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/  Hints for customizing Firefox and increasing its performance are at: http://windowssecrets.com/041202/

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

Themes for Firefox - A great way to customize the look of the Firefox browser.  Themes are available at:  https://addons.update.mozilla.org/themes/?application=firefox  One of my favorites is SomeOrbitYellow_nb.

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

Ad-Aware - A spyware removal tool.  Spyware can track your surfing habits, send this data to a third party, profile your shopping preferences, hijack your browser start page or pages, alter important system files, all without your knowledge or permission. The security and privacy implications of these exploits should be quite obvious!  Available at:  http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

Spybot - Search & Destroy - Application to scan for spyware, adware, and other malicious software.  A good complement to Ad-Aware.  Available at:  http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/

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-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

Password Safe - A software tool that allows the user to keep usernames and passwords for different accounts in a single secure location (accessed using one secure password).  Clicking on each account copies the password to the clipboard.  Latest version available at:  http://passwordsafe.sourceforge.net/

NISTime - A small Windows application that sets your computer's clock to the atomic clocks operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) atomic clocks. The program requires no installation and very little setup.  Available at: http://msn.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,23895,00.asp

Post-it® Software Notes - A digital version of the classic yellow Post-it® Note.  Use this software just as you would use regular Post-It® Notes -- but have the notes appear on your computer's desktop.  Available at:  http://www.3m.com/market/office/postit/com_prod/psnotes/index.html

Hardware:

Microsoft Wireless Keyboard Elite (and Mouse) - I highly recommend this wireless keyboard and wireless optical mouse; it is sold as a package unit.  It features "one-touch multimedia keys, customizable hot keys, and optical mouse accuracy -- all in a comfortable, ergonomic design."  Cost was $89.99 from CompUSA as of 20 January 2004.  For additional information, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=016