Kudos

[Rip1]

Dear Epoman, I personnaly think this is a great site. I see we only have 176 members, but I believe we will have more. I posted your newsletter in our unit and actively promote it. I know how much work it takes for you to develop this site, and even more to maintain it. Thank You.

As a second thought, I have been using computers since the original Apple (circa 1983), and have learned a few things. One I would like to pass along to the members - If possible use Firefox to connect. I have just recently tried it (I tend to be conservative), and it is so much faster than IE it's almost scary. As always I say to anybody that tries something new, make sure you have a good anti-virus, spyware, and firewall program, and keep them up to date as well as windows.

Thank you again.
rip1

Fixed BOLD error - Epoman

[Epoman]

Dear Epoman, I personnaly think this is a great site. I see we only have 176 members, but I believe we will have more. I posted your newsletter in our unit and actively promote it. I know how much work it takes for you to develop this site, and even more to maintain it. Thank You.

As a second thought, I have been using computers since the original Apple (circa 1983), and have learned a few things. One I would like to pass along to the members - If possible use Firefox to connect. I have just recently tried it (I tend to be conservative), and it is so much faster than IE it's almost scary. As always I say to anybody that tries something new, make sure you have a good anti-virus, spyware, and firewall program, and keep them up to date as well as windows.

Thank you again.
rip1

Sorry, I saw this thread before but did not have time to reply. Thank you for the kind words and your help in spreading the word about this site. When you say newsletter you mean our flyer right?

- Epoman

[Hawkeye]

If possible use Firefox to connect. I have just recently tried it (I tend to be conservative), and it is so much faster than IE it's almost scary. As always I say to anybody that tries something new, make sure you have a good anti-virus, spyware, and firewall program, and keep them up to date as well as windows.

I agree whole heartedly.  I too have been using computers for many years, my first being a Texas Instruments in the late 70's early 80's.  These are my opinions on good software to use.

Firefox is a great way to connect to the internet, you just have to download it and change a few settings in your computer to use is as your default browser. 

As for Anti-virus programs I prefer Norton.  I have tried Mcafee and found it didn't update as frequently or have as many virus definitions as Norton.  I haven't really tried any others, but there are a few more out there that I would consider.

Spyware can be very annoying, and cause potential security risks to your computer.  I use about 3 different programs to make sure I get it all.  Unlike virus software you can be running more than one and they will play nice together.  I use the spyware program offered for free by SBC (It's finds a portion, but no where near all of it.).  A program that I can't remember the name of right now  that I bought from the company I got my firewall through (It is a very good program, and has many options for scanning and removal).  The last program is actually part of my firewall  (It works extremely well, but like the rest doesn't find everything.).

Firewalls can be very difficult and annoying to casual computer users.  Most are not very user friendly but are very essential, especially if you have a high speed connection (DSL, Cable, Satellite).  The firewall I use is called Zone Alarm and I use it based on the recommendation of a friend.  I take this recommendation very highly for reasons I can't mention, but it is a very secure program.  The program has many settings you can tailor to your needs and it even makes suggestions for program access on many of the major programs out there.

Windows is the biggest program to worry about of them all though.  Make sure you keep it and all other microsoft programs (Word, Excel...Etc.) up to date.  If these programs have loop holes in them from not being updated regularly all the programs talked about prior to this wont do you lick of good.

Like I said these are my opinions, so good luck and happy surfing.