Here are some links you may find useful:

 

·            Computers and Technology Links

·            Internet Guides

·            Comparison Shopping Sites

·            Software Download and FREE Utility Sites

·            Computer Security

·            Free Online Security Scanners

·            Web Cameras  

·            Internet Search Tools

·            Coupon and Deal Finder Sites

·            Recycling Resources

·            Computer Lab Hours

·            Odds and Ends

·            Forums-Information-Tutorials-Videos

 

Please send suggestions or corrections to website.editor@outlook.com

Computers and Technology Links

  • Computing.net – in addition to the many technical support forums, you will find How-tos and instructions for novices 
  • CNET.com – the premier destination for tech product reviews, news, price comparisons, free software downloads, daily videos, and podcasts  .
  • Extreme Tech – Deep technology content for the IT community 
  • file.net – "File net is an online forum that makes available carefully researched information on just about any Windows file."   Plus offers an online file checking to verify type & content 
  • ghacks.net – Ghacks Technology News, a daily update website with software reviews, Windows and Linux and more along with tutorials as well as Internet news 
  • iFixit – The free repair manual and Owner Manuals  – "Fixing the world, one piece of hardware at a time." 
  • Kim Komando – Check out this Web site to see why Kim Komando is so popular with many of our SCUG members         
  • Microsoft Community  – "Over a half a million people go to Microsoft Community every day for help ."
  • Microsoft Support  – Find Solutions to your technical problems, popular Microsoft downloads, Key Resources for Home Users and more.
  • Microsoft Learn – Formerly TechNet, technical resources and tools for IT Professionals
  • Office Watch – Since 1996, the fearless news source for Microsoft Office users. Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.             
  • PC Magazine – your complete guide to PC computers, peripherals and upgrades 
  • PCWorld.Com – tech product reviews, tech news, how-to and free downloads 
  • Sysinternals Freeware – provides you with advanced utilities, technical information, and source code related to Windows 
  • Tech Guy – free tech support from volunteers/forums 
  • Techterms.com – free online dictionary of computer and technology terms 
  • Tweaks.com – this site is dedicated to improving and customizing Microsoft Windows

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Internet Search Tools

  • Ask – Formerly Ask Jeeves. "Ask.com is the #1 question answering service that delivers the best answers from the web and real people - all in one place." 
  • Dogpile – Dogpile is a meta-search engine that searches the Internet's top search engines such as Google, Yahoo!, and Bing. When you use Dogpile, you are actually searching several search engines simultaneously.
  • DuckDuckGo – Gets its results from over 30 resources including DuckDuckBot,(their own crawler), Help Pages (search help & tips), and it does not collect or share personal information. 
  • Google Search Engine – Crawler/Search Engine.  One of the largest search engines on the Internet, Google has become the pre-eminent Web search engine. 
  • Google Search Help – check out this page for a list of Google's many advanced search features and Tips.
  • Startpage – "Startpage is a global privacy technology company built around the principle of always putting privacy first. Our suite of easy-to-use privacy products helps anyone around the world to protect their personal data online.” 
  • SweetSearch – Site leverages Google to search only a fully vetted "whitelist" of websites. A search Engine for Students. 
  • Wolfram|Alpha – Math genius Stephen Wolfram's computational knowledge engine that draws on multiple sources to answer user queries directly. 

  • Yahoo! – A Portal. The oldest major directory and one of the Internet's most popular search sites. In addition to its web portal, Yahoo is also known for its search engine (Yahoo! Search), Yahoo! Directory, Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! News, advertising, online mapping (Yahoo! Maps), video sharing (Yahoo! Video), and social media websites and services. On July 29, 2009, Microsoft and Yahoo! announced a deal in which Bing would power Yahoo! Search.

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Internet Guides

  • AllMyFavs – Check out this really interesting site: All My Faves | Why Search? 
  • Broadbandnow -- BroadbandNow is the best place to find and compare local internet providers.
  • Essential Links:  – Portal to the Internet; Links for sites around the world.
  • Hotsheet.com – "the easy way to the best of the web for Breaking News from multiple sources” 

  • Website Builders.com – Find guides and videos about learning about computers and the Internet.  

