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Computers have become universal in our society and have spread to the point where it is no longer computer nerds and geeks who spend long hours at their computers. As the user base of computers has grown, the industry has adapted to make computers easier for the average consumer to use and purchase. One of the unfortunate side effects of that growth has been the rapid spread of viruses and spyware that make maintaining a computer that much more difficult for the average user.

If you use Microsoft products, it is necessary to purchase anti-virus software as well as a program to eliminate spyware that can potentially slow down your computer. Comodo is one good, free anti-virus program you can use. For spyware, I highly suggest the use of Spybot, which is also free. The use of Firefox instead of Internet Explorer for browsing the web can also help secure your computer. Firefox is a much more secure browser, and also has many different add-on features to make the browsing experience more secure and enjoyable.

If you use Mac, spyware and viruses tend to be nowhere near as much of a problem. From my experience thus far, I have found no need to use anti-virus or any type of spyware on my Mac. For users who can afford the high price of Mac computers, I would highly suggest this operating system for it's ease of use and relatively trouble free user experience. Mac stores located throughout the nation offer free diagnostics for your Mac machine, and the technicians are of high caliber.

From my experience, most computer users should be using neither Mac or Microsoft. Mac is too expensive for most, and Microsoft is way too insecure and needs too much maintenance for the average user, who just wants to get on the web and maybe use their e-mail to communicate with friends and colleagues.

What few people know is that there is an operating system that beats both of these products. The operating system is called "Ubuntu" and it is based on a previous free operating system "Linux". According to their website, http://www.ubuntu.com, Ubuntu means "Humanity to others" or "I am what I am because of who we all are". Their website states that it is their mission to "bring the spirit of Ubuntu to the software world".

Ubuntu is completely free to download and use and has no viruses or spyware. It's a shock more people aren't using it. If you're tired of dealing with viruses and spyware but can't afford a Mac, Ubuntu is the way to go.

Learn more about this author, Robert Codey.
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