Computer Software

Software is the fuel that drives computers. Without software, and with apologies to Edward R. Murrow, its just a box with knobs, lights, and wires. These days the battle of operating systems is hotter than ever. Microsoft had some difficult times when they first released Vista, the latest version of the Windows operating system, because it had a reputation for being very slow, required a lot of memory, and had compatibility problems with several popular hardware accessories. Apple has been on a roll with their Unix-based operating system called OS-X. The combined popularity of the iPod and the iPhone have inspired many consumers to take a second look at Apple's line-up of desktop and notebook computers - long thought to be underpowered and too expensive for mainstream users. And then there are the upstarts - the Linux family of Open Source systems with popular variants like Ubuntu that make the cumbersome operating system behave more like its Mac and PC cousins. Its a very different world out there, and you have to do your homework in order to find the best tool for you, your business, and your family.

Microsoft Corporation
Maker of Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office, and more.

Apple Computer
Maker of the famous Macintosh computer line with the OS-X operating system, based on Unix.

Ubuntu
An open source version of Linux, the Unix-derivative operating system. Comes with a Windows-like user interface and a host of free basic tools like Open Office - the open source version of Microsoft Office.

PHP Net
The official site for information about the PHP programming language.

CPAN
The Perl supporters website that helps you use one of the most powerful and versatile programming languages. CPAN is host to hundreds of add-on modules that help you to work faster and more efficiently by not having to re-write code that is commonly needed.

Symantec Corp.
Purveyor of the oldest and most widely-used collection of utility and anti-virus software - The Norton series.