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Comparison Shopping Sites

Note: Be aware that some comparison shopping sites may highlight advertisers over non-advertisers. To find out more about any of these sites look for their "About Us" type link and read more about the site. In fact, this is a good idea before doing business with anyone on the Web. Be sure they have a "real address and phone number" in case you need to get in touch with them, etc. There are many more comparison shopping sites on the Web. Also, the Better Business Bureau is a good place to find info on companies you are going to do business with. Below are a few comparison shopping sites to get you started. 

  • AddAll – use this book search engine to search for any new or used book, comparing the prices and services of over 40+ on-line sites, 20,000 sellers, and millions of books. 
  • BookFinder.com – a search engine where you can search through over 100 million new, used, rare, and out of print books for sale. 
  • Google Product Search  – Google's product shopping search engine. 
  • mySimon.com – On the net since 1998; now owned by CNET Networks. "mySimon is a comparison shopping site for almost everything: Apparel, computers, electronics, jewelry, video games, and more. We gather prices on millions of products from thousands of stores, so you can compare products and find the lowest price before you buy."  Note from mySimon Help page: "Some stores pay us a fee to be listed at the top of our search results, but you can always sort your results alphabetically by store, from lowest to highest price, or by merchant rating." 
  • PriceGrabber.com  – Use to find "free and unbiased information about products, services, merchants and sellers before making a purchase decision." 
  • Shopping.com – Formerly known as DealTime.com. Shopping.com, is an eBay company. Shopping.com is a leading price comparison site that allows you to shop online for the best deals and lowest prices. Our mission is to help consumers use the power of information to easily find, compare and buy products online - in less time and for the best price!  
  • ShopSleuth.com – ShopSleuth recommends alternatives to your favorite stores and brands. 
  • TechBargins – "Targeting the best deals in tech" 

  • Yahoo! Shopping – "Compare prices on millions of products, read reviews & find deals from over 100,000 stores."

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Coupon and Deal Finder Sites

  • CouponCabin – "Save with Coupon Cabin's free coupons, coupon codes & deals." 
  • DealCatcher.com – Started in July of 1999: "DealCatcher is an online community that helps shoppers save money and make educated purchases. On the site you will find online coupons, products, sales, reviews, and rebates. The site is updated throughout the day by its staff and forum members. We are dedicated to providing you with the tools needed to find the best deals online." 
  • Dealighted.com – A deal aggregator site. Deals and Coupons Search. 
  • dealnews.com – Breaking News on Deals for Computers, Electronics & Gadgetry. 
  • Groupon – features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in more than 500 markets and 44 countries, and soon beyond. (note)-You do have to enter your email address. 
  • Rakuten – Since our founding in 1997, Rakuten has helped shape the way people shop online, offering Cash Back, deals and shopping rewards on the world’s largest selection of products and services. 
  • RetailMeNot – From this site you can search coupon codes for over 90,000 stores! 
  • slickdeals.net – Features online deals and coupons on computers, electronics, books, gifts, toys, and other products. 
  • Specialoffers.com  – "We offer thousands of free online coupons, free shipping deals & other special offers from many top online stores." 

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Software Download and FREE Utility Sites

  • CNET Downloads  – Free software downloads and software reviews 
  • Convert File Type – Covertio is an on-line file type conversion tool. Large range of convert to/from choices available including picture > Icon (.ico) for custom icons on Desktops. 

