Download Dangers

As with all threats to Linux and Apple base system this threat does require the user to authorise its installation...unlike in older Windows systems.

The real problem here is that some wise guy managed to hide a bit of malware in a screensaver supposedly designed for Ubuntu and posted it on a respected Ubuntu Linux site, alhtough not one officially recognised by Ubuntu.

The moral of the story is that whether you operate Windoze, Apple or Linux, try to make sure what one is downloading and try to download it from an official site.

For example, for a basic Windoze system these day, I only install updates from microsoft.com, adobe flash and reader from adobe.com, anti-virus from a reputable anti-virus company, and if a office package is required, Openoffice from openoffice.org.

I refuse to install anything from sites that are not reputable and authorised.

If you are not sure about any bit of software you are about to download ask in a tech forum first.
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English or Foreign Language Desktop/Laptops in Portugal

I would concur...If you want to buy a laptop in English, buy outside Portugal, unless you buy an Apple as you can select the language you want on initial start up. (I did this last year for a client who bought one here at FNAC Guia.)

If you want desktop machine installed with Windows in english, http://www.chipsite.pt in Lisbon and Lagos have some very competitive offers with 2 year guarantees.I have used them for years.

Apple support in Portugal

Apple Portugal website shows the following authorised Apple agents close by you:

Telstar Informática, Lda.
Praça 25 de Abril, 47 2500-110, Caldas da Rainha
Página de Internet: não disponível
Correio electrónico: mail.telstar@gmail.com
Telefone: +351-262 823 248
Fax: +351-262 832 408

The following link gives you the list of authorised Apple support centres in Portugal:

http://www.apple.com/pt/support/contact/

buying Toshiba laptop before we go to Portugal

Make sure you get a Toshiba world wide guarantee certificate when purchasing the machine.

Link to Toshiba Portugal national PC/Laptop support center is here:

http://bit.ly/5tuRgt

The issue about local computer men referred to above is also important. Often we have a lot more experience with day to day trials and tribulations of computer users in the field, than manufacturers' national service support centres.

Make sure that you bring a laptop cooler with you as in summer conditions here can cause laptops to run hot.

Finally, why are you giving up on Macs? Given the fact that there are practically no problems with viruses on Macs, moving from Macs you are used to a Windoze machine is difficult for me to fathom.

Linux Malware

Infiltration of Linux boxes by malware is not impossible.....does need user participation however....

See:

http://bit.ly/linux_malware

Browsers

Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome all install on your PC alongside Internet Explorer so that one can have multiple browsers operating on a single PC.

Opera - www.opera.com/
Google Chrome - www.google.com/chrome
Firefox - UK version here - www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/

You will have to select one as your default browser. You should be able to import your favorites from one browser to another. Forefox has lots of add-ons but be aware it can slow down loading.

Rural Broadband Coverage in Portugal

The real problem is not with national coverage of ADSL/3G, the problem is with broken terrain and loss of line of site. ADSL signals are only generally good for 4 to 5km from the nearest equipped sub-exchange. In the Vila de Bispo area, this means Vila de Bispo / Raposeira. As phone lines do not always run as "the fly crows", there can be situations where a property may be phyiscally closer than 5km to the sub-exchange but because the line runs around the houses the phone line longer.

As regards 3G, the problem is that there has to be an unbroken line of sight for the signal to follow between the dongle and the 3G Mobile mast. This has become a major problem for many people living in the country. I have friends near Bensafrim who bought a house in a valley. I ran 3G tests there. At the top of a 30m rise behind their house there was a good 3G signal but further down in the house none.

One possibility is to mount the 3g unit on one's property where there is a good signal, order a 3G booster antenna, and then run a wireless/or wired lan network signal to the computer.

The moral of the story is that if you are going to buy a house in Portugal and require Internet, check the net availability yet.