PC Tools
Here are a few links to some useful utilities that
can
help keep your computing experiences less stressful.
Spyware/Adware Detection
Ad-Aware
- This freeware detects and deletes
intrusive
programming that can slow your system and track your Internet
movement.
There is a premium pay-for version that works in real time.
Highly
recommended.
Spybot
Search & Destroy - Perfect complement to Ad-Aware, this free
program detects what others miss.
Windows
Defender - This program completes the package to defend against
unwanted software running on your PC. This program also aids in
blocking pop-ups.
Note: No single program can protect against all spyware/malware
threats and I have found the combination of the three programs above in
addition to whatever protection an antivirus program provides will keep
you safe and your PC running smooth.
Antivirus
F-Prot - Highest
rated antivirus program on market. Simple and easy to use
interface and low cost makes this a great antivirus tool.
Norton
Antivirus - I have used and recommended Norton products for
over 10 years, but they have become increasingly hard to use and can
interfere with other programs if you don't know how to configure
everything exactly right. I now recommend Norton for only the
most advanced users. Still one of the best protection programs
available!
Backup and Recovery
Acronis
True Image - Protects you from data loss due to hardware failures
and system crashes. This program can take a "picture" of your
hard drive and save it to external media to be available in case of an
emergency. Emergency bootable CD allows you to start your system
in recovery mode to restore data or even your whole hard drive when
necessary.
Windows
Home Server - Provides central storage for files, automatic backups
of all PCs and easy recovery if one of your PCs crashes.