software [n.]

[mass noun] the programs and other operating information used by a computer. Compare with hardware

Oxford Dictionaries

This page looks at the major operating systems - Apple, Linux and Windows. Included are Help Pages, distribution information, FAQs, forums, version information, tutorials, more.

The Second Page looks at connections to a range of support for other major programs and processes and includes dictionaries and helpful lists, manual links and tutorials.

Please note that it is not possible to cover every program or process available. In many cases, Help Pages can be found either through the program or in documentation that comes with it.

Links to computing magazines with reviews, advice and assistance covering hardware and software are only found on the Hardware Help page, which targets core hardware and related areas such as networking.

Apple

Apple

Specific information, general information, link for all Apple operating systems, products.

• Apple Australia
  
• AppleCare Service & Support
  Knowledge base, downloads, manuals …
• Apple eNews
  Published fortnightly.
• AppleMatters
  ‘A serious yet irreverent look’.
• The Free iPod Book
  ‘The world’s most popular iPod and iTunes tutorial has returned for its third edition’.

Macintosh

Specific information, general information, links for all Mac operating systems.

• Accelerate Your Macintosh !
  Use databases for assistance.
• Apple Mac MobileMe
  ‘The simple way to keep everything in sync’.
• Focus on Mac Support
  Links to sites specialising in Mac support.
• MacFixIt
  ‘Troubleshooting for the Mac OS’. Every aspect and model.
• Mac Help Desk
  Files you can use, other resources.
• Mac Options
  Help, tutorials.
• MaCNN
  The news network for Macs.
• Macresource
  Similar to MaCNN.
• MacSpeedZone - Mac Upgrade and Performance Information …
  Upgrades, performance, machine specs, opinions, buyer’s guides, MaReviewZone and more.
• Older Mac Help
  For Mac OS 9 try here, for Mac OS X try here.
• Power Mac G4 Cube
  Answers to questions and queries.
• The iMac
  Tutorials, news.
• The Ultimate Mac
  Designed to help everyone.

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Linux

Linux Distributions

Major Linux distributions. Each has its own strengths.

• CrunchBang Linux
  ‘An Ubuntu based distribution’.
• Damn Small Linux
• Debian
• DoudouLinux
  ‘DoudouLinux is a system specially designed for children, to make computer use as easy and pleasant as possible for them [and for their parents too !]. DoudouLinux provides tens of applications that suit children from 2 to 12 years and tries to give them an environment as easy to use as a gaming console. Available as an autorun CDROM, DoudouLinux does not need installing. It does not touch the data in the computer it runs on, nor the system installed on the computer’.
• Elive
  ‘Built on top of Debian GNU/Linux and customised to meet your needs’.
• Fedora
• Freespire
  [Based on Ubuntu]
• Knoppix
• Lindows
• Linux Mint
• Mandriva
• SimplyMEPIS
  Easy to install and use.
• Novell
• openSUSE® Linux
• Puppy Linux
• RedHat
• Sabayon
• Solaris
  From Sun Microsystems.
• Ubuntu - Linux for Human Beings
• Xandros

General Sites

• 10 Sites Offering Free Linux Courses Online
  ‘Whether you’re new to Linux or an advanced user, you’re bound to have questions. Read this article for a list of universities and other institutions that offer free Linux courses, training and tutorials online’.
• A Complete History of Tux
  All about Tux, the Penguin associated with Linux and Linux products.
• DesktopLinux
  News, articles, forum, polls, more.
• DistroWatch
  Compares versions of Linux - features, specifications, links to other e-views.
• Free[code]
  For those with a well developed interest and some level of expertise.
  Previously listed as Freshmeat.
• IceWalkers
  Provides How to …, software map, polls, more. For people really into Linux.
• JustLinux
  ‘Forum. Get questions answered in a helpful manner from users who have been in your shoes. Browse our Help Files’.
• Linux
  News, software, documents, information for people about to start using Linux and those already using it. Advice from people using the system for some time.
• Linux Australia
  What is Linux ?, user groups, help, events, vendors, consultants, Tux, search help, where to get Linux.
• Linux Help
  ‘For all your Linux needs’.
• Linux Help Online
  Manuals for different versions, tricks and tips, not only the system, but using other programs with the system.
• Linux Journal
  Original journal on Linux. RSS feeds, more.
• LinuxLinks - The Guide
  ‘A compendium of essential linux information consisting of terms and definitions with entries sorted alphabetically. Clicking on the links allows you to browse the guide’. Also has software, forum, more.
• Linuxtopia
  ‘Free Online Linux Technical Books and Tutorials’.
• Tech World
  Everything about Linux, copies of the program, copies for purchase, resources.
• The Linux Gurus
• Why Linux Still Sucks
  Not an anti-site but by people who realise there are still problems with the program. If you would prefere to watch a video, you might try Why Linux Sucks [Less Than Before] - YouTube [64 min.].

