Quantum Sunrise
Some handy bits & pieces compiled by James E Lyon

A cache-proof, DNS-independent, Internet Test Page : 95.154.200.100 (Address will not change, so feel free to memorize it, jot it down...)

Other Websites

JL Associates
JL Registry & Connectivity Network
The Quadrant Business Centre
Nominet UK and ICANN
Speedtest.Net by Ookla (wait for the 'Start Test' button)
Broadband Speed Checker (ignore all the adverts)

Security

Check for Java (we don't want Java enabled)

Things to use

Google Chrome: Fast and Safe Web-browsing (no longer recommend use of Session Buddy extension due to possible crashes)
Microsoft ^® users should run the Windows System Installer wherever possible, prior to Windows 8.
This 'alternative' offline downloader/installer is also available as a last resort for troubleshooting purposes.
Latest - Windows 8 and some notes on launching Chrome as a Windows 8 app vs. Desktop mode.
VideoLAN Media Player: VLC, a better alternative to Windows Media Player. (Not required on Mac.)
Virtual Network Computing: TightVNC, for remote-controlling desktops across all platforms.

AVG: Free Download of the Anti-Virus edition for home use.
CIS: Comodo Anti-virus & Firewall (scroll to "Download Comodo Internet Security..." and choose applicable option. Not 'GeekBuddy'.)
Or use Sophos (free for home use) on a Mac, though it's not as crucial as with Microsoft Windows, of course.
SAS: SUPERAntiSpyware (download Free version and follow two-phase installation)
MBAM: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (blue button for Free download near bottom of page)

OpenDNS: http://208.69.38.205/ (help if your DNS stops working, otherwise their Home-page for more info)
Google Public DNS: Full Details (follow the "configuration instructions" link if you need it)

Drag this SendTo link to the Bookmark Toolbar for an 'email address of current page' feature in Google Chrome.
Default installation displays a Getting Started page with basic tips on using Chrome.

Don't use the Chrome extension for Amazon's add-to-wishlist feature (too much privacy surrendered by installing it)
but rather go and get Amazon's button for your browser's toolbar to explicitly add any web-page as a wishlist item instead.

Microsoft Fixes & Hacks

Problems with Outlook sending Winmail.dat attachments, and we really don't want that.
Outlook's address Auto-complete feature is causing grief, especially with cached information.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\INTEL\LANDesk\VirusProtect6\CurrentVersion\Administrator Only\Security\useVPuninstallpassword

Apple Mac bits 'n' pieces