Tech Tips for the Traveler 
Here we present some of the best FREE tech news and solutions to help you stay on top of your technology needs whether on the road or at home.
Learn a New Language with this Fun Website
Digital Dialects is a handy website for learning a new language and having fun at the same time. Most languages are presented along with audio pronunciations. This is great for adults and children.
Translation Tool 
Google makes it easy to translate text from over 50 languages. Don't understand the menu in Italian? Not sure of how to ask directions in French? Well, just put the link on your smart phone and have this handy tool with you while traveling. It does a very good job of translation even if you can't speak the language.
Edit your pictures 
Smart phones can have limited ability to edit your pictures, but Photoshop Mobile offers a free editing tool to help. The tools allow you to enhance the color, ad special effects and much more. They even store your pictures for you, so you don't have to use the valuable storage space on your phone. Sign up before you go. Available for Android and iPhones.
Apps for your PhoneThe government is offering new Apps for the traveler.
"My TSA” gives you 24/7 access to information that passengers frequently request from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).“My TSA” provides a tool to find out if an item is allowed in your carry-on or checked baggage, information on ID requirements and liquids rules, tips for packing and dressing to speed through security, and real-time operating status for U.S. airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Visit for more information
US Embassies 
Use your mobile phone to search, find, and contact the nearest U.S. Embassy anywhere in the world. The State Department’s gives international users maps and contact information for U.S. embassies and consulates along with access to travel alerts and warnings. The site is accessible on any Web enabled mobile device and requires no download of application software.http://m.usembassy.gov
Antivirus Protection in "The Clouds" 
Panda Security offers FREE next generation "cloud-based" anti-malware services for home users and small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs): Panda Cloud Antivirus is the industry’s first, free thin-client anti-virus for consumers, now featuring an even lighter footprint on PC performance. It is a fully hosted, managed security service for SMBs, which provides hands-off protection of endpoints and email. Try it
Are you getting the most from your ISP?
Is your computer slow when you surf or view videos online? Maybe your Internet service provider is not delivery the speed they promised.
Your ISP might not be to blame as there are a lots of reasons for slow connections. Regardless, you should check your speed at SpeedTest.net
There is also an App for iPhones
Get E- Books and music FREE at Project Gutenberg
E-books are the becoming very popular but you don't always have to pay for content. Project Gutenberg has over 100,000 titles for free.
They also offer audio books which you can legally download to your computer, music player or smartphone. The books are available in many languages.
Music lovers will enjoy the free music along with pictures and video.
BBC Documentaries
Long days away from home on the water doesn't mean you have to stay out of touch. The BBC has audio documentaries that you can download or listen to online with many fascinating topics from around the globe presented daily.
Make the Text "Bigger"
It seems the older we get the smaller the text gets. Nope, just our eyes aren't as good as we age.
But there is an easy solution. Your computer has very quick shortcuts to help Zoom in and out.
Press Ctrl and "+" to make the page bigger, or hold the Ctrl key as you scroll the mouse wheel.
To make the text smaller press Ctrl and "–". Then pressing Ctrl "0", to go back to the original size.
FREE Computer Programs
Want all the great programs but the budget is a little tight?
Try our list of favorite free computer programs below to help you stretch your pocketbook a little further. Browsers, PDF readers, anti-virus protections and more.
Browsers
Firefox
Not only is it more secure than Internet Explorer; but this browser offers things that IE doesn’t.
Chrome
It has a clean appearance with minimal menu bars on top. Plus it is very fast and runs on very little memory.
Office ProgramsOpenOffice.org
This program has a free suite of office products. Which includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and drawing programs.
Google Docs
A simple version of word processor and spreadsheet. Log into Google to access.
PDF SAM
Split and merge PDF documents
Erase Files
Wipe the drive with Heidi Eraser
Thunderbird
Use this Outlook replacement for email. You can download all your contacts and settings as well.
Create your own cards
Try creating your own mailing cards or labels
Adobe Reader
This program displays, navigates and printing PDF files
Foxit Reader
A secure alternative to Adobe Reader for PDF files
Photography & Photo Editing
Google Picasa
Organizing software that helps you instantly find, edit and share pictures
Paint.NET
An image editor with similar features to Photoshop
Infranview
Photo-editing, effects, presentations and much more
GIMP
Advanced features similar to Photoshop, for more advanced users.
Computer Security & Protection
Spybot Search & Destroy
This program finds and removes spyware and adware
AntiVirus
AVG AntiVirus software
Panda
AntiVirus in the Clouds
Zonelabs
Protect your valuable files with a firewall
Program Updates
Secunia
Run Secunia's to alert you to updates for third-party programs
Wireless Hotspots
WiFi Free Spot
This directory categorizes hotspots by state and city
JiWire
An extensive directory of worldwide Wi-Fi hotspots
Public Libraries
Most public libraries offer free connections