The many advancements in computer technology have brought forth a new age of computer use. Todays average computer user is almost fifteen years old, plays games and listens to music on the computer. He does a lot of his school tasks on the computer rather than on a book or piece of paper, and resorts to the internet for most of his resources when doing essays or reports. However, when using a computer, a certain amount of profeciency must be achieved in many areas of softwares. The most recognizable and popular piece of software today is windows software. This is the base software that runs everything else and controls the hardware in the computer. Other sub programs under windows or linux include spyware software, which basically protects your privacy when surfing the web. It is also important to install free antivirus software before surfing the web for the same reasons. There are many other free software available online. Free games can be found for kids to play. Also free cd burning software can be found to copy your favorite albums. All this is found under free software downloads in sites such as download com and can easily be found in google or yahoo.