Recommendations for FREE software that you should install on your computer:

Firefox - A browser that is a great alternative to Internet Explorer.  Features tabbed browsing, a pop-up blocker, and better security than IE.  Available at:  http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

Google Toolbar for Firefox - A great tool that makes Google accessible from any web page when using the Firefox browser.  "Search the web with Google from any site. Eliminate pop-up ads. Highlight search terms on a page."  Available at:  http://googlebar.mozdev.org/installation.html

SpellBound - A spell-checker for the Firefox browser.  SpellBound enables spell checking in web forms. This allows you to spell check forms (e.g. message board post, blog, etc.) before submitting them when using Firefox.  This is essential when posting messages in the Discussion Forums in Blackboard.  Available at:  http://spellbound.sourceforge.net/install.html

GuruNet - A dictionary, thesaurus, and more.  "With a single click on any word or phrase on the screen, GuruNet delivers valuable real-time and answers on demand, including encyclopedias and dictionaries, thesaurus, ..."  This tool is extremely useful in finding the definitions of unknown words - just "alt-right click" on a word and up pops its definition.  Available at:  http://www.gurunet.com/

AOL Instant Messenger - Software for synchronous communication on the Internet.  "The free AIM software is very similar to the Instant Messaging software that AOL members can access, but you don't have to be an AOL member to use it.  ...  Instant messaging is easy. You just type what you want to say, your buddy replies, and so on-just like a regular conversation."  IM also supports audio chat.  My screen name is "BurksO2" (no quotes).  Available at:  http://www.aim.com/

Skype - Software for voice communication via the Internet.  "Peer-to-peer" (P2P) telephony - for free!  Free unlimited worldwide phone calls to other Skype users.  Fantastic voice quality.  My Skype contact name is "burksoakley" (all one word, no quotes).  Available at:  http://www.skype.com/

Acrobat Reader - Software for viewing and printing Portable Document Format (PDF) files.  This software is essential for PAC442, since all of the research studies from the Pew Internet Project are available only in PDF format.  Available at: http://www.adobe.com/

VirusScan Software - Virus protection software site-licensed by the University of Illinois (requires you to login to the site using your UIS NetID and password).  "VirusScan protects your PC, files and email address book from high-risk viruses, worms and trojans like Bugbear, Slammer, Code Red, Nimda, SirCam and Nicehello. Easy to use and always on guard, VirusScan automatically checks for virus updates and software updates, so your protection is always up-to-the-minute."  Available at:  http://www.cso.uiuc.edu/software/sls