If there are open-source web browsers, why not have e-mail programs?

We have open-source web browsers, such as the one we spoke about earlier. Firefox is an excellent web browser, like we stated, but the question still remains: If there are better web browsers, why not have better email applications? Well, there are. I use one known as Mozilla Thunderbird, because it offers many things for the user, such as:

• Built-in RSS reader
• Full Email application
• Add-ons for your customization pleasure
• Custom themes to change the program

As you can see, this is a great program if it includes all of these resources. Mozilla Thunderbird is only one of several email programs. I simply use it as it satisfies what I want. You may want to try it, as it may help you and make it easier to email.

Product Review: Avira AntiVirus Free Edition

Alright everybody, as I stated I will be adding reviews from time to time. So here is one for a product that I use and enjoy!

Avira AntiVirus Free Edition

You may have heard of it, then again you might not have. But we all know that viruses infect our computers daily. We also know that they are a hassle, and a pain to get rid of. A third thing is that most of the time a "free" virus scanner only does that: scans. It does not remove anything. It tells us that we have a virus, and gives us one of two options:

• Buy their product and fix the viruses.
• Use a tool we trust, or another tool, to remove the infection.

Well, friends, I am as sick of the fake listings as you are. However, I have found a tool that I use all of the time, and I find to work extremely well, even better than a program that must be paid for. Now, I need to point out something. ***If you are a company owner, a business owner, or just someone who does the computer work for an industry, my advice to you is BUY THE PAID VERSION or BUY A PRODUCT! If you use a free version, there is little to no chance of getting any "insurance" if you are infected with a virus. You would be much safer using a paid-for version.*** Now, don't get me wrong, the free version works, to my opinion, as well as a paid version. I believe, however, that a company or business would be better off with a product tat they purchase, as most offer a guarantee if you get infected while running their scanner.

Getting back to where we were, though. What is Avira you may ask? Well, I call it an "real-time" virus scanner. I also call it a virus scanner and remover that "stops 'em in their tracks". I find the best part of this scanner is that it allows you to choose a number of actions, such as Delete the virus, Move to quarantine, Rename the file, or Ignore the file. And this can be done as soon as a virus is detected. Why is that better? Because it allows the virus to be removed in less time.
Avira also provides the on-acces protection that most free programs don't have. It is continuously scanning your computer, and testing for virus as you do your normal, every-day tasks. No, this does not make your computer slower at all. Here is the best points about it that I find:

• Real-Time scanner
• "On-Find" removal
• Constant, Daily updates
• Right-Click file scanner
• Price: FREE!!!

So, if you need a great virus scanner that you can trust, I highly recommend this scanner.
Take a look, and download today at www.avira.com . No, that is not my affiliate link, and I don't get paid if you click it, so I am not just trying to get you to buy it so I earn money. I am just trying to give you a great tool that will assist you when you need a scanner!
Zach S.

Which is better: Open Source or Closed?----Part 1

Well, previously, I hit on the amazing open source web browser Firefox. The most unique thing about that particular web browser is that it is open source. But open source applications, such as Firefox, are not just limited to running inside of an O/S, such as Windows XP, etc. There are, if you are unfamiliar with them, open-source operating systems that even rival retail O/S's in functionality. When you hear of Linux, you probably say one of 2 things: "What is Linux" or "Linux is open-source, but isn't it just that hard to use DOS style O/S?" Well, that is where you are wrong. Linux has many, as I call them, daughter O/S's, such as the famous Ubuntu, Fedora Core, Red Hat, etc. I will say that there are still some versions of Linux which are still DOS related, but many are now using a full GUI in their O/S. Take Ubuntu for instance; Many of the features in it completely rival Windows Vista. Similarities in the GUI of the two O/S's are as follows:

Windows Vista

• Flip-3D effect
• Windows Aero transparency and effects
• Gadgets on the sidebars

Ubuntu

• Full emulated desktop environment supporting 4 or more desktops
• "Jiggily" windows that litterally act like JELLO when dragged
• Out-Of-The-Box Multi-Monitor support

So, as you can easily see, switching to an open-source O/S such as Ubuntu will not include sacrificing great graphics. Personally, I find the system a little tricky tounderstand at first, but you can easily figure it out with a little practice. So, to sum up this post, Linux in general is not a bad option, and gives you great, if not better, graphic effects than Windows. Stay tuned for the next post coming soon!

Firefox - The Better Web Browser

Let's start off well: How many of you use Firefox? You probably have heard of it, but if not, what it is is a web browser. Not just a web browser, A Better Web Browser! Why? It works better than any web browser released. Netscape was good, Opera is not bad (especially if you use it on the Wii game console), and Safari - well, not my favorite. Why Firefox? It is Open-Source! That is the key. It allows any developer to write code for it. Thus, if there is a security break or bug, any developer who knows code can easily make a patch or fix for it. Another great feature is that there are over 300 add-ons for the program, such as built-in mp3 players, eBay watchers, and even stock news headers. You can mix and match, customizing what you like, how you want it to feel, etc. Don't like the look of Firefox? You can download one of over 100's of themes. So, to sum it all up, Firefox is one of the best web browsers to be invented! And what does it cost you? Nothing! Not a penny!
Go grab yourself a copy of Firefox, and start using it today!
Zach S.

Welcome to ZPCREPAIR!

Hello, and welcome to ZPCREPAIR - Answers About Technology Today!
My name is Zach S. I am a high-school homeschooled student studying the fields of computers, technology, and all that fall in between. Here you will find information about the latest advances in technology, the newest products in computing, and even just my comments on electronics, computers, and the like. What will you find here?

• Simple, down-to-earth articles
• Advanced articles for you computer gurus out there
• My comments on technology

Check back often, I post frequently around my school hours.
Zach S.