The Lewis Structures Solvent

The Lewis Structures SolventWith the Lewis Structures Solvent, you can take a step towards a better life through science. Make sure that you are taking your daily dose of drugs in the natural and organic chemistry fields, because the one proven way to make everyone see the vast difference between plants and chemicals is through their bodies.With the Lewis Structures Solvent, you will be able to make your own organic chemistry instruments at home. This is a way to stay ahead of the game and come up with a strong science project to show everyone what scientists are doing everyday. With this amazing discovery, you will learn to do it yourself with the best material and on the very same day.If you want to start out your learning with this exciting new discovery, then the Lewis Structures Solvent is the way to go. You will be able to discover why molecular structure is crucial to chemistry and how it has led to the discovery of a multitude of innovative solutions for medical and cosmetic purposes. With this chemical, you will become an expert in just a matter of weeks, giving you everything you need to know to achieve success in your career.When you finally find the structural solution to your problem, it will be extremely exciting for you to step up and get involved. Make sure that you share your discovery with the world so everyone can benefit from it. The more people who learn about the advantages of this substance, the more they will be motivated to take the leap and get started as well.Many studies have shown that this is a very convenient way to help students learn science. As students are exposed to a simple and creative way to learn, they will be able to do so from the comfort of their homes, allowing them to do their work at the pace that is most comfortable for them. Take your passion for organic chemistry and turn it into something great for you and others.The Lewis Structures Solvent is just the beginning for this exciting discovery. Discover why cells f unction like they do and how they do it. Learn how to approach clinical trials with more efficiency and how to create an amazing facility for the medical field to use.Once you learn more about the chemical structure of the body, you will be able to understand and manipulate cells and their functions. The Lewis Structures Solvent is an essential element to understanding how our cells and the environment around them function, as well as how they can become damaged or diseased. By understanding this chemistry at a young age, you will be equipped to take on a challenging career with a strong focus on research and development.

Tips for Requesting High School Recommendation Letters

Tips for Requesting High School Recommendation Letters At some point in your teens life, its likely that he will need to request a letter of recommendation. Many top-tier colleges and universities require or strongly encourage applicants to submit such letters. Or, your teen might need one for a scholarship, internship or pre-college program application. These letters can seriously bolster your teen as a candidate, so its important to take them seriously. Huntington offers a few essential guidelines for requesting recommendation letters: Build relationships. Before teens even get to the point where they need letters of recommendation, they should work on cultivating good relationships with teachers and superiors. That means being engaged in class, being a good classmate or teammate, and giving all endeavors, from school to extracurricular activities to part-time jobs, their very best effort. Ask the right person/people. Its imperative that students request letters from appropriate teachers/mentors. They should ask individuals who know them well enough to speak to their academic performance, character and willingness to persevere in the face of adversity. High school students should avoid asking for recommendation letters from the teacher who doesnt know them very well or the guidance counselor theyve only visited once during high school. Also, its important to pay attention to the guidelines offered by the college (or scholarship or other organization), as the committee reviewing applications might want the writer to focus on certain traits, such as the students communication or critical thinking skills. Give some background. Many teachers/coaches/mentors are willing to write recommendation letters, but students shouldnt assume those people know everything about them. They have lots of other students, after all. When requesting the letter, students should provide a resume if they have one (or a list of their accomplishments and activities) and a little background that the teacher might not know, such as their career plans or personal background. Allow plenty of time. Teachers and other recommenders are busy people and will likely receive requests from other students too. They need time to think about and write every letter requested of them. Giving notice is a good idea, and the earlier the better. Students might even consider making a soft request via email to confirm the teacher/other individual is willing before following up with a more formal request after they agree to the task (with all of the aforementioned details). Again, students should make sure the teacher has the application deadline (and recommendation letter, if different). Share any specific guidelines. Students can make things easier on the teacher/counselor/other individual that they ask by providing a rundown of the guidelines of the letter of recommendation. They should also include the application deadline and the website where the letter should be submitted or the address where the letter should be mailed. Be appreciative. Last and certainly not least, high school students should write thank-you notes or emails to the people who write letters of recommendation for them. Doing so shows their professionalism and appreciation and can help strengthen those relationships for the future. Theres an art to requesting recommendation letters. Encourage your teen to take this seriously, as arming those individuals from which they request letters with all the right information will result in a well-written letter that articulates your teens best assets.