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  • FileHippo  – One of the club's favorite download sites.  Contains freeware, demo and shareware programs to download in several categories. Also features latest updates and most popular downloads. 
  • FileHorse – FileHorse doesn't have a massive repository of software. Instead, this site focuses on stocking the best and most useful programs. Each product page has screenshots so you know what to expect. 
  • Gizmo's Freeware Reviews – This community-based site is operated by Ian "Gizmo" Richards with the able assistance of over 90 volunteer site editors. No downloads but reviews and where to get the best freeware on the web.  "No downloads, just honest advice and useful guidance." 
  • IrfanView – This is a very easy to use FREE graphics program. "IrfanView is a very fast, small, compact and innovative FREEWARE (for non-commercial use) graphic viewer for Windows  
  • LibreOffice – Libre Office is a free and powerful office suite, and a successor to OpenOffice.org (commonly known as OpenOffice). Its clean interface and feature-rich tools help you unleash your creativity and enhance your productivity. Compatible with MS-Office type files  
  • Mailwasher – "The Reliable Free Spam Blocker." "Use this powerful Anti-Spam software, a reliable spam blocker, that will effectively stop email spam. Discover the safe way to stop unwanted e-mails before they get to your computer." 
  • MajorGeeks – Even though the site looks like it hasn't been updated since the 1990s, Major Geeks has been one of the most reputable software download sites for some time. Its list of Top Freeware Picks is a great place to start, but don't be afraid to browse the left sidebar and look through all kinds of highly-rated programs that you might find handy.

  • Mozilla Firefox – try this browser as an alternative to Internet Explorer. Fans say it's fast and safe. 
  • Ninite Easy PC Setup – Silent Unattended Install Multiple Programs At Once. "Ninite is the fastest, easiest way to get software. Ninite will automatically download and install multiple apps unattended and 100% hands-free."
  • OpenOffice.org – "OpenOffice.org is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an Apache open-source project. Compatible with all other major office suites, the product is free to download, use, and distribute."
  • PrimoPDF – "the world's #1 Free PDF creator." – Simple as Drag and Drop easy conversion to .pdf.  
  • Print Friendly – Make any web page print friendly, and PDF. 
  • RealPlayer – RealPlayer® SP, the best free media player, lets you download video from thousands of Web sites - free - and share what matters most with your friends on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Twitter. 
  • Thunderbird – "Thunderbird delivers. Enjoy safe, fast, and easy email, with intelligent spam filters, quick message search, and customizable views. Brought to you by Mozilla, Thunderbird makes email better." 

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  • Windows Update Catalog – If you need a windows driver or hotfix from Microsoft, and automatic updates hasn’t installed it, go here…

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    Computer Security

    Note: The current versions of Windows 10 / 11 have very effective Anti-Virus Security and Firewall inherently. Caution  – You should only run one antivirus program at a time. Having more than one antivirus program active in memory uses additional resources and can result in program conflicts, false virus alerts, and lowered protection.  

    • Avast Free Antivirus – one of the most popular Free antivirus programs - used by millions. 
    • AVG Free Edition – Protect your computer from viruses with AVG's Free anti-virus software. AVG Free Edition is for private, non-commercial, single-home computer use only. 
    • Avira Personal – Another very popular Free antivirus product.  
    • CCleaner  The world's most popular PC cleaner. It protects your privacy and makes your computer faster and more secure.  Free download version available. 
    • File Repair – repair files damaged by virus, due to application failures, system crashes, network errors. 
    • Helpnet Security – latest news articles of what’s happening in Web. 

    ·         List of rogue security software – from Wikipedia 

    • Malwarebites – "Malwarebytes is a site dedicated to fighting malware. Malwarebytes has developed a variety of tools that can identify and remove malicious software from your computer. When your computer becomes infected, Malwarebytes can provide the needed assistance to remove the infection and restore the machine back to optimum performance." 
    • Microsoft Safety and Security Center – this site is full a valuable information on how to protect your computer, yourself and your family online. 
    • Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool – "This tool checks your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to remove the infection if it is found. Microsoft will release an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month." 
    • Norton Removal Tool – Use the Norton Removal Tool to remove a failed installation or a damaged Norton product.
    • Office Removal Tool – Use this tool to fully remove old OFFICE versions before Updating to newer.
    • Removal instructions – Have malware on your device? Check out these in-depth guides to learn how to remove it, from Malwarebytes. 
    • Rogue security software – read Wikipedia article. 
    • SUPERAntiSpyware.com – SUPERAntiSpyware Portable Scanner. Download this to a flash drive and run it on the infected PC. 

