Information and Telecommunication Systems (ITS) does not provide Help Desk support for installing or trouble-shooting home computer problems. However there are a number of software applications that at home computer owners may find beneficial. LLCC does not support or take responsibility for any changes to the home computer that occur as a result of the installation of any software mentioned on this page.

The best way to ensure your computer is safe and healthy is to keep current with the latest updates, patches and security fixes.  Both Microsoft and Apple offer automatic updaters for their operating systems.

• Windows Update
• Apple Update

Most computers come with a browser already installed.  However, there are other browsers available for use that have many advantages over the stock browser on your computer.

• Firefox
• Mozilla
• Netscape
• Opera
• Avant Browser

You may need to install a plug-in to open a PDF document or watch a media file.  The plug-ins listed below are some of the commonly used ones you will come across while browsing the internet.  If you are having trouble opening a file, often times it is because the required plug-in (such as Adobe Acrobat) is out-of-date and should be ugraded to the newest version.  These plug-ins are free.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• QuickTime
• Flash Player
• Shockwave Player
• RealPlayer

To properly view Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, you must either have the program installed on your computer or have another program that can display the file. Many Word processors can open MS Word files without difficulty. Only PowerPoint or the PowerPoint Viewer can open PowerPoint files.

• Word Viewer
• Excel Viewer
• PowerPoint Viewer

Students of Lincoln Land Community College are eligible to purchase one copy of Microsoft Windows XP (operating system) for installation on their home computer for the reduced price of $63.00.  LLCC student can also purchase one copy of Microsoft Office 2003 Suite for the reduced price of $61.00 OR Microsoft Office 2007 Suite for the reduced price of $63.00.  Windows XP and Microsoft Office can be purchased from Registration.

OpenOffice is a multi-platform, multi-language office suite that is compatible with all other major office suites.  OpenOffice is free to download, use, and distribute.  The OpenOffice suite consists of Writer (word processor), Math (mathematical function creator), Calc (spreadsheet), Impress (multimedia presentations), Draw (create images) and Base (database).  OpenOffice is capable of creating PDF files.  If you do not have an office suite loaded on your home computer, OpenOffice is an inexpensive solution.

• OpenOffice

AbiWord is a small, fast, full-featured cross platform word processor.  AbiWord works on Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX 10.2 - 10.4.  The source code is freely available as well.

• AbiWord