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Windows

Microsoft

Specific information, general information, link for all Microsoft systems and products.

• Best Free Microsoft Downloads
  ‘Microsoft does provide a collection of Free software that is definitely worth checking out. This article is designed to provide an overview of the best Free Microsoft programs’.
• Making the Most of Word
  Shauna Kelly. Tutorials from basic concepts to layouts, sharing. Covers some aspects of Excel/Word linkages.
• Microsoft Australia
• Microsoft Fix it Solution Centre
  ‘Welcome to the Fix it Solution Centre. Find automated solutions for your issues’. 3 step approach.
• Microsoft Support
  Amazing database on all Microsoft software.
• Microsoft Watch
  Not from, but about, Microsoft.
• TechNet Archive
  Older content still of interest to users.
• The Road to Know Where
  Ultimate List of Free Windows XP Software from Microsoft. Someone has saved everyone else a huge amount of searching by providing an annotated listing of Free downloads from Microsoft.
• Windows Sysinternals
  Utilities for all areas of Windows, forum, blog, other information.
• Windows Update
  Checks what you need and helps you do it.

PC [General]

Specific information, general information, link for PCs and PC maintenance.

• Answers That Work
  Solutions, Helpdesk, PC Troubleshooting.
• FREE Windows Tutorials
  ‘Free tutorials arranged in categories. Don’t pay for expensive instructor led training when you can get video tutorials Free !’ A good example is the Mouse Tutorial which ‘helps you master basic computer mouse skills including copy and paste, drag and drop, double click’.
• Infinisource
  Updates, tips, tricks, how-to articles.
• Malek’s Tips
  Tips basic to higher levels. Sections relating to versions of Windows, Office, spyware, digital cameras, more.
• The PC Guide !
  ‘One of the Internet’s premier sites for detailed PC reference information’.
• PCGuide
  Database of Q & A.
• PC Hell
  Advice, particularly for specific topics, e.g. How to remove … . Links to other Hells as well.
• PC Mechanic
  Another top class help site which provides information on all areas of computer hardware.
• PC911
  ‘Friendly, expert computer help’. Free help and also a premium process. How-to Articles and tips, freeware, tweaks, reviews, blog, information on processes, more.
• PC Pitstop Home
  ‘Free diagnostics on your PC to identify things that might improve performance’.
• PC Show & Tell
  Fee-based site, though not too expensive. Top quality tutorials.
• Simple Help - Common questions, simple answers
  ‘The main purpose of Simplehelp.net is to help beginner-to-intermediate computer users learn how to do various things with their computers. Simplehelp.net teaches a wide variety of topics to all levels, such as troubleshooting email, preventing spam and removing spyware. Each of the tutorials on Simplehelp.net gives step-by-step instructions that help answer frequently asked questions using easily-understood graphics and language’.
• Tips4Pc
  Free Computer Help for Everyone. Basics, terms, networking, Vista, XP, Outlook Express, maintenance, webpage help, troubleshooting. Access their forum for further help.
• To The PC
  Tools, downloads, Image, Tips [archive], Techno, Video, ToolBOX, iPad Tips, more.

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Windows

Specific information, general information, links for all Windows operating systems.

