Free Anti-Virus Software For Your Computer...

It surprises me how many people do not have any anti-virus running on their computer.  Now-a-days it is suicide to surf the web without some kind of anti-virus software running to help protect you from all those viruses out there!  Cost can be an issue as many anti-virus software companies charge big bucks for their software and then require you to purchase a subscription yearly to continue your coverage.  AVG has always believed that EVERYONE deserves basic security for their computer at no charge! 

I have been using this virus protection for years now and have never had an issue with it.  If you don't have any virus protection for your computer or if your subscription services ran out forever ago, AVG could be a good option for you.  Just click HERE if you want to download and install AVG Anti-Virus Free.

Remember, no anti-virus program is completely fail-safe.  Download and surf at your own risk.  Always practice safe surfing.

Free HP Photo Creative Software...

Want to make photo creations at home and print them on your own printer?  HP offers free software to get you started.  "With HP Photo Creations you can automatically make beautiful keepsakes with just a few mouse clicks; or you can take your time and customize your keepsakes with over 1,800 high quality artwork designs, 1,300 placeable graphics, placeable text boxes, custom fonts, borders, and dozens of photo editing tools."  (HP Website)

Choose between projects that you can print at home, or design and have them shipped to your home (this part isn't free of course!)  However, you can make photo books, scrapbook pages, prints & collages and photo cards all from the comfort of your own home with the ability to print right to your own printer! :)

Click HERE to find out more and get your free download!

Free Online Classes and more From HP plus Photoshop Elements 7 for only $59.99...

I taught myself computers when I was a stay at home mom by taking online classes. I would do them while the kids were napping or playing and enjoyed expanding my knowledge in different areas. Today, thanks to all the skills I acquired I work in the computer field and I still love to learn all I can about computers and software. One of my favorite sites for free, decent classes is the HP learning center. It has classes in lots of different areas:

• Digital Photography (Camera composition, creativity, taking close-ups, taking people shots, photo restoration, etc.)
  
• Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Vista, Web-building, Programming, etc.)


• IT Professionals (Data protection, security, firewalls, Linux, network infrastructure, etc.)


• Business Skills (Building & funding your business, time management, marketing, etc.)


• Computing and Networking (Networking basics, laptop pc's, server technology, backup strategies, etc.)


• Government & Education (Grant writing, IT management, virus protection, internet safety, web strategy, educator resources, etc.)


• Graphic Arts (Adobe Photoshop, large format printing, etc.)

But wait, it doesn't stop there. Want to learn to take better photo's? How about editing and restoring photos? HP has an entire Digital Photography Center dedicated to helping you pick out software and learning to use it. If you just want a very basic photo editor, they even offer their Photosmart Essentials software for free download!

Finally, HP also has a Creative Studio where you can download and print free projects. There is everything from a family tree to back seat summer travel games, to scrapbooking and NBA themed projects. If you are looking to upgrade to some serious photo software, you can also get the Download only (no cd) version of Photoshop Elements 7 for only $59.99. (This is the FULL version which regularly retails for $99.99 and is a HOAD.) This Photoshop offer ends July 6th, but you can download a 30 day trial version first to see if you like it!

Just make sure you have plenty of time to browse, learn and play before you get on HP's website. You probably won't want to leave for a bit.:)

Free Google Picasa image editing software...

I am often surprised by people who tell me they have never heard of Picasa. Picasa is free photo editing software from Google that is simple and easy to use. Ever wondered how your friends get those wonderful collages of pictures in their blogs. Ever wonder how their pictures look professional with glow lighting, soft focus, or color tinting? Have you wondered why they seem to get the perfect shot with perfect color, no red eye and cropped just perfectly? Are they super ultra talented photographers? Maybe... some are! But most probably just use photo imaging software... and many have the free Picasa.

Peaked your interest? Check out this 5 minute video introduction which shows you just how easy this editing software is and then click here to download the free software to your pc.

One thing that makes this software perfect for beginners is that picasa never changes your original pics. It protects your original files so you don't do something you regret.

Tomorrow I will introduce you to some other photo editing options that are available for free or cheap and tell you where and how you can get a HOAD ($40 off) on the famous Photoshop Elements 7 software. I will also point you to some cool online classes, so be sure to come back! :)