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    Free Online Security Scanners

    • From Trend Micro  – HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan - Trend Micro USA 
    • Bitdefender Safety Check  – Virus Scan :: Bitdefender Safety Check download. 
    • From ESET  – Free ESET Online Antivirus Scanner 
    • VirusTotal.com—Virus Total is a service that analyzes suspicious files, domains, IPs and URLs to detect malware and other breaches, automatically share them with the security community. Once the file transfer is done, you'll get the reply through the web interface using your browser. 

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    Forums / Informational / Instructional / Tutorial / Videos, etc.

    ·         Android Tips and Tricks – Discover ways to get the most out of your Android device; and Android Help topic search. 

    ·         APCUG – The Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG) is a worldwide organization that helps groups devoted to the world of technology, including computers, tablets, smartphones, digital photography, genealogy. 

    • Ask VG – AskVG.com (formerly known as Tweaking with Vishal) is a technology website launched by Vishal Gupta who is also known as VG in many online forums and blogs. AskVG has now become a popular website devoted to Windows tutorials, help and how-to guides and customization tips. 
    • Bob Gostischa – Bob is a Security Expert with Avast. He has presented programs for our group, and works with APCUG and Tech for Senior and many more. Several websites he posts to: Pinterest and Youtube.   
    • Carey Holzman YouTube videos – interesting videos on computer subjects 
    • Custom Guides – Site has lots of interactive training courses relating to Office products, Google Apps, and More. Also available are downloadable Quick Ref Guides, and eLearning materials.  
    • Chromebooks – Tech for Senior also has a Learning Chromebooks Tutorial section. 
    • GCFLearnFree.org – FREE online learning 
    • iPhone Life – Site covers all products offered by Apple with numerous tips and tutorials. 
    • Leila Gharani – Leila is a Microsoft MVP and also Excel certified, but also does tutorials for many other products. Her YouTube channel here… Leila Gharani - YouTube
    • MrExcel.com – Tips and Solutions for Excel 
    • Sele Training – This channel is your source for technology learning. “I work in IT and I’m here to show you helpful videos on a variety of topics I deal with every day.” 
    • SpreadsheetGuru – Chris Newman has spent much of his time absorbing the Microsoft Office Suite's capabilities, and is ready to pass on the knowledge acquired. His YouTube channel HERE
    • Tech Advisor – The rebrand to Tech Advisor was an acknowledgement of the changing tech habits of general consumers. We recognized that demand for the traditional desktop PC was waning, while smartphones, tablets and laptops were fast becoming the new personal computer. Explore their many info pages. 
    • Tech for Senior – Tech for Senior is a group of Seniors teaching technology. We have a weekly show on Mondays (ZOOM) and many other resources. 
    • TechBoomers  – Over 100 instructional videos and lots of interesting tech articles. 
    • ThioJoe – “I make technology videos, including tech news, reviews, and discussions. I also try to make complex topics not-boring.”  
    • Windows Chimp – Windows Chimp is an attempt to present the best resources for Microsoft Windows 10 (and 11) OS. It includes tips, tutorials and many other informational content in form of text articles as well as videos.  
    • Ten Forums – Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft. Ten Forums has Q-n-A plus Tutorials and a wealth of info.  
    • Eleven Forums – Windows 11 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft. Eleven Forums has Q-n-A plus Tutorials. Growing daily.
    • How to Make a Website - This beginner-friendly guide simplifies the website creation process, allowing anyone to build a website in an hour or less, perfect for those who aren't tech-savvy.

