Get the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor 

Can your computer be cost-effectively upgraded to the Windows 7 operating system? Visit this page to download and install the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor utility which automatically profiles your computer and evaluates its readiness for the new operating system.   

Free Security Software

Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free anti-malware program. It protects your computer from viruses and spyware. It is extremely easy to use, and has a very small "footprint," meaning it does not dramatically slow down your computer the way some security applications do. If you are running another anti-virus program on your computer, make sure you remove it before installing this one.

Once you download and install MSE, click here for some instructions and useful tips about its use and configuration.

Spybot Search & Destroy

Spybot Search & Destroy by PepiMK Software is an indispensable free utility that protects your computer from spyware – unwelcome software programs that display those annoying pop-up windows in your web browser. Spybot "immunizes" your web browser against known spyware. It also has a scanning mode that searches your hard drive for Spyware and allows you to kill suspicious items.You can even configure the "advanced" options for automatic updates and scans. Download this tool, keep it updated and say goodbye to spyware. Note that a new version (1.6) is now available. Spybot is designed to work in conjunction with your anti-virus program. You can safely install and run this application in conjunction with other security programs.

OpenDNS – Free Web Content Filtering Service

Unfortunately, anti-virus and -spyware software has to wait until an infection arrives on your computer before it can take action. OpenDNS, a free content filtering service, actually monitors your search engine clicks and website requests, checks the destinations for content. Based upon known scams, common patterns of malicious activity, and preferences you identify, OpenDNS decides to allow or block these requests. In this way, OpenDNS actually prevents your computer from being exposed to threats and offensive content. The service is a great way to supplement your security software. All that is required is a free account and some minor adjustments to your Internet DNS settings.

Once you are signed up and the service is enabled, you can logon to your account and select the website content categories you want to allow and block. Category choices include pornography, nudity, violence, financial scams, etc. You can set your filtering to be as strict or relaxed as you wish. In addition, OpenDNS allows you to explicitly allow or block any website, thus overriding content filter settings. Finally, the service also provides a statistics page where you can montitor recent Internet activity.

OpenDNS is an excellent resource for parents wishing to regulate Internet access for their kids, or for business owners concerned about irresponsible Web surfing by employees. The OpenDNS website provides detailed instructions for setup and management. However, if you need help, West Michigan Computer Care can normally logon remotely to your computer from our office and configure the service in 30 minutes or less.

OpenOffice – Free Productivity Suite, Fully Compatible with Microsoft Office

OpenOffice is a free alternative to the popular Microsoft Office software. This suite of programs includes Write (a word processor like Microsoft Word), Calc (a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel), Impress (a presentation authoring program like Microsoft PowerPoint), Draw (a drawing program like Microsoft Viso) and Base (a database application designer like Microsoft Access). OpenOffice programs allow you to save files in the corresponding Microsoft Office format, meaning you can reliably exchange files with Microsoft Office users.

OpenOffice is considered "Open Source," making it free to commercial and non-commercial users alike. Open source is a design philosophy that promotes peer review in the development community and license-free (no cost) usage. Before you purchase a productivity suite, you may want to download and try OpenOffice first. You have nothing to lose.

Picasa – Free Utility for Managing & Editing Digital Photos

Picasa is a Google software application for managing your digital photo library. It is widely embraced, by computer experts and novices alike, as one of the best "all-in-one" utilities for organizing photos and making common corrections (cropping, color enhancement, red eye reduction, etc). Other features include slide shows, printing and image timelines. Images can also be prepared for external use, such as for e-mailing or printing, by reducing file size and setting up page layouts. Picassa also integrates with several third-party online photo printing services. However, the best reason to use Picasa may be the cost – it's free!

Google's Picasa is a great solution if you're looking for a simple, user-friendly program to manage your photos. While there are certainly more capable software packages out there (such as Adobe Photoshop), these can be extremely costly and difficult to learn.

Once you download and install Picasa, click here to view and print the Picasa Getting Started Guide.

Test Your Firewall Protection for Free with "Shields Up!"

How safe is your Internet connection against malicious attacks from hackers? Is your firewall really turned on? How do you know? "Shields Up!" is a free service that analyzes your Internet connection and reports any vulnerabilities. Experts recommend that you periodically test your firewall to ensure your protected against the latest security threats.

Test Your Internet Speed with SpeakEasy

Are you getting the Internet speed that you're paying for? This free service performs separate tests that measure download and upload speed for your Internet connection. SpeakEasy's animated, speedometer gauges make the results easy to interpret.

Debunk Internet Hoaxes!

Hoaxes are phony scare alerts started by malicious people. They usually circulate via e-mail and are forwarded on by people who think they are doing a good deed. Click this link before you forward an alert to your friends and family.

What is Your IP Address?

Setting up advanced network functionality or remote access programs (such as PCAnywhere) require you to identify your IP address on the Internet.

This free Internet-based utility automatically identifies your Internet ("outside") IP address, your computer's local ("inside") IP address, the make and version of your web browser and the name of your Internet Service Provider.