Software Sources

In the interests of furthering general computer knowledge and efficiencies, these tips and links are included. The listing of software sites is not meant to be an endorsement or guarantee. Use your own discretion in continuing.

Open-source software. Over the last several years, there has been a movement supplying open-source software for a number of different functions. The quality varies, but the licensing usually allows for free use on home and school computers. For students who are trying out different computer functions, it can provide an economical way of experimenting.

• The Free Mac Classroom - a large collection of Macintosh programs, including a suite similar to Microsoft Office
• Open Source Windows - a large collection of Windows programs
• Mozilla - Firefox and Thunderbird (web browser and e-mail program)
• LibreOffice Suite - (used to be OpenOffice) a suite of applications that provide similar function to the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.) These applications allow one to read and write Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. (for Windows, Macs, and Linux. Free)
• Kompozer (the new version of nVu) - a web-page management application that has much of the functionality of Dreamweaver. (for Windows, Macs, and Linux. Free) More on web-page development tools
• Microsoft Security Essentials - free virus software provided by Microsoft for Windows (Fall, 2009)
• AVG Anti Virus (Free Edition) - for Windows. Mentioned in Dr. Bombay's column in November 2006. Caution - you may have trouble turning off your old Antivirus software.
• Spybot - Software for tracking spyware. (Freeware); Ad-Aware - another free anti spyware program; More info on slow computers (Top Tech News) : recommendations made computer columnist Bill Husted

OETC. While not open-source, OETC is an exceptional, non-profit resource for educators and warrants a page to itself. More on OETC.

Helpful Web Links

• Firewall probing - send a probe to test the firewall on your computer and look for open ports (potential security problems) (the ASD computers are secure behind its firewall, but you might test your home computer)
• Speed Test - check out how fast your connection really is
• Test page for Shockwave, Flash, RealPlayer, and Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Test page II
• chemistry test page

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