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Contact: crc@ivcc.edu

Suggested Software

There are a number of software applications which home computer owners may find beneficial. IVCC does not support or take responsibility for any changes to the home computer that occur as a result of the installation of any software. The Computer Resource Center does not provide Help Desk Support for installing or trouble shooting home computer problems.

Spyware and Tracking Protection Software
Any computer is at risk of having spyware and tracking software added without the user's knowledge. Two popular applications that you can use to protect your computer and/or network are Ad-aware and Spybot. NOTE: these two applications may be used safely in conjuction with each other.

AntiVirus Software
Every computer should have antivirus software with updated virus definitions. These packages are available as evaluation software with the anticipation that you will pay for the software after the software is installed. Remember to also keep the definition files up to date. Antivirus software with old virus data files is next to useless. NOTE: Never have more than one anti-virus installed on your computer at once.

Compression Software
If you are transferring large files, or a lot of small files, you may wish to obtain Compression/Expansion software.

Web Browsers
To navigate the web, a web browser is required. Computers generally have Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) or Apple's Safari. However, there are advantages to downloading other browsers. Firefox and Mozilla Seamonkey are known for having better security than IE and the ability to load extensions. Opera is another browser also known for better security than IE. Opera also loads pages quicker than other browsers, making it friendly to dial-up users.

There is a known downside to using these browsers in that you may come across a page which does not render in any browser except IE. However, this situation is rare. The following web browsers are free:

Plug-ins:
If you are on a web site that requires a plug-in or offers a file stored in a PDF format, you can download the files from one of these sites:

It is important to remember that if you install a newer version of a plug-in over an older one, some of your previously accessed media files may not work.
 

Office Viewers / Converters / Alternatives
To properly view Microsoft Word and PowerPoint files, you must either have the program installed on your computer or have another program that can display the file.

Converters enable you to open files created by people using different versions of your Office programs. Find the appropriate converter for the version of the Office program on your computer.

Viewers enable people who don't have Office programs to see your work. Simply provide them with the appropriate viewer along with your files.

Open Office
Open Office is compatible with all other major office suites. It is currently loaded on all student computers in the Computer Resource Center.

This software consists of Writer (word processor), Calc (spreadsheet), Impress (multimedia presentations), Draw (create images), and Base (database). In addition this software is capable of creating PDF files. If you do not have an office suite on your computer at home, this is a inexpensive solution.

Alternatives

Computer Resource Center
Illinois Valley Community College
815 N. Orlando Smith Ave.
Oglesby, IL 61348
Phone: 815-224-0318
Fax: 815-224-3033
Email: crc@ivcc.edu
Web Page: http://www.ivcc.edu/crc