Internet Explorer is the browser of choice for many people as it is pre-installed on computers which have Windows Operating Systems on them when purchased. However, many people are unaware that they may be using an older version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer tool, and therefore not getting the best out of their web browsing experience.

Unfortunately hackers never seem to sleep and Windows Internet Explorer seems to be a prime target for their exploits. Recent media coverage has highlighted the Australian Federal Government warnings about Microsoft’s web browser being easy to infiltrate by hackers. Now is a great time to check for available Microsoft Internet Explorer updates and install them to your computer.

The information provided below is intended for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 users who do not have Windows Automatic Updates turned on. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, the quickest way to tell if you are up to date is to check your current version of internet explorer.

Below, is a simple step by step guide on the easiest way to update your computer to the latest version of Internet Explorer, however we would also recommend you look at alternative web browsers such as Firefox, Chrome or Opera as potentially more secure, faster free web browser alternatives. You may find it easier to print this information off, or look at it on another computer while performing the upgrade.

1. Go to the Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer home page at http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/internet-explorer/ and click on the large orange Download now button

2. On the next page, select your country and Operating System (if you are unsure about your operating system, this Quick Tip will show you how to find out what version of Windows you are using), you will then be taken to the page to download Internet Explorer update 8

3. On the next page, click on the Download button to begin the Download of the file to your computer, then select Save and choose the location where you would like the file saved. You must remember this location you choose as you will require it again.

Once the file has completed downloading, close any Internet Explorer browser windows you may have open, then double click on the file you just downloaded from Microsoft to install your new version of Internet Explorer. It will ask if you would like to transfer your bookmarks, passwords and other settings, reply Yes to this question so that these are transferred across to your new software.

We hope you have found this information of assistance while you perfor Windows Internet Explorer updates. If you have any questions please leave a comment in the box below or contact us directly by email.

This is a quick Skype software tip to personalise your Skype contact profile as your callers see it. The information is based on the latest version of Skype using Windows operating system, however it is similar for other versions of Skype and computer operating systems.

You will need an image in jpg, bmp or png format already saved to your computer.

1. Open the Skype software, then click on File, Edit your Profile.
2. Locate the default image in your profile and click on the Change button.
3. On the next screen click on Browse, then select your image and click on the Open button.
4. You will see the picture with a blue outline, click on OK, then click on Update on the next screen.

That’s it, all done! You have successfully updated your Skype VOIP Profile picture.

If you would like further assistance, please leave a comment or contact Cairns Computer Help directly.

Below is a step by step guide on how to update this on a Windows computer. You do not have to pay for the upgrade, or upgrade to a paid version. The link from the popup will take you to pages with paid upgrade options. So close those pages and the popup notification and follow along to upgrade to the latest version of AVG Free.

1. Open your favourite web browser and head to http://www.avg.com
2. Click on Downloads in the navigation menu toward the top of the page.
   

   Step 2 - Click on Image for Larger View

3. On the next page, scroll down past all of the excellent AVG Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware paid products, towards the bottom of the page, you will see AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition click on the button labelled Find Out More
   
   

   Step 3 - Click on Image for Larger View

4. This page shows a comparison of the features of AVG Free versus the paid version of the AVG products, scroll right to the bottom until you see the red download button under the Free product
   

   Step 4 - Click on Image for Larger View

5. Click on the red download button and fill out the form presented, then click on Continue
   

   Step 5 - Click on Image for Larger View

6. Click on the tab labelled Installation File, then click on the red Download AVG button.
   

   Step 6 - Click on Image for Larger View

   You will see these instructions

   from http://www.avgfree.com.au/thankyou.cfm?type=free#tba2

   Installation Notes:

   • When you are prompted, please do not open this file directly from the Internet, but click the “Save” button and choose a location where the installation file should be stored. We recommend saving the file to the Desktop or your My Documents folder.
   • If you are moving from another anti-virus software product other than AVG you MUST UNINSTALL the old product BEFORE installing your new AVG 8.0 software. In most cases, you will be able to do this by using the “Add/Remove Programs” (in Windows XP) or “Programs & Features” (in Windows Vista) in the Windows “Control Panel”. Then reboot your computer.
   • Locate the downloaded AVG installation file (it has a four color square icon and its name starts with AVG…) and launch the installation by double-clicking on it.
   • Follow the installation wizard.

7. Below are instructions for the Installation Wizard

• select language and click next
  

  Install Wizard Step 1 - Click on Image for Larger View

• click on the box to place a tick next to “have read the licence agreement” and click accept
  

  Install Wizard Step 2 - Click on Image for Larger View

• choose standard installation if you do not have any special requirements, then click next
  

  Install Wizard Step 3 - Click on Image for Larger View

• TIP: More experienced users can choose custom installation to change the install location & specify the components they would like to install
• the next screen asks if you would like to install the AVG toolbar to your web browser & make yahoo your default search engine. Make sure to untick these boxes if you do not want these changes made to your system
  

  Install Wizard Step 4 - Click on Image for Larger View

• the next screen will show you a list of running programs AVG will shut down as soon as you click next, make sure you have saved any information in this programs or it will be lost when you click on the Next button
  

  Install Wizard Step 5 - Click on Image for Larger View

• AVG will now install, this will take a few minutes depending on the speed of your PC.

Once installation is complete, be sure to reboot your PC.

If you have further questions, please leave a comment or contact us directly. Hopefully this tutorial makes your upgrade to AVG Free 9.0 easier, if you would like further assistance on this or any other topic please feel free to request a tutorial.

AVG are currently offering 2 years for the price of 1 with their popular paid Anti-Virus Software, click this link to find out more. AVG Anti-Virus 9.0 – 2 years for the price of 1!