Principal Points: Using the Internet

Techno Tips 2006

While I have never taken a computer course in my life, I have been an avid user of computers since I first cut my teeth on a Commodore 64 back in 1982. Over the years I have encountered a host of programs which are designed to make the computing world faster and easier. Hopefully you will find this year’s updated list of some value to you. Almost all of them are free! You should be able to find them with a quick Google Search. The first three items are new for this year. All the others are repeats from before but still great programs.

CyberPatrol: I have replaced CyberSitter (last year’s recommendation) with this program. It seems to be more effective at blocking what I want, but quite a bit better at not interfering with other programs or new installations. This is one of the best internet filtering programs available. Every home computer within reach of someone carrying the “Y chromosome” should have some kind of filtering software installed. I have it at home, and we have it at the school. Women only should control the password. This isn’t free, but well worth the money.

Windows Desktop Search: This replaces Google Desktop Search (last year’s recommendation) which had too many “false positives.” This program is equally fast, but much more flexible. With it you can search your hard drive for documents and emails at incredible speed.

Windows Defender: This replaces Microsoft Antispyware which I recommended last year. It runs in the background, and is quite effective. It makes Spybot Search & Destroy (a former recommendation) unnecessary.

E-Sword: This is one of the best Bible programs available. It has lots of Bibles, Bible dictionaries, and commentaries, in a very easy to use program. It is also available for your Pocket PC. Very fast, very nice, and completely free. I find I turn to it first because of the easy to use interface even though I have hundreds of dollars invested in LOGOS Bible software also.

Google Earth: See satellite pictures of just about anywhere on earth including your home or church or AKCS. Some of the pictures are a couple of years old, but it’s lots of fun. Google Maps: Get directions and maps for just about any trip imaginable.

Sync Toy: This is a Microsoft freebie that enables you to synchronize any two sets of folders to one another. Do you have a flash drive and want to be sure that any changes made on your laptop are registered on your flash drive and then copied to your desktop? Sync Toy makes this easy.

PhotoStory2: This is a wonderful Microsoft Freebie that allows you to put pictures to music and create the illusion of movement through panning and zooming techniques. A great presentation tool--very easy to use.

Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware: This is one of the best adware removers available, but there are many out there that have similar sounding names. Make sure you get this one from Lavasoft. There is a freeware edition.

Spyware Blaster: This “immunizes” your computer against all kinds of known spyware programs and sites. There are others with similar sounding names, but they themselves are often spyware; avoid them and use only the reputable ones.

AVG: This is an excellent anti-virus program. It seems to run quite well in the background and not take up as much memory as some others. I’ve had very little trouble with it, though sometimes a program update will conflict with CyberSitter. Suspending CyberSitter for a few minutes to complete the update solves the problem. Best of all, there is a free version!

Startup Mechanic: This is a program that monitors items in your startup folder and enables you to delete the ones you don’t want. Simple to use and free.

RoboForm: This little program will cost you a bit for the license (though there may be a free version), but it will keep track of all your personal information including phone numbers, addresses, and credit card numbers that you need in order to complete online forms. Very slick.

Diskeeper: This one will cost you a bit of money, but it will keep your computer properly defragmented at all times. It runs in the background when your system is idle.

LangaList: This is not a program, but for those who want to learn a bit more about computing, this is one of the most widely circulated email newsletters in the world. The information you will get from Fred Langa is accurate and up to date. There is a minimal cost ($10 a year, I think.)

Zip.ca: Not a computer tool but the best online site for cheap, easy video rental. Beats Blockbuster by a mile! All kinds of videos including classics, documentaries, cartoons, and new releases.--BH

Brian Hazeltine, B.Ed., M.A.
Principal, Airdrie Koinonia Christian School