Do Video Games Cause ADHD

Do Video Games Cause ADHD Do an online search for causes of ADHD and youll find plenty of discussion about video games being a driving factor in the rising number of kids being diagnosed with ADHD each year. With so many people weighing in on the causes of ADHD, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Lets start by talking about why people suspect that playing video games leads to the development of ADHD. In general, this idea stems from the belief that video games train the brain to focus only on activities that involve a high level of stimulation. Almost every parent of a child with ADHD has observed a big difference in their childs ability to focus when theyre playing video games versus when theyre doing just about anything else. When kids with ADHD are playing video games, they can be so focused that it almost seems like they dont have ADHD at all. So, its natural to wonder if playing video games has altered their ability to focus on anything that does not involve a high level of stimulation. But does existing research support the notion that video games cause ADHD? Overall, the answer is no. Time and time again, studies point primarily to genetic causes of ADHD, with a role for other environmental influences like prenatal factors or exposure to lead or other toxins during childhood. That said, there are numerous studies suggesting that excessive video game playing (usually defined as more than one or two hours per day) can make ADHD symptoms worse for kids who already have an ADHD diagnosis and cause higher levels of oppositional behavior. Why would video games make ADHD symptoms and oppositional behaviors worse? Interestingly, its not really the video games themselves that are to blame. Its the difficulty that kids with ADHD, and their parents, have with monitoring and moderating the use of video games. Once kids with ADHD start playing video games, they typically become hyperfocused, so much so that they have a hard time stopping when its time to do something else. This means that they: Are more likely than kids without ADHD to play video games late into the evening, leading to insufficient sleep. Study after study shows that poor sleep makes symptoms significantly worse for kids with ADHD. Are more likely to have conflicts with their parents. The challenges that parents have with trying to monitor and limit their childs video game playing often leads to serious conflicts between parents and kids with ADHD. Over time, these conflicts escalate and take a toll on family relationships. Whenever family relationships are negatively impacted, oppositional behavior increases. Experience greater opportunity costs. Playing video games excessively comes with what psychologists refer to as opportunity costs. Every minute that a child spends playing video games is a minute that they are not spending engaged in another activity. When the missed activity includes an opportunity to play with other kids offline, then they have missed a chance to improve their social skills. When the missed activity is related to academics (like reading, participating in an after-school science program, etc.), then theyve missed an important opportunity to improve their academic skills. When the missed activity is something physically active, then theyve missed an opportunity to get exercise that would help keep ADHD symptoms in check throughout the day. Over time, these missed opportunities accumulate and lead to ADHD symptoms and functional deficits that are worse for kids who play video games excessively than kids who dont play video games or only play them in moderation. So, knowing that playing video games dont cause ADHD, but can make ADHD symptoms worse, what should parents do? Should they keep their child from playing video games altogether? There isnt really a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If a child already plays video games regularly, can they play in moderation without constant arguments and negotiations with their parents? If thats the case, then a moderate amount of video game play (for example, 30 minutes a day or limiting video games to one hour a day on the weekends) should be fine. If this is not the case, and parents find that their child is only interested in playing video games, doesnt seem to find anything else interesting or enjoyable, or there is a high level of conflict at home around video games, then playing in moderation might not be an option at least not right now. In these situations, I highly recommend that parents work with a mental health professional to figure out a plan for eliminating video games for a s pecified time (somewhere from 3-6 months) before gradually reintroducing video games with a very clear set of ground rules. It can be very challenging to make these changes successfully if your child has been playing video games excessively. If you are concerned about the impact that video games are having on your child and your family, then reach out to a mental health professional for help. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