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    Recycling Resources

    • BatteriesPlus+ -- Locate a store, and see what they can recycle for you. 
    • Call2Recycle US – Recycling Your Rechargeable Batteries and Cell Phones. Use this website to find a recycling place in our area - yes there are several and it's FREE.  And this includes laptop batteries. 
    • CIMCO – Although all Cimco Recycling facilities accept electronic-, or e-waste, Cimco Recycling Sterling is especially set up to handle and process e-waste in all shapes and forms. 
    • Earth 911 – locate recycle centers near you to recycle electronic equipment and more 
    • Goodwill Industries – Yes, goodwill in Sterling is one of the locations! 
    • How to Reduce Electronics Waste – basic information from the EPA    
    • Illinois Recycling Laws – From the Illinois EPA 
    • Lee County – Lee County Electronics Recycle info (.pdf)  (click OK on message)
    • Ogle County – Info on Recycling Events for Ogle Co. 
    • Sterling Public Works – The City of Sterling Public Works Department will be collecting E-Waste.  Please call 815-632-6657 from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm to set up an appointment for drop-off at 1605 Ave L, Sterling, IL. 

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    Odds and Ends

    • Affordable Connectivity Program – The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, complete info here…Guidelines-2022.pdf (hhs.gov)  (click OK on message)
    • AllMyFavs – Check out this really interesting site:  All My Faves ~ Why Search?
    • BuildingAdvisor -- Building Advisor provides practical building advice – every step of the way. Also lots of How-it-works information.
    • Federal Bureau of Investigation – Report Cyber Crimes that threaten public safety and protect yourself. 
    • GetHuman – Find phone numbers for major companies and more. Smart consumer tools to help you get info and get in touch with companies. 
    • Identity Theft Resource Center – ".a nonprofit, nationally respected organization dedicated exclusively to the understanding and prevention of identity theft. The ITRC provides victim and consumer support as well as public education." 
    • Inspect-A-Pedia -- A sister site to BuildingAdvisor, Inspect-a-pedia offers more in-depth info in all areas of maintenance and repair.
    • Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – The mission of the Internet Crime Complaint Center is to provide the public with a reliable and convenient reporting mechanism to submit information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning suspected Internet-facilitated criminal activity and to develop effective alliances with law enforcement and industry partners. 
    • How-To Geek – Computer Help from your Friendly How-To Geek.  Includes help, tutorials, tips and how-to guides for Windows and Linux. 
    • refdesk.com – "The single best source for facts on the Net." 
    • Snopes – "the definitive Internet reference source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation"
    • Wikipedia – "Begun in 2001, Wikipedia has rapidly grown into the largest reference website on the Internet. The content of Wikipedia is free, written collaboratively by people from all around the world. This website is a wiki, which means that anyone with access to an Internet-connected computer can edit, correct, or improve information throughout the encyclopedia, simply by clicking the edit this page link (with a few minor exceptions such as protected articles)." 

    Manufacturer Websites for Drivers and OEM software.

    • Acer Support  – Starting point for ACER support, Drivers, Downloads. 
    • Apple Support – Starting point for APPLE Devices - all types.
    • Asus Support – Starting point for ASUS support, Drivers, Downloads. 
    • Dell Support – Starting point for DELL support, Drivers, Downloads.  
    • HP Support – Starting point for HP support, Drivers, Downloads.  
    • Lenovo Support – Starting point for LENOVO support, Drivers, Downloads.  
    • Surface Support – Starting point for Microsoft SURFACE devices. 

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    Web Cams

    As if one couldn’t spend enough time wandering YouTube alone, here are some other sites offering Live Webcams for your entertainment. Have a looksee, but also consider that there could be Time Zone differences.

    ·         Mangolink – Animal Cams and more. Select your favorite and watch-away.   

    ·         Another Mangolink site – More from around the world. (Select Transport for Train Cams) 

    ·         Train Crossing – LIVE at Rochelle (IL) Railway Park’s double-diamonds UP and BNSF crossing.

    ·         Local Weather – Local cams by Sauk Valley Weather.com 

    ·         Airport & Travel Cams –    Planes1                  Planes2            Webcamtaxi       to try a few. 

    ·         Hummingbirds – 9 yrs. Feeding Hummingbirds in Studio City, CA. 

    ·         Variety of Wildlife – Explore.org live cam webpage with feeds from around the World.

    ·         EarthCam – Popular feeds from around the World. 

    ·         Yellowstone – National Park Service cams. View Old Faithful and more…    

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