Software and Knowledge Resources
Here are links to websites that provide useful information on a variety of topics. These links are contributions from many FRPCUG members over several years. They are not listed to sell you anything, but are consistent with the not-for-profit educational mission of FRPCUG (please read the disclaimer at the bottom of the page).
Additional resource contributions from members are encouraged. Each suggestion will be given careful consideration and posted to this page if the content is deemed consistent with the educational content requirement.
Please note that there is a separate list of free online Tech Support resources on the Computer 911 page.
Members and non-members are encouraged to report broken links by sending a message to contact@frpcug.org.
Knowledge Resources
An old (more than 50 years old) Webster's dictionary uses the synonyms "awareness" and "understanding" in its definition of knowledge. Those words are particularly appropriate for the links in this category.
- Astronomy
From "Astronomy Picture of the Day" to "Basics of Spaceflight" to "SkyMaps," and much more. There are many links to a variety of astronomical and related topics on this page. Originally compiled by members Jack Linder and Jim Bramblett, this page is now carefully maintained by Jack Linder.
- Edge
This website was created by the Edge Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. "The mandate of Edge Foundation is to promote inquiry into and discussion of intellectual, philosophical, artistic, and literary issues, as well as to work for the intellectual and social achievement of society."
According to member Jim Bragonier, who contributed the link, this website offers "Thoughts of some of the world's greatest minds on the edge of culture and thought. A fascinating brush with brilliance."
- Larimer County Genealogical Society
For those interested in researching their ancestors, the Larimer County Genealogical Society offers research, learning and fellowship.
This link was contributed by member Jim Willard.
- Wikipedia
Would you like to know how flash memory works? Or how your hard drive stores and retrieves data? Or, perhaps you would like to know what makes High Definition TV different from Standard Definition TV. Wikipedia is an excellent source of accurate information on a very wide range of technical topics.
This link was contributed by member Mike Morris.
Internet Resources
- Finding Information on the Internet: A Tutorial
"This tutorial presents the substance of the web searching workshop offered by the Teaching Library at the University of California at Berkeley." Topics include Recommended Search Strategies, Evaluating Web Pages, a Glossary and more.
This link was contributed by member Charles McJilton.
- Internet Public Library
"The Internet Public Library is a public service organization and a learning/teaching environment founded at the University Of Michigan School Of Information and hosted by Drexel University's College of Information Science & Technology." This site truly has all of the resources of a large public library—for both adults and children.
This link was contributed by member Mike Morris.
- Internet Traffic Report
"The Internet Traffic Report monitors the flow of data around the world." Statistics are displayed on connection speed and reliability, lost packets, and other technical aspects of internet traffic.
This link was contributed by member Jack Linder.
Software Resources
Proprietary software, freeware, shareware, open source software. How is one to know whether free software (freeware) is reliable? What are the advantages and disadvantages of open source software? Does anyone test freeware?
The debate over proprietary vs. free software has been known to get very heated. For an objective discussion of this topic, connect to this Idealware report. Although the report compares Microsoft Office 2003 with Open Office 2.0, there is an excellent discussion of the different business philosophies between proprietary and open source software. Idealware is a non-profit organization that claims to provide "...candid Consumer-Reports-style reviews and articles about software of interest to nonprofits."
Here is a list of sites that provide links to free software downloads and reviews:
- Free Downloads
This is the CNET download page, with the following claims:
"Download.com offers a huge library of free and legal software downloads, music downloads, and game downloads. We provide timely, relevant, and credible information about important software updates and game releases as they come available. Our editors write unbiased reviews and ratings for thousands of free downloads, and they are committed to maintaining coverage that is objective and accurate. All the downloadable software, music, and games in our library undergo a rigorous testing process to ensure it is safe and spyware free."
- Free Software Foundation
"The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is a 501(c)3 donor supported charity founded in 1985 and based in Boston, MA, USA. The FSF has a worldwide mission to promote computer user freedom and to defend the rights of all free software users."
You won't find a long list of software on this site. You will find, instead, information on the GNU operating system and the philosophy behind free software.
This link was contributed by member Jim Bragonier.
- Freeware #1
The tag line for this website is "Your free software resource." There is no information on the website about the organization or people behind the website, although you will find a long list links on the "Partners" page. Presumably, those are links to the software suppliers/developers.
- Freeware #2
This website claims that it is "A place for you to look for great freeware that's been tried and reviewed by people just like you."
This link was contributed by member Rick Mattingly.
- Freeware #3
"All programs have been installed and tested by ourselves, so you can be sure that it works as promised. New programs are added regularly to all categories, and as soon as a new version of an already listed program becomes available, we immediately update its listing."
- Freeware #4
This website claims to offer "Best-ever Freeware" in a variety of categories. It also has "How to" guides and tutorials, and a freeware forum.
This link was contributed by member Bill Greger.
- GNU Operating System
This is a companion site to the Free Software Foundation website.
This link was contributed by member Jim Bragonier.
- Product Reviews
This is the CNET home page. "CNET is your premier source for tech product reviews, tech news, daily videos, and free downloads, as well as podcasts galore."
- Shareware
This is a separate CNET website that allows you to "search for shareware programs & free software."
- Tucows
"Our site is designed to provide users with solutions to Internet and technology problems. It includes a library of over 40,000 software titles available for download on a shareware, freeware or trial basis."
Local Hardware Resources
- There is a list of local computer/electronics manufacturing and service organizations. This list is maintained by FortNet. The links have not been verified by FRPCUG.
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Computers, computer services, networks and websites by Jamie Leben of IT-Works in Loveland.
- Custom computers from Joseph Kalovany of Stealth Machines in Fort Collins for the "hardcore gamer."
- Custom computers, parts and service from Run PC in Fort Collins.
Disclaimer
This information is made available as a service. Use of any information found in the websites listed above is at the sole risk of the user. Past positive reports on information received from these websites does not imply an endorsement of the website by Front Range PC Users Group or a guaranty of future success. Neither Front Range PC Users Group, nor its officers, nor its contributors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting from use of information found in these websites. All users are encouraged to report their experiences with these websites (or any other websites), good, bad or indifferent, to contact@frpcug.org.
