Add-ons for Mozilla based browsers |  If you never use any other Firefox add-ons, you MUST use this. Especially important if you have Java enabled on your browser. It does require user interaction but it is well worth the effort to protect your privacy AND computer. I use it in conjunction with  WOT (Web of Trust) to identify potentially dangerous sites.
| This is the home page located in Italy Informaction. They also created other Firefox add-ons listed on this page. The creator has his own site and is listed under informative sites on this page I cannot overemphasise the usefulness of this tool in detecting sites that run scripts to gain access to your computer to do harm. See my note under Download Squad, detailing what occurred when I accessed their site. Please be careful if you do allow free reign to java scripted sites because one never knows which hacker is just waiting for an opportunity to compromise your computer. The one thing I feel would improve it, is integration with WOT. Then again, Giorgio is constantly updating the program and each time adding improvements. He suggests using it with AdBlock Plus, another Firefox add-on If you dare to use IE to access his sites, he chastises you (all in good humour) and advises using any browser NoScript runs on
I am definitely a  and recommend you become one too. Registered users can take part in rating sites and they have online forums where users share their perspectives and knowledge. This goes with my personal mantra: “No one knows everything, but we all know something”. | Free for both NoScript and WOT |
Download (and more) Sites |
| This was recommended by ZDNet, one of my greatest resources for free utilities and security information 24 Killer Apps for your USB. This is where I found CCleaner, Revo UnInstaller, Treesize Free and other useful tools that I mentioned in the How to Use Free Online Tools Meetup delivered by Andrew Patricio. When I accessed this site, the usefulness of NoScript and WOT really became evident as NoScript indicated there were a number of sites that wanted to run scripts. After checking with WOT, I marked 3 of them as dangerous and did not allow them to run scripts. | Free |
This site is operated by Ian "Gizmo" Richards with the able assistance of many volunteer site editors.
| The current wiki-style site relies on the contribution of dozens of volunteer editors who edit and moderate suggestions from thousands of site visitors. As a result, the range of software covered is ever increasing and quality of the reviews ever improving. Many free programs available. | Read this to see how you too can contribute to the site |
Informative | Ben.Edelman.Website | Research on Internet architecture and regulations | Free |
ZDNet blog explains why many computer users are baffled by Microsoft, and for that matter, corporate spokespersons who expound on the glories of their product until they develop a new flavour of the week Makes me think of the Clash song "SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO" | Mary-Jo Foley blogs about all things Microsoft There are many different ZDNet blogs about other operating systems and related topics. | Free |
A blog from Italy (or how Cynthia learned to love Firefox EVEN MORE and all their great add-ons, while working on her website) 
| Giorgio Maone's Bio written in English for those of us who wish we could be multi-lingual but missed all those classes Giorgio is the creator of NoScript (arguably my favourite Firefox add-on) and is most interesting to read. | Free |
One of my favourite "Geek" sites |
| Offers many free services and some premium services |
Microsoft | OfficeLabs I currently use: pptPlex and ChartAdvisor | Office Labs is staffed by Microsoft Developers, who create prototypes to be used with the Office programs. Users must agree to allow usage metrics as part of the install | Free to Office user. Note disclaimer mentioned |
CommunityClips | Community Clips enables Microsoft Office users to make, share, and view help videos for any of the programs in the MO suite of products. Registration enables users to make videos. WindowsLive to register | Free |
Security | 
| If your head is swimming because of all the products out there that claim to be the BEST, then check out AVAST and its spinning globe will replace that spinning head with a free and comprehensive solution to safeguard your computer and allow you a little peace of mind. Not bad for a product that has been highly recommended and tested by PC Magazine as one of the best and user friendly anti-virus programs available | Offers a free version for home users and corporate versions for a fee |
TrendMicro™ HijackThis™
| HijackThis™ is a free utility that quickly scans your Windows computer to find settings that may have been changed by spyware, malware or other unwanted programs. HijackThis creates a report, or log file, with the results of the scan. IMPORTANT: HijackThis does not determine what is good or bad. Do not make any changes to your computer settings unless you are an expert computer user. | Free and the site has other offers for a fee |
| It can be used online or downloaded and determines whether you need patches for any of the software on your computer. Vulnerabilities exist for any app you have that has not been updated with the latest security patches. It indicates which programs require patches and which programs are nearing their end of support phases. Once downloaded, it can be configured to start up at boot and will monitor any changes to software that occurs and inform the user. It also provides links into all of the software sites, where you can obtain the specific patches you require. Once the patches are applied, it changes the reference from insecure to patched. I cannot state how much it richly deserves the kudos ZDNet and others have given it. | Free for personal use |
Selling tools |
| Enables users to offer their services free or for a fee and to find members who have other skill sets the user requires | Free for now |
Tech Sites | BlackViper | Do not let this name fool you. Anyone who has pictures like this onsite has a special place in my heart. He really knows his Microsoft and keeps current on all the issues. | Free and accepts donations to help defray his costs. |
| This site offers news about technology that is comprehensive and current. Check them out for the latest reviews on software and hardware, tutorials, and much more. | Free |
Utilities | | | |
| Drop.io is the simplest way to share files online. Simply set up a private space to drop any files by phone, email, web, widget, or fax and then share them with whomever you want via a variety of outputs. | Check here for premium rates |
| Overview of how Widgenie can be used Enables data to be converted to a widget on a blog, website, etc. | Free and Fee |
| Convert files without the need to download software | Check here to see fees |