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Browsers |
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A web browser is a software package that enables a user to display and
interact with documents hosted by web servers. Popular browsers on the
PC include Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. A browser
is the most commonly used kind of user agent. The largest networked collection
of linked documents is known as the World Wide Web.
 Mozilla Firefox |
mozilla.org
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New, light, and fast. Firefox is a popular choice
for safe and compliant browsing. Not as susceptible to spyware and viruses.
| Netscape Communicator |
netscape.com
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One of the first, and longest lived browsers ever. Feature rich and
powerful. Not as susceptible to spyware and virii.
| Internet Explorer |
microsoft.com
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It comes with Windows so no download is required.
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Anti-Virus |
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Anti-virus software consists of computer programs that attempt to identify,
thwart and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software (malware).
If your computer already has anti-virus software, we suggest you continue
using it. If you can’t afford the updates, or have no virus protection
at all, we suggest the following.
Avast! Offers a free virus scanner for home users that we really like.
It is almost completely automated, and goes a long way to protect your
computer. Active scanning of almost all computer processes protects your
computer 6 different ways. Registering the product with the company is
required to receive updates.
In addition to its commercial (paid) anti-virus Grisoft offers a free
version of its anti-virus software. The website can be confusing, so we’ve
included a link to the proper download location. Registering the product
with the company is required to receive updates.
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Anti-Spyware |
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Strictly defined, spyware consists of computer software that gathers
and reports information about a computer user without the user's knowledge
or consent. More broadly, the term spyware can refer to a wide range of
related malware products that fall outside the strict definition of spyware.
These products perform many different functions, including the delivery
of unrequested advertising (pop-up ads in particular), harvesting private
information, re-routing page requests to illegally claim commercial site
referral fees, and installing stealth phone dialers. All of this is questionable
or illegal activity that threatens your safety and privacy. Here are tools
to protect you and remove these threats.
| Spybot Search & Destroy |
safer-networking.org
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Forever free and a wonderful tool, they take donations to support the
project. This program consists of two tools, Spybot S&D is a scanner
that works much like a virus scan to locate and remove spyware from your
system, and Teatimer which monitors your computer for known spyware activity
and prevents it from happening. Get this and install it now. You won’t
regret it. Send them 5$ for their help if you can as well!
Download detections updates for 12/29/2006 here
In the same family as Spybot, works in much the same way, but the free
version lacks some features we enjoy. If Spybot doesn’t work for
you, you should try this one.
| Microsoft Anti-Spyware |
microsoft.com
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Although not officially released for public consumption, Microsoft is
preparing to release an anti-spyware solution. You can try the beta version
if you wish.
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KVINet Utilities |
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These are a collection of utilities that we have created exclusively for you, our valued customer.
| Sparky's Toolbox |
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Would you like us to locate problems with your PC automatically, and
email you when we find something wrong? By loading the diagnostic tool,
our servers can keep up to date information about your computer. We can
then alert you when harmful programs or virii infest your system, and
remind you of simple maintenance tasks.
Sparky has come through with a new tool! "Sparky's Toolbox" is a small
download, that once installed allows our technicians to quickly and
easily gather important information about your computer that can make
it easier to diagnose and correct problems that you may be having.
Save time on the phone by letting the technician know ahead of time the
nitty-gritty technical details about your system.
| KVINet Mail Client |
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Our Default Mail Client is one of our most exiting and innovative new
additions to our webmail. With a small download available, you can now
set KVINet WebMail as your default mail client. This means you can click
email links on the webpages and it will instantly allow you to compose
email messages without a bulky email client having to load.
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Email |
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E-mail, or email, is short for "electronic mail" and is a
method of composing, sending, and receiving messages over electronic communication
systems. Most e-mail systems today use the Internet, and e-mail is one
of the most popular uses of the Internet.
Jam packed with features, and constantly evolving to meet your needs.
This is the choice option for KVINet customers. Our web-based email is
the safest choice because it’s completely virus free. No software
is required, but a small download makes it much easier to use.
| Mozilla Thunderbird |
mozilla.org
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Extremely versatile and powerful email client with excellent junk mail
filtering. If you don't want to use our web-mail client this one is recommended
choice for your email needs. Not as susceptible to virii.
It comes with windows so no download is required. Has some known security
flaws, and should not be used without a good virus scanner.
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Instant Messaging |
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An instant messenger is a client that hooks up to an instant messaging
service. Instant messaging differs from e-mail in that conversations happen
in real-time. Also, most services convey an "online status"
between users, such as if a contact is actively using the computer. Generally,
both parties in the conversation see each line of text right after it
is typed (line-by-line), thus making it more like a telephone conversation
than exchanging letters. Instant messaging applications may also include
the ability to post an away message, the equivalent of the message on
a telephone answering machine.
Is a free alternative to all the popular clients. It supports AIM, YAHOO!,
ICQ, and MSN. Without advertising. It does not support all the features
of the above clients but it performs the job of being an instant messenger
like a champ.
Extremely Popular client by the makers of America Online. Advertising,
and a large download lower this products score. However some of your friends
may use it, anyway.
Another very popular chat client from the web portal Yahoo! Like AIM
it is laden with advertising, and installs extras that the user may not
want. The large download can be a turn-off.
Comes with some versions of windows, so no download is required, but
still not as popular as some other clients. It too has advertising, and
integrates into Outlook Express without the users consent.
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