Catherine writes:

<<I suggested that she
should spend her money on the best hardware she can
afford, then run her computer on freeware for now.>>

<<System Protection: SystemSafe Gold>>

I don't know it, but I wouldn't trust any system protection software---they
usually cause more problems than they solve, even the bought ones.  If the
computer's any good, she won't need it.  If the system has problems, fix
the problems, don't cover them up, as this will only cause  more serious
problems long-term.

<<Mail Client: Outlook Express>>

Personally, I'd go for Eudora. It's more efficient, more user-friendly and
less prone to attack. I seem to spend more time helping friends sort out OE
than anything else. Depends on her experience. If she likes to use pretty
stationery (probably to the annoyance of her recipients) then go for OE .

Other basic freebies I wouldn't be without are Metapad, (as a Notepad
replacement), TweakUI, EZDesk (for restoring desktop icons after Safe Mode)
and Editplus if she needs just a simple word processor. Star Office has
been recommended, but may be overkill, depending on what she needs.

Don Penlington

Free computer tutorials at: http://www.geocities.com/donaldpen/
Also Fractal Galleries,  free icons,  poetry,  and beautiful Queensland beaches.

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