What its really like to teach English in Japan A teachers perspective

What it’s really like to teach English in Japan A teacher’s perspective Teaching English in Japan is unlike teaching, well, anywhere else in the world. Not only is it a country full of magnificent sites â€" both natural and historic â€" but it also has a rich culture with many beautiful customs. While we have previously covered a few tips and tricksfor getting ready to teach English in Japan, our team here at Teach Away wanted to dive deeper into how to best prepare for teaching English in Japan. While country research is key to understanding your next home away from home â€" and tips and life hacks are important to creating convenience in your day to day â€" we believe there is nothing like learning from other teachers’ personal experiences to truly prepare you for your next adventure. That’s why we spent some time getting to know Alex Barnes from Benesse BE studio. We wanted to learn what took him all the way from North Carolina to Japan to teach English to some very little and very special young learners. Alex’s Story Originally from North Carolina, USA, Alex Barnes studied Japanese at university, which is when he first became interested in this beautiful country. It wasn’t until he started tutoring Japanese exchange students in the English language that he really found his passion for teaching English. This work led him to eventually move to Japan, where he has been working in the English teaching industry since 2011. His success and life there has been so rewarding that he is now keen to share his experiences with others thinking about, or already looking into, teaching English in Japan. He told us: “I’m really interested in sharing with others how [teaching] English works, and I feel like I learned a lot more about my native language by teaching it.” When Alex started applying for teaching positions in Japan, he had a variety of interview experiences. He found that some interviews were information sessions followed by group interviews, sometimes involving quite a bit of travel. Whether in a group or individual setting (or both), interviews usually involved a recruiter giving an explanation of the company and job. Then applicants were often asked to model part of an English lesson. One unique thing that Alex did during this recruitment process, which really helped him stand out from his peers, was preparing some sample lesson plans and teaching materials ahead of time. That way, he was ready in case he was required to use his own material. “Eventually, I accepted a position for an English conversation school in a city called Tsukuba, about one hour outside of Tokyo,” says Alex. He was there for a while before he took a position with a company that had a focus on teaching English to young learners in Japan. “I started at Benesse BE studio in May 2018. I was brought in to head up training, observations, and employee care for the Instruction Section,” he says. He notes that “since BE studio is focused on teaching children, especially younger learners, the training and school atmosphere is very fun. Games, songs, and crafts are a big part of lessons, so teachers that enjoy these types of activities and enjoy teaching young children are the kind of people working here. Teachers might have a lot of students, but schools tend to be small, so a typical work environment is more personal and friendly than many large private conversation schools or public schools.” Alex was a quick study and soon settled into his life at BE studio, a company that he says “has a different company culture and lesson style. I was pleasantly surprised that BE studio places a lot of importance on employee care and communication with instructors. We also have regular workshops to improve teaching skills, and because new and experienced teachers come to share ideas, it’s a very supportive environment.” Alex explains that many of the large companies in the industry don’t have the time or resources to see instructors often after initial training. Usually, this means that the head office only gets involved when a teacher, or their school, have a problem. The philosophy at BE studio is different, however, and Alex tells us that the staff are very committed to continuing to support teachers and building their teaching skills long term. This kind of work environment was exactly what Alex needed and hoped for, as it lends itself to a long career. Some of the foreign employees at the company have been working there for more than 20 years! Alex did say that teaching English to young learners in Japan may not be a great fit for everyone. “This may seem self-obvious, but you need to enjoy working with younger children. Some people think that they’ll have a good time, but find the job not to their liking when they actually have to teach children every day,” Alex says. “If you love working with kids of various ages, you’ll be fine.” Teaching English to young learners in Japan is definitely a unique experience. Alex says of his work: “you’ll often find that kids have high enthusiasm for English and want to involve fun in the lessons. That’s not to say you won’t find that with adult students. Many beginner adult students will enjoy games and learning English as well, even if the type of enthusiasm is different from children. The biggest difference is probably in how you approach teaching those students. When teaching kids, you will have to take into account their personality and learning style more often. Whereas teaching adults is often focused more on their goals and purpose for studying English.” Alex tells us that it is extremely rewarding work for him: “When you see the ‘oh, now I get it’ look on a student’s face, or a parent tells you their child had a conversation with foreign tourists last weekend, or a student finally passes the English test they’ve been studying for, it makes it all worth it.” For Alex, teaching English to young learners in Japan with a company like BE studio was a dream come true. He was fulfilled in his work, his company was supportive and he could see a clear career path for himself that would allow him to stay in the country he fell in love with as a University student. That said, when it comes to embarking on teaching English as a foreign language career in Japan, it’s best to understand what to expect. Alex’s main advice for those reading his story is setting expectations of working for a Japanese company. “You have to take everything with a grain of salt and manage your expectations. Step one is accepting the major differences between working in Japan and working, in say, the US or Canada.” He says it’s important to not only really understand the country’s culture, but to specifically be prepared for a very different working culture. That’s the best way to set yourself up for success. Preparing for the little things After learning first-hand from Alex’s success story for working and living in Japan, we began to see that sometimes it’s the smallest things in life that can really trip you up. Based on his experiences, here are four things to consider before your boarding call. Paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork Before you’ve even left on your trip, make sure to have all your paperwork in order. The last thing you want is to travel for 15+ hours only to discover that you need a certain form signed by someone back home! When you first arrive in Japan, there is naturally going to be a bit of running around getting this, that and the other thing. Alex’s sage advice is: “Make sure to prepare well for initial costs as much as possible. Getting through all the paperwork (city hall, phone