General Sites

• All Windows & More
  Every version, Office, IE & Outlook Express.
• AXCEL216’s MAX Speeed WinDOwS©
  Tricks, Secrets. Win 3.1 to Win XP.
• Beginner’s Guide to Word Processing
  Information on word processing, using Microsoft Word. Part of a larger site that covers Training and Learning in IT with an emphasis on Microsoft software.
• Computer Training 2000
  Free online tutorials covering Windows operating systems, other Microsoft products, e.g. Office. Also Palm, general articles.
• Doug’s Windows Tweaks and Tips
  Doug Knox. All aspects of windows.
• IT Information and Help
  Access by using the link to IT Page in the menu. Topic help, links to Free software.
• Michael Stevens Tech
  Help listed under major headings.
• Paul Thurrott’s Supersite for Windows
  Covers all versions from Windows 9X, Windows Live, Office, Windows Phone, Windows Server, Zune, Xbox 360, blogs, podcasts, more.
• Rick’s Web Page
  Specific help, links.
• Small Business Computing
  Hardware information, drivers, downloads, news, reviews, forums and tips.
  Previously listed as WinPlanet.
• The Fixor
• The Windows Club
  News, features, tips, security, downloads, Vista, Live, IE, forum, general, more.
• TheWinForums
  What people are saying, asking, telling, … .
• Troubleshooting
  Guide for Windows 95/98/Millennium/XP.
• Windows
  OS’s back to Win95, other topics. Great Portal.
• Windows Annoyances
  Includes options for their elimination.
• Windows Basics and Tips
  ‘Free eBook on Windows basics. Just look at the teaser questions and you will get the idea of what type of things we discuss here’.
• Windows Galore
• Windows Registry Guide
  Windows XP, 2000, NT, 98, 95, Me.
• WinHLP
  Blogs, Chat, Forums, Recent Posts, more.
• Wintricks
  ‘For all versions of Windows, the Registry, Desktop, Laptop, Internet, more. This program is easy to navigate with complete instructions on all of our Tips and Tricks. New Tips/Tricks for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Google Chrome, more’.

Windows 3x

• Basic Microsoft Windows 3.x Troubleshooting
• Win 3x
  Some people still use it !

Windows 95/98

• Windows 98
  From Microsoft. Downloads as well.
• Windows 98 Central
  Overview, links to further information.
• Windows 98 : Tips & Tricks
  Also latest news.

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Windows XP

• TheElder Geek, The
  Windows XP - news, help.

Kelly’s Korner

Assistance for Windows XP, the following being among the best. Having tried several we know they work, but as with all things, take care.

• Troubleshooting Windows XP
• Tweaks and Fixes for Windows XP
  Specific fixes you can download and use.
• Windows XP from A-Z
  Alphabetical listing. Advice, solutions, information, more.
• Windows XP Security Checklist
  Specific ways of increasing security for Windows XP.

• Windows XP, A - Z
• Windows XP Tutor

Windows Vista

• Drivers for Windows Vista
  ‘Latest Windows Vista drivers, provides direct links to the files for downloads’.
• How Windows Vista Works
  HowStuffWorks. Clear information, easily absorbed.
• The Win Vista Club
  Also includes material on Windows 7.
• Windows Vista
  The Microsoft home page. Its development history is found here.
• Windows Developer Centre
  Information about Vista and related products, including Windows 7.
• Windows Vista Goodies
  ‘Ultimate List of Free Windows Vista Software & Resources from Microsoft’.
• Windows Vista Troubleshooting [FAQ]
  FAQs with corresponding answers.
• Windows Vista User Guide
  ‘Concise, easy to follow guide on how to get started with Windows Vista. Contains information about the various editions of Windows Vista, from Windows Vista starter to Windows Vista Ultimate Edition’. From beginners to professionals.

Windows 7

• 7tutorials
  Tutorials on different aspects, Genuine Help, Security for Everyone, blog, more.
• The 30 Best Features of Windows 7
  Done by PC & Tech Authority in February of 2009.
• The Windows 7 Blog
  Information via a blog from the people who developing the program. Links to other blogs on Windows.
• Welcome to Windows 7
  The Microsoft home page for information on this program.
• Windows 7 Solution Centre
  Latest news, videos, Tips, tweaks, tutorials for Windows 7.
• Windows 7 for Beginners
  ‘The eBook covers topics which would typically interest a novice wanting to start using Windows 7 or a beginner trying to get his hands wet on Windows 7’.
• Windows 7 Forums
  ‘A support forum for Windows 7. Discuss and find solutions to general problems not covered in other specific support areas’.
• Windows 7 Help Tips and How-to
  ‘Blog about Windows 7 Tips, Microsoft 7 tutorial for Problem Troubleshooting and Windows 7 Install guide’.
• Windows 7 Videos

Windows 8

• Building Windows 8 - MSDN Blogs
  ‘An inside look from the Windows engineering team’.
• Windows 8 Consumer Preview
  FAQs, download, getting started, apps, more.
• Windows 8 : What You Need to Know [PCWorld]
  ‘Your questions about Microsoft’s latest operating system, answered’.

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