Purchasing a Home Computer
Apple vs PC: Apple computers are generally easier to use for the computer novice, and are less prone to virus attacks. But they are more expensive, and much less versatile than PC's. Apple has 10% of market, PC's have 90%, so these Tech Notes will mostly apply to PC’s, not to Apples.

Which computer do you need? There are hundreds of articles on the net that cover this topic, so you might want to hop on a friend’s computer or use a computer at your club house to do some initial online research. You can also talk to the salesmen at computer stores such as Best Buy, Office Depot, Fry’s, etc., as they have a good deal of knowledge about purchasing a computer. Get a computer that will do what you want it to do, with a little room for growth. Don’t skimp on hard drive storage, speed, or memory. But don’t think “If I spend more on my computer, I won’t have to replace it as often.” THAT IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. Any computer (no matter how expensive) will be obsolete in four to five years, tops.

Hooking Up Your Home Computer
Most stores will help you set your computer up; some even give classes in the use of your new computer. Find out what kind of support is offered before you buy. Most manufacturers will help you by telephone or chat (if you have access to another computer). Chat is an immediate text message exchange on the computer. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will help you set up your internet/WIFI connections.

Protecting Your Hardware
Always use a UPS (uninterruptable power supply) for your computer. There is a chance (fortunately small) that a power failure will destroy all information on your hard drive, including your operating system. Costco has a 1000 Watt UPS for approx $100 that will run most home computer systems for 20-30 minutes or more when (not if) power fails. This gives you time to close files and programs. Plug your computer, monitor, and external hard drives into the power-protection outlets (NOT THE SURGE-PROTECTION ONLY outlets!!). I even have my router (in the closet in another room) plugged into one. DO NOT PLUG your laser printer into the UPS. (Even plugged into a separate wall outlet, my printer’s heater turn-on power surge causes the UPS to activate for part of a second.)

Protecting Your Software
When you buy your computer, ALSO BUY a good Internet security program. This is especially important for Windows PC's. DO NOT USE A FREE ANTI-VIRUS PROGRAM, as you will get what you pay for! New computers may come with McAfee, but I have been very happy with Norton 360. I have used it for years on several computers, and I have never had a problem with viruses, trojans, worms, etc. (Although Norton occasionally warns me to leave a site I’m visiting, because it’s trying to attack my computer.) Norton’s “Identity Safe” remembers usernames and passwords for websites, and address/credit card information for online orders.

Selecting a Browser
A browser is the program that displays web pages while you “surf” the Internet. There are four main browsers:  Edge (Microsoft), Internet Explorer(Microsoft), Firefox(Mozilla), and Chrome(Google).

 I would also suggest installing all four major browsers. All are free, and when you have trouble viewing a website with one browser, you can try the other browsers. The default browser opens when any shortcut NOT CREATED from IE is double-clicked, no matter which browser created it.  Shortcuts created from the IE browser ALWAYS open in IE, no matter which browser is your default.

Safely Using Your Home Computer
Security Level: Keep your windows (or security program) firewall set to at least the "medium" security level (which is usually the default). In the Windows Internet Explorer browser, you can do this by clicking the gearwheel (upper right), clicking "Internet Options", and then selecting "Security" to change the security level.

Free Programs:  Be very alert if you download "Free" programs from sites that are not highly rated by Amazon, cnet, PC magazines, etc. You may also get invisible "gifts" that you really didn't want. Definitely do not download anything before you install a GOOD (purchased) computer security program. When you download a free or paid program, feel free to DECLINE some or all of the "added free extras". They will clutter up your computer, and may cause other problems. PAY ATTENTION to warnings you get when your security program tells you there is a problem with a pending download. Don't blindly click "load anyway". Exception: If I request a download from a (reputable) site that has an invalid security certificate, I usually load it.

Spam
If you use the Internet a lot, download free software, or access any "educational" sites, you will get spam. Most security programs have automatic spam filters that will trap spam, if you process the messages properly.

