What applications have I got on my computer?
A variety of software programs, or applications, are included on a computer when you purchase it. Often these include word processing programmes like 'Word'®, spreadsheeting programmes like 'Excel'® and graphics programs like 'Publisher'® or 'Pagemaker'®. Additional software for the computer can be purchased at a retail outlet, purchased online or downloaded free, or for a fee, from the Internet. This additional software can add a wide variety of capabilities to your computer, including: accounting packages, graphic arts programs, game playing software and even additional computer security programs. There are also programs called plug-ins that are written to add additional functionality to an existing program and there are 'add-ons', which can enhance your computer with fun things like animated cursors.
Downloading any free software (freeware) or shareware (normally there's a cost involved) can be problematic if the source is not trusted and reliable. There can also be additional software programs included in those downloads (spyware) that you may be unaware of. Look for software from companies you can trust, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader® (to read .pdf files) or QuickTime Player® (a multi-media player), or software that has been recommended by a source you trust.
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