Helpful Tools/Downloads

CCleaner- Use this great little tool to clean up all the extra temp files and garbage laying around your computer. It also has a 'issues' module that will fix basic underlying windows issues. this is quite possibly one of the greatest free tools out there. In the recent version there is also a link to help open msconfig where you can get at the items that startup that are not easily accessable elsewhere.

CutePdf- This little tool will help you convert your microsoft office docs into pdf docs without having to buy the full adobe. Just install and go to print, say in Word, and print to cutepdf, this will create a the file as a pdf. Oh, and if you dont have a pdf reader, here is the link for that.

HiJackThis- This tool is helpful in ID-ing valuable info that can be used by a techie to determine some of the causes of your spyware/malware pains, among other things. Post your current log onto your favorite computer forum or email it to me for help.

Karenware- She has a handful of useful tools. Most noteably, the URL Discombobulator.

MagicJellyBean- Lost install key for your copy of windows (you know the one on the sticker they said to keep till the end of time?) no fear: you have a magic jelly bean.

OpenOffice- This is a full office suite of applications that are a free version of your not so free microsoft favorites (word, excel, power point, frontpage, etc).

Skype- With the free skype client, a microphone and speakers on your computer, you can talk to other skype users like a phone over the internet. Basically, make long distance calls anywhere in the world for free.

Transbar- This tool will make your task bar invisible or near invisable. A helpful little gadget...

Tweak UI- This microsoft powertool will help you tweak some pretty cool settings in windows. You can, for instance, set the machine to auto-login, clear the internet history at login, make icons that are normally unremovable, removable (ie the recycle bin), etc.

Winzip- Like Adobe's pdf reader, one of those must have's on everyones machine. This will allow you to compress multiple files into 1 tightly packed file for easier transfer.

**Oh, and dont forget to get your shots!- Visit my ER to get the basic free programs that help with virus/spyware/etc...

Techie Sites

Church of the swimming elephant- A variety of security issues, tools, and information addressed here.

VMyths- A hoax is sometimes just as dangerous or annoying as a real virus. Go here to see what real and whats not.

Sygate Security Tests- At this site, you will be able to attack yourself. Find out where your weak spots are for free.

Download.com- Tons of free downloads

Mozilla-Download the infamous Firefox web browser. A MUST HAVE. You can also get their version of outlook called Thunderbird.

Wireless Router Password List- what did that say? I dont know how this got in here.

Hardware Central- Help and recomendations with everything related to computer hardware.

SysInfo- This site will help you determine what all those processes are running in the background of your computer.

YouSendit- This site allows you to send a file of up to 1GB without relying on email. How does it work? You upload a file (if you have multiple files, zip them into 1 big file with winzip), put in the email address of the person(s) you want to get the file and they will email that person for you with a link to where to download it from their server. Very cool and an easy way to get past those attachment size email policies.

Information Finding Sites

SoYouWanna?- This site is very cool. Learn how to do everthing from mix a good drink to create a business plan.

CIA World Fact Book- This is the not-so-secret annual publication of the CIA. Use the spook's site to find out pretty much anything you need to know about any place in the world.

Epicurious- tons of information for the aspiring chef or food conesuer.

FirstGov- This is the US governments main web page/portal.

GasBuddy- Find cheap gas in your area.

HowStuffWorks- Learn how everything works. A VERY COOL SITE.

Medical Information- Omnimedical search searches a variety of medical search engines to give you results to your inquiries.

GoogleLabs- Google comes up with new stuff all the time. Check out their labs for cool new ways to search the internet, gather information, maps, and cool downloads.

Games Sites

ClassicArcade- Download free classic arcade games.

GameHippo- This site finds and reviews freeware games around the net and makes them available for you to download.

CoffeeBreakArcade- A bunch of free, online arcade games.

Free Arcade- This site offers free online games (links are over to the right side of the page)

HomeStarRunner- A variety of online games and fun things to do.

Tornado Games- More free online games.

Zone.com- This is MSN's site for free online games. If they ever ask you to join something or pay money after playing a game for while, just clear your cookies and internet temp files (use CCleaner at top of this page) and start playing again.

Weird Sites

99 Rooms- See if you can find the hidden thing to do in each room to advance to the next. Weird, but can be fun.

Imagination- Use your imagination and you be the artist

Net Disasters- Nuke Em! Type in the site you hate the most and choose your weapon. Next time the cable company pisses you off, just make worms crawl out of their website.

Star Wars Kid-If you need to kill a few minutes and feel better about yourself at the same time, check out this poor kid.

World's Largest Internet Skyscraper- The project is now closed, but the structure is still there. Kinda neat to see what everyone added.

Lizard Works- Easy-out computer pranks.

Warning: Sam is not a 'doctor' of anything. Fix your computer at your own risk.