8135 Cox's Drive
Suite 109
Portage, MI 49002
Helpful Web Links
AVG Free Edition – AntiVirus Software
AVG is an excellent utility that provides the same level of security and feature set as Norton AntiVirus. This program, like Norton, allows you schedule automatic virus definition updates. But the best reason to consider AVG is the cost – zip, zero, nada. Click the link above to download the latest version of AVG. Version 9 has recently been released.
Free Spyware Protection
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.
Free Office 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, we suggest you try OpenOffice first. You have nothing to lose.
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.
Get the Details: Microsoft's Free Windows 7 Upgrade Program
Microsoft recently announced a free Windows 7 upgrade program for customers who purchase new computers with Windows Vista* from participating PC manufacturers. Details vary by manufacturer but most require that the Vista-based computer be purchased between June 26, 2009 and the end of the year. Some computer makers are extending the offer into early 2010. For a period of time, Microsoft is also offering free Windows 7 upgrades for customers who purchase retail versions of Windows Vista software between June 26, 2001 and January 31, 2010.
This Microsoft web page provides detailed information on the Windows 7 Upgrade Program and includes links to eligibility requirements for partipating manufacturers, including Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq and Acer.
*In most cases, new computers purchased with Windows Vista Home Basic do not qualify for the free Windows 7 upgrade.
How to Transfer Digital Photos from your Camera to your Computer without Special Software
Many novice computer users are surprised to learn that they do NOT need to use the software included with digital cameras. At Computer Homecare, we actually tell our customers to leave the camera CD in the box because installing this software often changes default Windows settings and causes confusion. The links below walk you through the process of using software that is already installed on your computer (built into the Windows XP and Vista operating systems) to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer:
How to Backup Files to CD
At some point in time, all hard drives crash, putting all stored data at risk. Most of us find that certain computer data files irreplaceable -- financial records, digital photos and documents can be considered priceless. One way to back your files up for safe keeping is to copy them to a CD and store the CD off-site. The Windows XP and Vista operating systems offer integrated tools for copying your files to CD. Click the appropriate link below to learn how:
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.
Learn How to Use Outlook Express 
This is a free publication in PDF format, prepared by Computer Homecare. It provides instructions for performing basic tasks in Outlook Express, Microsoft's free e-mail and contact management utility. The free Adobe Reader is required.
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.
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