Links

Local Maine Internet Service Providers

• Great Works Internet: GWI offers local dialup and high speed broadband internet service.

National Internet Service Providers

• Fairpoint Communications: Fairpoint Communications, formerly known as Verizon, offers local dialup and high speed broadband DSL internet service. Available in select areas of Maine.
• Time Warner Cable: Time Warner Roadrunner Internet service offers high speed broadband cable internet service. Available throughout Maine.
• Localnet: Localnet is a nationwide internet service provider offering dialup internet connections for low monthly prices. Makes a great backup internet connection, or if you travel and need internet service. Be sure to tell them I referred them to you.

Local Maine Web Design Companies

Recommended Website Hosting

• Dreamhost: Dreamhost offers personal and business webhosting services with tons of space and plenty of bandwidth for even the busiest of websites. I've found them to have excellent customer support. Try them out.

Local Maine Computer Users Groups

• KVCS: The Kennebec Valley Computer Society is a computer users group that meets once a month in the Augusta area. The group is open to the general public. It is a great place to learn something new about computers and get problems solved.
• Melug-Central: The MainE Linux Users Group is a users group interested in using linux in every day life. Linux is an alternative, free operating system that can be downloaded fvor free. Melug-Central meets once a month at KVCC in Fairfield. It is open to general public. Come join in on the discussions about linux and learn what it is all about.
• TechMaine: TechMaine (formerly MESDA) is the association for Maine's software, Internet and information technology industry. TechMaine delivers networking opportunities, information, user groups, seminars, programs and services for Maine technology companies.

Local Maine General Interest Links

• Town of Oakland: The official town of Oakland, Maine web site. News, history, links, and e-mail addresses for the town officials.
• City of Waterville: The official City of Waterville, Maine web site. It has lots of information, news, links, e-mail addresses, and two live webcams of the city. Check it out!
• HometownUSA Oakland: HometownUSA provides links and other information about the town of Oakland.
• MidMaine Chamber of Commerce: Check out the lists of businesses who are members. Has more info on how to become a member and other helpful links for doing business here in Central Maine.
• Morning Sentinel Newspaper: The online version of the local newspaper. Read about news, weather, jobs, and classifieds happening here in the Waterville area.
• Kennebec Journal Newspaper: The online version of the local newspaper. Read about news, weather, jobs, and classifieds happening here in the Augusta area.
• Uncle Henry's: Online is the famous newspaper to list for sale, wanted, or trade items of any kind.
• Summertime in the Belgrades: Summertime in the Belgrades is a local newspaper for the Belgrade Lakes region. Packed with news articles, a business directory, and other helpful info to keep you in touch with the area.
• EZ To Use BigBook: EZToUseBigBook is a new phonebook being distributed throughout the state of Maine. Be sure to see our ad in the Augusta/Waterville, and the Somerset County books under Computer Dealers.

Important Computer Security Links

• Windows Update: Microsoft offers free patches for its Windows operating systems. I suggest ALL Windows users visit this site weekly and download all of the critical updates listed there. Make sure to either set your automatic updates to ON or visit this web site once a week.
• Office Update: Microsoft offers free patches for its Office line of software. I recommend that ALL Office users visit this site, download, and install all of the critical updates. Make sure to have your installation cd handy and also visit this web site once a week.
• Symantec Security Response: Symantec, who publish the popular Norton software titles, created this web site to inform computer users of the latest virus threats. They offer a searchable knowledge base and free tools to remove common viruses. They also have good links to other security-related information.
• Grc.com: Steve Gibson at Grc.com has a lot of security information, tools, and a free firewall test program on the site called "Shields Up" which tests your firewall (or lack of) to see how secure it is.
• Internet Storm Center at SANS: The Internet Storm Center is a web site run by the SANS group which has daily information on the latest viruses, scams, and other malware running loose on the internet. Individuals submit information to the daily Handler who posts new vulnerabilities and viruses for others to read. Highly recommended to visit.

Antivirus and Spyware Removal Software Vendors

• Trendmicro's Online Virus Scanner: Trendmicro has an online virus scanner that will find and remove viruses from your computer. Works well.
• Panda Security Online Virus and Spyware Scanner: Panda Security has an online virus and spyware scanner. Works very well.
• BitDefender Online Antivirus Scanner: BitDefender also has an online antivirus scanner. Works as well as the others listed above.
• Virustotal.com: Virustotal has a web site set up to allow a visitor to submit a file that they believe is a virus, trojan, or malware. Virustotal will then scan the file in realtime against 14 antivirus scanners and report the results back to you.
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: Malwarebytes created the program Anti-Malware to find and remove malware from your Windows PC. I have used this product in the past with good success at removing malware and trojans from infected computers. Highly recommended.
• Spybot Search & Destroy: Spybot is another malware/spyware removal tool. Completely free and highly recommended.
• Spyware Warrior's Software List: While not a pc security software vendor, Spyware Warrior has compiled an extensive list of known bad or possibly bad "security" software out there. They explain why the software is suspected or known bad, such as ties to media companies, known processes that can cause harm to your computer, etc. Highly recommended that you check this list first, before buying any security software.

Computer Software Links

• Microsoft Security Essentials: Microsoft has recently made available a free antivirus and malware removal program called Security Essentials. I've found it works very well, with low resource use, and has good detection/removal rates. Check it out.
• Avast: Another very good antivirus program made for your Windows PC is called Avast. I also recommend using this product on all of your Windows PCs.
• Mozilla Firefox: Mozilla Firefox is an alternative web browser that runs on Windows, Macs, Linux, and other operating systems. It is fast, easy to use, and a bit more secure than Internet Explorer. I recommend everyone download this free application and use it as your default web browser.
• Mozilla Thunderbird: Mozilla Thunderbird is an alternative e-mail client that runs on Windows, Macs, Linux, and other operating systems. It is fast, easy to use, and a bit more secure than Outlook or Outlook Express. I recommend everyone download this free application and use it as your default e-mail client software.

Data Backup and Recovery Services

• iDrive.com: iDrive.com is an online data backup service that allows you to securely backup your data from your home or office computers and stores them encrypted on iDrive.com's servers. Great service to have for offsite data backup. Highly recommended!

General Interest Links

• Google: One of the most popular, easy to use, and fast search engines for the internet.
• BroadbandReports: A popular web site with news and forums about ISPs and technology around them.
• Slashdot: Slashdot provides computer enthusiasts with their daily dose of news related to the world, technology, and science. Great links and information.
• MajorGeeks: MajorGeeks is an online repository for popular computer software downloads. They have a vast array of downloadable antivirus, spyware, and other tools. Great speeds, with a minimum of ads.
• PCRepairDirectory: PC Repair Directory lists computer repair companies throughout the US. See our ad there.
• Techsoup.com Computer Recycling: Techsoup.com has a nice page with links and information about properly recycling your old computer that you may have stored away that you want to get rid of in an environmentally responsible way.

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• InsiderPages.com: Check out our ad on InsiderPages.com. Please write a review if you are a customer. New customers, download the coupon to save $$$ on your first appointment.
• MaineBusinessListings.com: MaineBusinessListings.com is a directory of businesses operating in this state. Check out my ad on the site.

Have a link you wish to submit? Please contact me and I will add it. Thanks.

Last updated: 01/08/2010