Computer2.com

We have had many experiences with the Internet, Antivirus software and freeware, and the desktop computers in our house, over the years. We have computers with Microsoft Windows and Linux on them. Possibly something on this page will help you and your computer.

Over the years, we have found that the Hardware we buy normally works as advertised. However, we have found, frequently, that Software is released by the manufacturer, without thorough testing, and the end user purchases problematic software Before you purchase Software, we suggest that you read reviews in computer magazines and on the Internet!

The one piece of Hardware that we strongly recommend to you, is the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite. After she began using this wonderful ergonomic keyboard, approximately ten (10) years ago, it completely eliminated the problem Pilar had with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. She had been to doctors and the possibility of surgery, which may have eliminated or exacerbated her problem, was discussed. A sincere thank you, to the Microsoft Engineers who designed this wonderful product! We have one of these keyboards for each of our three (3) Desktop PCs.

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite (Black)

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite (White)

If you would like to purchase one of these keyboards, click on the image of the color you prefer.

Below, we have information on free software for Microsoft Windows and Linux that might be helpful to you:

	AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is an antivirus freeware program for the Microsoft Windows OS. The updates are usually small files to download and they are also free, for the life of the version of the program. Version 9.0 is now available for Download.
	OpenDNS We had problems with the DNS Servers at our ISP. Frequently, slow DNS or no DNS. We are now using the free DNS service at opendns.com They have DNS servers in 8 cities in the USA and 2 cities in Europe. If you have problems, when using the DNS Servers at your ISP, consider changing to OpenDNS.
	Web CEO is a Search Engine Optimization package that runs on the Microsoft Windows OS. Lanny downloaded, installed and registered the freeware version of Web CEO. It will help him optimize our web sites for the Search Engines that visit. They say that 39% of their users are satisfied with the freeware version of Web CEO and do not purchase a more powerful version.
	CentOS is a Linux distribution for the Enterprise. This is a free clone of a very well known U.S. distribution (Red Hat Enterprise Linux is the upstream distribution) that is not free. It is very stable and very secure. It can be used on Servers in the Enterprise or on Desktops. It is supported, for Security and Stability updates, for years. CentOS has an extremely active Mailing List and the Developers and Users are very helpful. This is the distribution we use on the Desktops in our house.
	IPCop is a Linux distribution for Firewall. It is very popular and extremely well documented. Backups and Updates are very easy to do. We are using IPCop on our oldest PC, to protect our computers (Firewall), to provide Routing services, so the computers connected to our home LAN can all use the Internet at the same time, and as a Caching DNS Server. IPCop includes an Intrusion Detection System called Snort. It provides a second layer of defense right after the firewall. The PC running IPCop is running "Headless". The monitor, keyboard and mouse have been disconnected.
	StartSSL (StartCom Ltd.) issues SSL certificates. We have a StartSSL Free (Class 1) SSL certificate for this web site and will be adding a Secure Contact form to a page on the web site. The encryption is AES-256 (256 bit) which is the same as the secure web pages we visit.
	WebHostingTalk They have extremely active forums, related to the pros and cons of various web hosting ISP's; various types of web hosting, ranging from Shared Hosting to a Dedicated Server; technical problems with web hosting hardware and software, offers from web hosting ISPs, etc.

We hope you will visit this page again. From time to time, we add new things about our experiences with the Internet, a computer, antivirus freeware or something else we use on our computers.