Must have software

Multi-media player for movies, music and games. Free version available Visit site

Some files, applications, web pages use .pdf files as opposed to HTML. Enable your computer to display them, you need a pdf reader, its FREE !! Visit site

Still on dial up internet connection? Broadband not available? AOL call alert notifies you of incoming calls on your residential phone line whenever you’re online. Works with any Internet service, you do not need to be an AOL customer. Visit site

Award-winning PC firewall protects against hackers, viruses, worms, and other Internet threats. Trusted by over 25 million PC users. Three versions are available for home users, Zone alarm (FREE). Zone Alarm Plus ($19.99/ £11).Zone Alarm Pro($39.99 approx £22) Zone Alarm Firewall

A comprehensive collection of cleaning and maintenance tools to optimize your system performance and eliminate a common causes of crashes and errors. In addition to possibly the most advanced registry cleaner you can remove unneeded, junk, duplicate and empty files, internet tracks, temporary files, Manage cookies, disable start up entries, Disk space analysis, tweak hidden settings, and many more..... Great value at £16.81, FREE trial available. Click here

With Skype you can make FREE telephone calls over the Internet to other skype users, and calls to any landline or mobile for the cost of a Local call. Skype

Software to bring your digital photos to life, make them talk, dance and sing. Great for fun emails. With Face filter, you can also enhance them online and FREE. Face  Filter Free photo enhancement   Crazy Talk Make your photos talk Its Me Turn your photos into animations   3D animation software

You have a firewall and anti-virus, think your fully protected? think again. Pest Patrol is a powerful application that will find and remove a wider range of hidden malicious programmes than any other single scanner. Pest Patrol

Displays all processes running on your PC, including hidden ones. Remove useless resource hogs and security threats. More info

Lavasoft is the industry leader and most respected provider of anti-spyware solutions, with over 45 million downloads in the last year alone. Standard edition (FREE)   Ad-Aware plus ($26.95/£15.46) Ad-Aware PRO ($39.95/£22.92)

PC MACLAN™ gives you easy, streamlined access between Macs and PCs without jeopardizing home network security. Start a letter on your Mac and transfer it to your PC or laptop to finish at home or even on the plane. PC MCLAN

EULAlyzer will read those long, drawn out and sometimes difficult to understand End User License agreements that accompany downloads, looking for words or phrases that are potentially dangerous terms. EULAlyzer

Advanced diagnostic and repair utility. Easily repair damaged hard drives and crashed PC systems with a few clicks. No computer knowledge required. Free trial available. Hard drive mechanic

Don't put up with pop ups, simply drag the toolbar over the bin and release, future contact with the generating server will be block using the Host file. Adbin Note- pop ups usually indicate a malware infection. More information

TuneUp Utilities 2004 makes Windows faster, more secure and more comfortable. All important aspects of system configuration, security, cleaning and maintenance are combined under a modern graphical user interface. £24.95 (Free trial available) Tune up

Find and play virtually anything within seconds. Choose from 10,000 live radio stations or 5 Million streaming files (audio and video).  Stop waiting for downloads!  use streaming media, it plays almost instantly and uses no hard disk space. Download now Cost £13.87($24.00)

The most popular compression utility for Windows, with more than 120 million downloads Quickly and easily zip and unzip files and folders Winzip

Easily switch your files, settings, and preferences from your old PC to to your new one with Desktop DNA Migrator from Computer Associates Computer Associates' Desktop DNA Professional

discover the secrets that computer stores and computer manufacturers do not want you to know! How To: Upgrade, Repair, Speed Up or Build a Computer..... Step by Step. Only $29.95 (approx £16.50) Click Here!

IMSpeak, takes instant messages to the next level. Compatible with AOL and MSN messengers, it reads your instant messages, in a selected animated voice. Also translates messages from another language. Cost £13.87.($24.00) Download now

Process Guard is possibly the powerful application available to prevent infection by malicious software, with features not available in any other program. A Free version is available to protect against changes to your legitimate files. The full version can also block 'hooks' and even rootkits. Process Guard

Back up DVD, VHS, PS2, Xbox, PC games. DVD pro will copy almost anything onto CD or DVD. £22 ($39.95) More info and download

Another great product from Tune up Software, If you are fed up with the look of windows, give it a digital makeover in a matter of minutes with Winstyler. With Windows XP you can even personalise your desktop and icons. $14.95 (Free trial available)

Going away? GoToMyPC lets you access and work on your computer from any Web browser. award winning service that is receiving rave reviews from publishers, including Time, The Wall Street Journal and CNN. Details

The next page looks at internet shopping, with a directory of reputable on-line traders.