contracts, etc.) can be frustrating, but you just need to have patience.” This part of the process is certainly not unique to Japan. When it comes to paperwork and settling in, relocating anywhere to teach English abroad is going to require some calming deep breathing techniques. But Alex adds one key tip for arriving in Japan: “after you’re all set up, find your closest 100-yen store (think dollar store); you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how many everyday goods you can buy there!” Learn the language Kajsa, another English teacher at BE studio, says that what surprised her the most when she arrived in Japan is “how little people speak English.” While being fluent in Japanese was definitely an asset for Alex Barnes, it’s not necessarily required in order to be fully prepared for life in the country. That said, knowing a handful (ok, maybe a few more than a handful) of key Japanese phrases will definitely be handy. It’ll help you get oriented and manage some of those day-to-day tasks, which can seem insurmountable when faced with the inability to communicate in the local language. Check out these great resources for learning some Japanese before you take off: Japanese Phrasebook Dictionary Memrise Duolingo Get to know the culture You could probably read endlessly about Japanese culture to try to understand everything this amazing country has to offer. Reading up on Japanese cultural practices on our blog is one place to start. Or you could do what Erin, another BE studio teacher, did before her move: “I mostly prepared by checking out videos about living and working in Japan.” But in her experience, it seems that it’s best not to take everything you hear about Japan too seriously. She says: “There was some content that didn’t match what I actually experienced. For example, they talked about manners in Japan a lot, like not eating and walking at the same time, but I see people doing that all the time.” As for Alex Barnes, he says that based on his experience in Japan, “life is very comfortable, the food is great, and the people are polite and helpful. The culture is very different from back home, but that’s what drew me to Japan in the first place.” Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. What it’s like working in Japan Where Alex thinks you might find the biggest shock, and where he indeed was perhaps most challenged, was adapting to the work culture in Japan. For example, if you’re like us and roll into the office at 9:01, then you’re going to need to rethink your approach to punctuality in order to be successful in a Japanese work environment. Alex kindly warned us that “Japanese employees typically arrive at least 15 minutes before their shift starts, and showing up only a few minutes before work starts, or being right on time, is considered late.” He explained that for Japanese people, work time is paid time. Therefore, they believe that everyone needs some time to catch a breath and get ready for their shift: “The main idea is that everything is prepared and you are actually ready to start working when the shift time begins.” In addition, Japanese people like to keep their workplace tidy â€" not that you can blame them! No one likes a messy desk; it’s distracting. In Japan, Alex says “many workers place a lot of importance on cleaning the work area and expect everyone to contribute.” While he didn’t technically have to contribute, what he discovered was that “it made relationships with my co-workers so much better once I started pitching in with the cleaning.” Alex also noted about his job: “In the Eikaiwa (English conversation school) industry specifically, it’s important to remember that you’re working for a business; it’s not 100% teaching lessons. You might be asked to hand out fliers or help promote the school in similar ways. So as long as you keep a flexible attitude about assigned tasks, you’ll avoid a lot of problems and have better relationships with Japanese co-workers.” These tips might seem very specific, but as our friends at BE studio reminded us, in Japanese culture, not everything is communicated directly, so you need to learn to ask the right questions. As we mentioned in our article about teaching young learners in Japan, the presence of foreigners is quite limited, which means the average person has fairly low exposure to different ways of doing things. We suggest taking the time to really read up on what to expect. Because the more you know, the better prepared you’ll be. Find a community! Speaking of getting prepared, there is nothing like having a support network to ensure you’re in the know and set up for success. There are definitely going to be many other English teachers just like you, who you can meet and learn from. Don’t underestimate the kindness of strangers. We learned this from another BE studio teacher named Mary Kate, who shared with us her biggest surprise in Japan: “People have been really willing to help a lot. I was surprised by how helpful everyone wanted to be. People just come up to you and ask if you’re doing okay, or if you need anything.” If you want to make some friends before you leave, you can join the Teach Away Community Facebook Group to connect with other English teachers getting ready to ship out. Then you can plan to meet up with them when you arrive. Happens all the time! To wrap it up In short: make sure you’re as prepared as possible! That includes everything from understanding your workplace, to ensuring you have your TEFL certificate for authentication purposes. A TEFL is not always necessary, but a really great way to get prepared for teaching English abroad. Of course, one person’s experience can be very different from another’s. We urge you to read up on Japan and learn as much as possible before deciding to explore opportunities for teaching English abroad. Even for Alex, it wasn’t a totally clear path: “I didn’t know completely that I wanted to teach English overseas. I knew I wanted to work in Japan and use the Japanese language in my job long term, but I was open to the idea of working in other industries in the future. However, I found that teaching became a passion for me, and working my way up to training felt like a natural progression from my love of teaching. While being involved in training and employee development satisfied my desire to teach, I also studied Japanese with the intention of using it for work. With my current position, I really enjoy the challenge of using Japanese on a daily basis, and I’ve warmed to a management position more than I would have thought when I first came to Japan.” He admits that: “My experience might be a bit rare specifically as a foreign manager, but those who do move up here are the ones who are dedicated to learning the language and accepting and working with cultural differences in the workplace, which is likely true in any country.” Regardless of your career path, teaching English in Japan can be one of the most important and valuable things you can do for your future. As Alex told us in his interview, “those I’ve talked to who made careers in other industries or careers back home have said that the transferable, non-teaching skills they learned here came in handy in unexpected areas. In addition to people who have used teaching or Japanese language skills in work back home, skills such as customer service, content creation, and intercultural communication have often opened doors to a variety of careers for many people I have met through work.” Ready to teach English abroad in Japan? Check out all the latest job opportunities. Specifically interested in teaching English to young learners? See what’s available.

