TECH~SENSE! 
The TECH~SENSE! pages will hopefully provide you with information, recommendations and internet links to help you with your PC. At present, only Windows PC's are covered. If you have MAC questions, you can send them in as we have some source's for answers to questions.
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(All software & hardware listed in these pages is for information only. No specific recommendations are implied.)

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TECH~SENSE! PAGES
PC Operating Systems
Anti-Virus & Malware
Production Software
Graphics, Photo & Video
Communications
Utility Software
Internet Browsers
All of the Software & Misc.
Sam's Help  (evolving)
Newsletters & Help
Router & Security Info
Glossary
Potential Internet Browser Problems






 

Someone once said
(I know not who)...

"The good things about computers is they do exactly what you tell them to do!
The bad thing about computers is they do exactly what you tell them to do!"
Before we start; When you see something in Bold Red Text, inside {...}: it is a "Hover" link with something to show you. When you hover over it with the mouse, a pop-up window will show; take away the mouse and it dissapears. You need "PopUps" enabled for *.hughpurvis.com.

   At the left is the list of categories covered by TECH~SENSE! The Sam's Help page is the actual help page. The categories will be slow to evolve because it takes much thought decide what to include. The other pages cover specific categories of software and utilities for the more recent versions of the Microsoft Windows operating systems; XP, Vista and Windows 7. Software for older operating systems, such as Windows NT, Windows Millennium, Win 98 and Win 95 are not listed, as most modern software will not work with them. Microsoft no longer supports them in any way. While Windows XP is not fully supported by Microsoft, it is included here as there are many systems still in use, both by home and business users. Support for XP is on its last legs. Most older machines work with XP but not the newer systems.

   Other categories will cover technical newsletters and some "how-to's". (If a page is under construction, you may be shown a special marker page instead.) The Anti-Virus category is listed high up as it is very important. In fact, the Anti-Virus and Router Security pages are the most important after the operating systems.

    Each software and utility category lists some of the more common and recommended software around, each with a short explanation indicating their purpose, availability, potential cost or free. Some pro's and con's, when available, are given along with links to sources and specifications. All are either used by the HPRA and this web site or have been tested by us. All are generally Windows based, but if available for the Mac, it will be noted. This is in no way intended to be a comprehensive list. If we do not use it or have not tested it, it is usually not included. If you would like something specific covered, let us know and we will give it a try (if possible). If you have something you feel is useful and good, let us know.

   The Link on the left titled "All of the Software and Misc." has links to all software, utilities and other items mentioned within the Tech~Sense! pages. A some pages are still under construction as you will see when you get there.

    When downloading software, one should be careful where they get it from. The sites recommended in these pages are generally tested and approved sites. Downloading from the authors' site is usually ok, but again, one must be careful. If in doubt, stay with these  popular and recommended sites...
    Beware! There are many other download sites available and one must use care on their use. A true saying; "when in doubt, stay away". In other words, "if you don't trust it, don't click it". Too often, someone will click something in an email or on a web site that goes to some site with hidden and maybe evil intentions of the link does something unexpected. Many sites you may visit, including some of those mentioned here, will have links for a "Free Scan..." for one thing or another. Sometimes they install something you may not want, or even become a default for some system function. We never use them here. You may use a particular set of security programs to protect your PC that could be modified or even be replaced by some of these "Free Scans". When downloading software, sometimes they may want to "give" you something extra. There will usually be a check box, checked by default, for this extra item(s). You can un-check it if you don't want it. Not everything offered is worth it.
   
    The Newsletter & Help pages will list special technical sites we use on a regular basis when looking for answers. Sometimes they will require you sign up for a free subscription (login id and password). Some just tell you what is going on in the tech world, while others are help sites, "Q and A" or FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

    The Router & Security selection provides general information on router setup, whether for a hard wire or wireless type of router. As each brand is a bit different, only the commonalities are covered. The manufacturer's web site can supply more when needed. Also covered within this selection is information on firewalls.

    All pages are evolving on a on-going basis. Come back periodically for new information. Browse the categories to your left, see what interests you and let us know if you need or want further information on a particular one or a particular piece of software or hardware. Let us know how we are doing, and ask questions you may need answers to. Use the link below or on most pages to send your questions, comments or recommendations.

    {NOTE}:
HOT-LINK - a link or URL in an email or on a web page that is meant to take you to elsewhere.

URL address - Properly constructed, it looks like "www.someplace.com" or "hughpurvis.com". It also should look like it is addressed to someplace that seems to agree with the context around the hot-link. The "www" part is not necessary.

BROWSER STATUS BAR - A bar at the bottom of a browser window that indicates the status of the page. It will also show the URL of a link you point to but do not click.
 While your mouse pointer is positioned/paused over a hot-link, the web browser status bar at the bottom of the page should show a correct  and fully written URL address. If it does not, if what is shown there is totally different from what you might expect to see there, do not click on that hot-link! it might be dangerous to visit an unknown or untrusted URL.  (If you do not see the status bar, it can be enabled via the "View - Toolbars" menu or right-click in the toolbar area and enable the status bar.)