Automatic Spam Filters: Most are similar, but here I’ll describe the spam filter for Gmail. First of all, don't open any email without reading the header first. If it's spam, DO NOT OPEN IT OR DELETE IT! Instead, click "Report as spam". This will put the message in the spam folder and adjust the automatic spam filter so that similar messages will be trapped later. Periodically inspect the spam folder, and "UNSPAM" any messages that aren't spam (this will also adjust the spam filter). Gmail automatically deletes spam messages after 30 days, but you can delete them manually. Just be sure to check the headers before deleting them!  DON'T OPEN SPAM emails, unless you have a STRONG FEELING that it might NOT be spam!

Internet Banking (bill paying, etc.)
Be aware that there have been security lapses with these services. But, the banks generally monitor your purchases, and will even prevent you from losing money when you report bogus charges. Paying bills online saves money (postage) and a lot of time. The only problems I've had with banking have been (probably) due to someone I purchased from (restaurant, etc) sharing my card number with thieves. B of A called me and asked if I had purchased tickets to Scotland. (I hadn't.) When you travel abroad, it's a good idea to notify your bank where and when, so they won't decline foreign charges.  Also, my wife recently wrote a check, and one of the folks who handled her check used her account to pay off several of his credit cards. (He's on probation now!)  

Social Network Issues: Facebook and Google have some privacy problems, but I feel that these are overblown by the media. A general rule is to "tighten up" privacy settings (most can be changed by the user), but it's best not to post information you want to keep secret. One Facebook rule: if you get a request to “befriend” the friends of your friends, you shouldn’t click it. You’ll then get (many) messages like “Joe Schmoe has changed a picture on his Facebook page”. (And you have no idea who Joe is!)

Replacing Keyboards
Keyboards, believe it or not, don't work well after you spill wine, water, or coffee on them. (I've killed 4 of them.) When (not if) you replace your keyboard, shop around. You can get a good keyboard for $15-$25, but can (needlessly) pay over $100.  I have found USB keyboards and mice to be more reliable than "wireless" devices.

ARTICLE 2 - Lists/describes home computer software and hardware I have found useful
Tom’s Top Picks for Useful Software
The majority of the software programs below are useful programs for users with all levels of experience, as they cover the most basic home computer functions of emailing, browsing the internet, editing photos, etc. (I’ve noted the one or two programs that may be more helpful to those with intermediate to advanced experience levels.)

Anti-virus/Computer Security Software
You’ll want to purchase this software IMMEDIATELY. Not having good anti-virus software is definitely an accident waiting to happen. New computers generally come with one installed (usually McAfee). This is fine, but I prefer Norton 360. Having used it for years, my computers have never been infected. (Note: 360 has an "identity safe" that will remember and insert website passwords, but this feature only works with the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer -- The newer versions may work with more browsers.) Most anti-virus programs will scan your computer periodically. You should run the FULL SCAN every week or so (which will slow down your computer for a while, so be prepared for this necessary inconvenience). Some have backup programs, but I prefer to manually backup. My motto is "backup early and backup often" (especially if you (foolishly) haven't yet installed a UPS (uninterruptible power supply – which keeps your computer running for 20 minutes after you lose power). To paraphrase the dentist/flossing joke, "you only need to backup the files you don't want to lose."
Email Software
I recommend Gmail, which is web-based and simply requires access to a browser. Gmail lets you read your email from any computer in the world (apple or PC), and it shows you which emails you've read, no matter which computer you read them on.

Calendar Software
Having a calendar software on your computer lets you easily manage, update, and view your schedule each day. I recommend Google Calendar, which has many useful features, including recurring events, selectable display format, and ability to sync with iPad/iPhone. See page "How do I?" in webiste "Toms Tech Notes" http://webpages.charter.net/tomspage/TTNSite/
to automatically show the calendar on startup.