Its coming! The italki 2014 October Language Challenge!

Its coming! The italki 2014 October Language Challenge! Psst Some of you may have heard and the rumors are true! The secret is out. Our  last Language Challenge, the World Cup Language Challenge was  a tough Challenge!  It was a 2-months and required you to finish 25 hours!  We had a whopping 55% of our Challengers who finished it and many of the winners  made huge improvements in their language learning. Our next Language Challenge is right around the corner.  If you felt that the last Challenge was a bit too Challenging, this one might be just right for you as we are running this Challenge just for the month of October.  Were not telling you what the actual Challenge is just yet but if you feel you can complete a shorter,  one-month Challenge, this is the Challenge for you! Registration begins Sept. 15th so stay tuned for the: italki 2014 October Language Challenge Enter your email to get SPECIAL UPDATES and be notified when the challenge registration opens! Its coming! The italki 2014 October Language Challenge! Psst Some of you may have heard and the rumors are true! The secret is out. Our  last Language Challenge, the World Cup Language Challenge was  a tough Challenge!  It was a 2-months and required you to finish 25 hours!  We had a whopping 55% of our Challengers who finished it and many of the winners  made huge improvements in their language learning. Our next Language Challenge is right around the corner.  If you felt that the last Challenge was a bit too Challenging, this one might be just right for you as we are running this Challenge just for the month of October.  Were not telling you what the actual Challenge is just yet but if you feel you can complete a shorter,  one-month Challenge, this is the Challenge for you! Registration begins Sept. 15th so stay tuned for the: italki 2014 October Language Challenge Enter your email to get SPECIAL UPDATES and be notified when the challenge registration opens! Its coming! The italki 2014 October Language Challenge! Psst Some of you may have heard and the rumors are true! The secret is out. Our  last Language Challenge, the World Cup Language Challenge was  a tough Challenge!  It was a 2-months and required you to finish 25 hours!  We had a whopping 55% of our Challengers who finished it and many of the winners  made huge improvements in their language learning. Our next Language Challenge is right around the corner.  If you felt that the last Challenge was a bit too Challenging, this one might be just right for you as we are running this Challenge just for the month of October.  Were not telling you what the actual Challenge is just yet but if you feel you can complete a shorter,  one-month Challenge, this is the Challenge for you! Registration begins Sept. 15th so stay tuned for the: italki 2014 October Language Challenge Enter your email to get SPECIAL UPDATES and be notified when the challenge registration opens!

