Menu ☰    As well as your Operating System, Browser, Email, Internet Security Software and main programs, there are other programs that can be used to improve the functionality of your device, to keep it up to date, to keep it secure and to keep it running smoothly. Most notably, these include Adobe Flash and Java if you use them - and almost everyone uses Flash, if not Java. This is equally important whether you have a Windows PC/Laptop, Tablet or Phone, Apple computer, Tablet or Phone, Android Tablet or Phone, or even if you use Linux. None of these are safe if they are not kept up to date, though arguably Linux is the safest (and also the least used!). Check out the list of additional important software to keep your device running smoothly and up to date from the selections below.
(not including the obvious ones, listed above):

• Adobe Flash Player (Adobe)
• Adobe Reader (Adobe)
• Java Runtime (Java)
• Microsoft Office (Microsoft)
• Free Office (Softmaker)
• Libre Office (The Document Foundation)

Also included in your update checklist should be any Utilities or tools that you have installed, such as:

• CCleaner (Piriform.com)
• Advanced System Care (IoBit.com)
• Wise Registry Cleaner (WiseCleaner.com)
• Smart Defrag (IoBit.com)
• IObit Uninstaller (IoBit.com)
• Driver Update (IoBit.com)
• MozBackup (jasnapaka.com; an independent backup utility for Mozilla Firefox)

Or, of course, whichever ones you personally you have installed. This is just a small selection. Remote Connections and Helping Others: For those who ARE very IT capable and would like to be able to help friends and relatives, whether this is for technical help or safely using the internet, there are tools that allow you to connect remotely to other computers, laptops, tablets and even mobile phones, as long as you both have internet - so it's no good for fixing a broken internet connection! One of the easiest of these to use is Teamviewer, which is usable for free for personal use, but must be paid for if you are using it commercially, i.e., using it within your own business, or charging people for your help. There are many other similar tools, with varying ease of use, but Teamviewer is perhaps one of the easiest to use. **Beware** if someone offers to connect to your device though, if you don't already know and trust them! Do NOT allow anyone to sweet-talk you into letting them remotely log into your computer or other device, especially if they claim to be from your bank, the police, or your internet service provider - these people will NEVER ask for access to your device remotely - this is a SCAM, just hang up on them (see Be Aware)! In addition to these, make sure you regularly update your printer and scanner drivers and utilities, plus any other hardware drivers and utilities BEFORE you update anything though, it is a good idea to backup any personal data and set a System Restore Point, just in case! If an updated driver then fails to work, try 'Rolling Back' the driver first, before attempting a full System Restore, as this has risks of it's own! There are, of course, many, more tools and utilities available and we will be including more over time.