Why do you write free software?
My software is usually the result of resolving a business or personal need. In trying to find a solution, or the lack of finding a solution, leads me to usually build the simplest and most direct solution possible. Using these applications as a aide to learning new software languages and ensuring that I don't need to redesign my applications, I usually build in the required flexibility including features I don't need to make this application useful to others. I usually test my applications on friends, family or colleagues as well as in multiple environments before release.
Admittedly releases may be haphazard as I am not a commercial business but I do this as a way to see some of the tools and utilities I have built have a useful life and be as useful to others as they were to me.
If you have any questions about any of my applications please contact me and I will be more than happy to help.
Can I view this site on my PDA?
Yes, you can if you own a Pocket PC. I have setup a version of my site for Internet Explorer for any Windows Mobile or Pocket PC device. If you try to go to my normal website address from your device you will be immediately diverted to the PDA site.
This site has access to all of the information of chris.dunn.name but in a much more appropriate format for the PDA with a simple icon based menu system. Even a customer software menu.
If you have any trouble accessing the site it can also be found at http://www.chris.dunn.name/mobile/ although it will not work for any browser except IE on Pocket PC, it will divert to here.
Below are some screenshots of the new Mobile site.
Happy Mobile Surfing.
Resistor Colour Calculator
This handy reference chart helps determine the size of a resistor from it's colour code.
Resistor Colour Code Calculator
Do I need Antivirus if I have a firewall?
Yes. Firewalls block information from coming in and out, like a security guard at a gate. If a bug does manage to pass this gate however you still need to make sure it cannot do any damage. An antivirus program will not only scan your computer regularly for bugs but it will also identify bugs or suspicious programs when they try to act. Antivirus programs are only as good as their databases. This means you have to update them regularly.
Antivirus Programs:
AVG FREE Edition
Do I need a Firewall?
Yes, Yes, Yes. These days internet security is paramount especially if you use a broadband or always-on connection. The firewall built into Windows XP is not sufficient. A new one is to be released shortly to replace it. A good firewall will stop people from attacking or accessing your computer without your permission and it will stop bugs that get into your system from escaping with valuable information.
Without one you are not only allowing your computer to be infected but you are allowing your computer to infect others.
To test your computer security visit:
Gibson Research
Firewall Programs:
Kerio Personal Firewall (I prefer version 2 - Available here)
ZoneAlarm
My net connection is slow and I think my computer has bugs?
If you are having problems with your internet connection, viewing pages in your browser, overt advertising or similiar you might have inadvertantly downloaded an ad-ware or spy-ware program. Some programs come with applications that send information about your viewing habits back to them for marketing purpose or provide you with targeted advertisements. Others simply download ads, change your browser homepage or other settings or other mischievious changes. The worst applications can hijack your internet connection and reconnect you overseas or to high charge numbers, even while you are asleep, causing you to rack up massive phone bills. A lot of people have been caught out by this.
To catch and remove the Gremlins use a firewall, antivirus and a spy-ware and ad-ware removal programs.
Spyware/Adware Removal Programs:
Lavasoft AdAware
Spybot Search & Destroy
a squared
I use Ad-Aware regularly. It is updated often to ensure it is effective (almost weekly).
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