A level results day your options if you dont get the grades you need

A level results day â€" your options if you don’t get the grades you need Not getting the A-Level grades you want doesn't mean the end of your university dreams. If you get lower than your current offer, you have the following choices ahead of you. Contact your university of choice If your grades are just under, you might still get accepted by at least one of your choices. And even if you didn't meet the grades of your original offer, you might find that some universities will still offer you a place. Take a gap year This way you can apply to a different University and course next year. What's more used constructively, a gap year can look great on a CV, and make you a more valuable contender for university or future employment. Plus it gives you time to retake your A-Levels. Resit to improve your grades You can do this at school, sixth form or college. You can retake the course in the same way, or you can enrol to resit at your school. If your school doesn't offer this option, look at local sixth forms or colleges that can accommodate you. Resit the course online. This is an excellent option if you want to work and re-take as an online course which will give you flexibility as you will not be confined to a set timetable. This means you can study anywhere you choose, but you will still sit your exam at a school or college on the same date as all other students. For tutors do look at our pages for Maths, Physics, History and more. Look for other courses you may be able to get on Think about other courses or universities. Clearing at UCAS opens from 8 am. If you need to find a new course, you can browse thousands of vacant places, but you cannot apply for a new course until 3 pm. If the university gives you an informal offer, be sure to check how long they're willing to keep the spot open for you. Get as many offers as you want before making up your mind, be wary of those expiry dates! Become an Apprentice Apprenticeships are also a great way to study for a qualification and get real experience. There are a huge variety of apprenticeships available across a wide range of industries, and job roles. As a paid employee, each apprentice works alongside studying. There are no student fees, and the government and your employer will fund your training costs. It's an ideal option if you have a clear idea of the career path you want to follow, providing you with practical, on-the-job training, and classroom-based instruction. Degree apprenticeships are a new type of programme offered by some universities, where students can achieve a full bachelor's or master's degree. Training via this programme means spending part of the time at university and the rest with an employer.

6 Great Free Apps For PC Laptops

6 Great Free Apps For PC Laptops Photo Credit: CNET/Sarah Tew 1. Google Chrome While PC laptops may be installed with Internet Explorer right from the start, youre definitely going to want to update your internet browser, stat. As I mentioned in my article about free apps for Macs, Google Chrome is the better option, and you can download it on whatever brand of laptop you have (since its not just for Macs). It’s free, clean, and lets you add third-party extensions to your browser, too. Bonus: you can change fonts, block certain names and sites from showing up on your internet, and easily search Google with this browser. I use Chrome on my Apple laptop but have also downloaded it for family members with PC laptops since Internet Explorer is just a slower, more outdated mode of surfing the web. [Sidenote: also available for non-Mac laptops are the free OpenOffice and VLC Media Player apps I recommended for Mac owners]. 2. Microsoft Security Essentials or Avira These are both free apps that will help keep you protected against viruses and bugs your computer may catch. Microsoft Security Essentials updates itself and is a Microsoft product, which means it should be pretty reliable. Meanwhile, Avira is a free app that helps provide your PC with a layer of defenses that will protect your laptop automatically from threats, eliminate damaging viruses and spyware, block adware, and warn you when youre visiting a website that could be harmful to your laptop. You cant really go wrong with installing either one on your PC, just as long as you ensure your laptop is protected. 3. Ccleaner What used to be known as crap cleaner, this free utility scans your laptop and finds crap to recycle. Crap can consist of temporary or unneeded files, and other unimportant stuff on your PC that slows it down and takes up space, as Ccleaners goal is to make your laptop run faster. The app is easy to use and will ultimately help your PC operate more smoothly and efficiently, plus its free, so theres really no reason not to download it. Photo Credit: Wikipedia 4. Windows Live Mail This is a great email tool for Windows users and definitely a better alternative than using Outlook or just Windows Mail. Windows Live Mail lets you work with multiple email accounts and allows you offline access to Hotmail, Gmail, and other web-based providers. Plus, this free app lets you organize your mail into conversations and integrates with a built-in calendar. 5.  BattCursor or BatteryBar One of the annoying things about laptops is your constant need to be aware of or your inclination to check how much battery your PC has left. Checking the laptops battery icon ends up wasting time and a bit of energy, which is where these two free apps come in. BattCursor  lets you see your laptops remaining battery life on your mouse cursor and can also display the information on your desktop. If you dont want your mouse clicker to display your battery life, BatteryBar may be a good alternative as it shows in your task bar how much battery power youve already used and how much you have left. You can also set the app to show the battery life remaining as either a percentage or as time. 6.  Dropbox or Google Drive These are both file-storing apps you can download or use for free and access from any device with Wi-Fi, no matter what kind of laptop you have. Dropbox gives you 2.5 gigabytes of free storage space, and you can upgrade your account for a fee or earn 25 megabytes of extra storage for free by completing some tasks through the app. You can access Google Drive through your Gmail account or download it to your desktop to make backing up all your files easier. From pictures to documents to music files, either of these apps can help ensure you don’t lose all of your stuff if anything happens to your laptop since it’s safely backed up online. Other free apps for PC laptops to check out include: OneNotes for Windows, Adobe Reader, and Adobe Flash Player. So if youve got a non-Mac laptop, never fear! Because theres plenty of good, free apps out there for you to download too and help make your PC better.