crashing, slowing down, or acting weird? If so then here is a list of useful programs you can use to return your computer to its natural state. I include prices for general reference, prices do change and might vary slightly from what this blog says it is.
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Anti-Virus Programs- These programs are used to both prevent viruses and stop them from getting to your computer, I suggest downloading at least two anti-virus programs because one might pick up what another misses.

Avast! Anti-Virus- FREE
Avast! is a very easy to use Anti-Virus software that is very reliable and simple. Great for anyone who doesn't have a lot of experience with computers and needs an anti-virus program. Though it needs to be registered every 14 months, which is an easy process that takes less than 5 minutes to do.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition- FREE
AVG Free is another very easy to use and easy to configure Anti-Virus software that is very reliable. Probably one of the best freebees you can find.

Norton 360 Anti-Virus Version 3.0- $79.99
Norton 360 is one of the best if not the best anti-virus software on the market today. It has a very user-friendly interface and is very easy to use. Though at $79.99, it could put a pretty big hole in your pocket, but it will definitely be worth it.

McAfee VirusScan Plus- $29.99
McAfee VirusScan Plus is another great Anti-Virus software, offering not only virus protection, but also protects from Spyware and is also a firewall. And at teh relatively cheap price of $29.99, this is one great program.
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Firewall Programs- These programs are for people who don't trust their default Windows Firewall. Firewalls are like flaming walls around your computer preventing hackers from getting in.

ZoneAlarm- FREE
ZoneAlarm firewalls are probably one of the strongest firewalls available for home use, it is a very easy to use software that surveys every piece of information going in and out of your computer, and asks your permission on what to let in and what to not. And since it's free, why not be safer and get this great program?

Comodo Firewall Pro- FREE
Comodo firewalls are one of the best firewalls you could use to protect yourself from hackers, a very strong firewall that makes sure no hackers, identity thieves, or other internet criminals can get to your computer. And since it only costs, well, nothing, why not get thsi firewall and make your computer virtually hacker proof?
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Malicious Hardware Removers- Any other program that isn't a Anti-Virus software or a firewall falls under this category, since there are so many to choose from, it was hard to come down with the top 3 best, and after much deliberation, I came up with these three.

Ad-Aware Free- FREE
Ad-Aware is probably one of the best programs that you can use to protect yourself from and, if you're already infected, get rid of malicious software, (or malware.) And with 10 years of malware protecting experience and a free price tag, this is one of the best programs out there.

Spybot- Search & Destroy- FREE
Spybot- Search & Destroy is one of the best spyware protection and removal software that you can find on the internet today (that's for free anyway.) It is a very easy to use software that not only protects you from Spyware, but also allows you to fills the holes in your system very easily, making your computer much safer. Recommended that you update it (yes, you have to manually update it) every week.

Trend Micro HijackThis- FREE
HijackThis lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and hard drive--areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, only the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites.
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Remember this is a list of legitimate security programs that I've personally tested in both work and recreation, if you see a software that is not on this list and you believe it should be, pm me the name of the program, a short description of the program, and a link to it's homepage or download source.
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