Alden Tech and Design

Note that you have to check out books separate from all other items in the store.

Please send me your suggestions if you are using a program that is not listed below and you think that it belongs here. Below are some software that I have found very useful. They might be interesting for you as well.
Security

• Anti-virus and -spyware
  The free version of these tools have to be run manually (except AVG). They don't protect the computer while you are using it.
  • AVG antivirus and antispyware. This protect your computer while you are using it.
  • Spybot antispyware.
  • CureIt antivirus.
  • Malwarebytes.
     
• Firewalls. I suggest that you are careful with these. Never use more than one at a time and if you experience problems, uninstall them from the control panel.
  • ZoneAlarm
  • Comodo Firewal

Office solutions and programs

• OpenOffice. An office suite that can be used instead of Microsoft Office.
• Google Picasa. Photo editing program
• GiMP. Graphic/photo editing program
• Check out sourceforge.net. They have a lot of software that is opensource and most of them are free.

Other programs

• Skype (Phone friends and family over the internet for free)
• PageBreeze. Free and simple web page editor. You need an FTP-client to upload the files.
• Filezilla. FTP-client.

Operating systems
The distributions that I have listed below is the ones that I have tested during the last 5 years. There are a lot more and if you follow this link to Wikipedia you will get more information about the different distributions and what they offer.

• Ubuntu
• Fedora
• Mandriva

I have been learning about/working with computers since 1984. I got my first job working as a teacher in 1989 and started working as a computer consultant in 1990 in Norway. I have completed 9 certifications in Microsoft operating systems and have made sure I have followed the market and continued learning to keep up with all the new hardware and software technology.

My services span the following areas:

• Install, maintain and troubleshoot servers, network, workstations, printers (not hardware errors), routers, other hardware.
• Install, maintain and troubleshoot: Operating systems (Microsoft Windows 9x, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 and 2000/20003/2008 server).
• Office systems (Microsoft Office 9x, 2000, 2003 and 2007).
• Intuit Quickbooks (installation and transfer).
• Antivirus and antispyware installation and removal of viruses, spyware and other malware.
• Other software that you need or are using.
• Recommendations about upgrades or new installations.
• Upgrading your computer with more efficient power supplies, bigger hard drives or other components that you may need.

When I started learning about computers I was amazed by networks and servers and how they work together. After many years in the computer business I have several certificates from Comp TIA and Microsoft in hardware and software.

Go Green!

The love for designing and constructing quality computers, servers and networks became a part of my professional work. Building energy efficient and quality computers is of prime importance to me. Most computers will save as much as 85% of their power by getting new power supplies, and your computer will still do what you want it to do. This also applies to older computers that have a standard power supply that can be changed out. Yes, the computer will initially cost a bit more, but you will normally save the extra money in about 3-12 months, depending on your usage. This is a simple step to care for the resources of our Earth.