Not everyone has the computer skills to fix things when they go wrong, or can afford to buy the expensive software which makes a basic computer usable and productive.
On these pages we try to offer advice on how to maintain your computer using free or low priced maintenance tools, and suggest free alternatives to the expensive programs that make the computer do what we require it to do.
There is some software we all need for home and work use, Wordprocessing, spreadsheets, Presentation software, but the leading brands who set standards are riddiculously expensive.
If you cant afford to buy the Microsoft Office Suite, then free or low cost compatible software is available.
There are many free 'Chat' programs to choose from, some text based and others with full video-calling features.
Outlook is the most commonly used email program, but there are others out there that are easier to use .
Our computers can now connect to many other devices and display on a variety of screens and televisions.
There are many different makes of reader available, all use their own format so cannot always read a book created in another style. There are free emulators and e-reader software availble to use, some read all styles.
There are certain programs we often need that enable us to view graphics or video. or PDF files.
There are links here to the latest.
There are many Anti-Virus programs on offer, ranging from £10 - £100's. But there are also good free programs that do the job just as well.
Computers need regular maintenance to keep running, they need to be cleaned and organised
