A brief list of useful sites
Google uk
The ubiquitous search engine (uses complex algorithms to trawl the web) with over 50% search share.
Yahoo uk
A Web directory, rather than a search engine, it is maintained by human editors. Number 2 to Google with over 20% search share.
Web browser software
You undoubtedly already have a browser installed on your computer. However, upgrading your browser to the latest version or even changing to a different one may improve the way you use and view sites.
Mozilla Firefox
Firefox is free, fast, full-featured and secure - perhaps the safest browser available. Mac, Windows and Linux versions available.
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox
Internet Explorer
Microsoft's browser software. You probably already have a version of this. If you're still using Internet Explorer 6, and you run a recent enough version of Windows, try moving to version 7 it's much better. Windows only.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie
Safari
Safari is Apple's own web browser and has come pre-installed on all new Macs since 2003. A Windows version was released in June 2007.
Opera
Opera is a free, fast, cross-platform browser with excellent standards support. Opera Mail email software is included. The browser built into Nintendo's Wii is based on Opera. Mac, Windows, Linux and other versions available.
Email client software
Mozilla Thunderbird
The biggest free, non-Microsoft, challenger to the old Outlook Express that almost every body has or had a version of.
http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird
Mail.app
Apple's standard email client.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/mail
Helper/plug-in software
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Read PDF files with this free software.
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat
readstep2_allversions.html
Adobe Flash Player
You need the free Flash Player plug-in to see certain web-based animations slide shows and other multi-media stuff.
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/about