Word Processor Software
A word processor lets you write letters, print mailing labels/envelopes, and produce mailing lists, among many other things. I recommend Microsoft Word. It has many features only advanced users may need, but it is the "standard" in PC word processors.

Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel, is extremely useful for home financial planning, as it can be used to create a budget, to analyze the financial impact of buying a new house, etc. Excel has built-in functions for calculating mortgage payments, for example – and all numbers are recalculated when anything changes.

Database software
Database software, such as Microsoft Access, stores lists…which is something that non-nerds may not need. Access lets you store a variety of complex content, such as personal contact information for mailing lists or descriptions of computer music/video file collections. There are easier to use specialized programs for this, such as iTunes (to store music). I use (and customize) Microsoft Access for database storage, but you should note that it has a very high learning curve.
Microsoft bundles all Office programs as Office 365 ($70/yr for 1 comp, $100/yr for 5 comps), which includes:  Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outllook,  OneNote,  Publisher, and Access.

Text Software
Notepad, which is included in Windows 7, is a free program that lets you easily type simple text (e.g. create an email, then paste it into your email program). I recommend you pin Notepad to your quick-launch toolbar.

Music Storage Software
I recommend Itunes to store and organize the audio (songs, podcasts, etc.) on your computer. It's a free program with many features to load portable devices.

Photo Editing Software
Adobe Photoshop Elements is an excellent photo editing program that allows you to download, edit, and organize photos from your camera. Note that Photoshop Elements is MUCH cheaper than the full Adobe Photoshop software, and yet it has all the features that most of us need for our photos.

Licensing note: Most licenses for purchased software allow you to install the programs on either 1, 2, or 3 computers, but you should check before purchasing. An extra fee is charged for a license that lets you install a program on multiple computers (such as home + laptop + work computer).

I encourage you to shop around for all of your software needs. You may find huge discounts if you do some searching – and in many cases, such as Gmail, Notepad, and iTunes above, the software is free of charge. Always buy from a reputable website to avoid knockoffs (and to keep from downloading viruses).

Some of the software programs listed below are useful, while others are just plain fun. Most are available for both Apple and PCs, and some are also available for iPads. Note that some of these programs may only interest the "nerds" (of which I am one). Some are difficult to install, but free phone tech support is available. I’ve noted those that are free of charge.

Google Earth (free) is an amazing program that shows close-up photos of our planet. You may also be interested in Google Sky, through which you can explore the universe.

Air Display makes your laptop an extension of your desktop monitor (using WIFI) and is available for various combinations of PC, Apple, and IPAD.

Google Drives (free) This program works on Apples, PCs, and iPads. Very simple way to share 5 GB of files between your computers over the internet. Just install on each computer, looks like a folder. Drag a file into the folder from any computer to share with all others.

Inssider (free) displays WIFI signal strength. You can use your laptop to find weak points in WIFI coverage, and move your extender (if you have one) or laptop to maximize reception. Click on it's tab "2.4 ghz channels" to show the graph.

CPUid Hardware Monitor (free) displays the fan speeds and temperatures in your computer. You'll be amazed at how much the fan and temperature changes when your CPU is working hard (e.g. converting video file formats).

Camstudio Recorder (free for basic version) allows you to make video tutorials, presentations, and more by recording all screen and audio activity on your computer. The factory defaults must be reset to use this program -- see page "How do I?" in Toms Tech Notes, & watch "How to create video tutorials", part 1.

LogMeIn is a very useful program that allows you to use one computer to control another computer over the internet. For example, I can use my iPad to control my home desktop when I’m not at home. I can access my files and apps from anywhere at anytime.

Foldermatch is an excellent program that compares all files in two folders & subfolders so that you can quickly see any differences when you’re backing up files or copying files to a new location. This is very easy to use and very helpful when you’re manually backing up files. This program also allows you to see the exact text differences between two text files, two Excel spreadsheets, two PDFs, and more.

Youtube (free) is a quick and easy way to post and share videos with family, friends – or with an even wider audience, as you have the option to post a video as private or public.