These are ones that I use or have used all the time! I am putting them into catagories to help you find them. Some are freeware (no cost) or shareware (try first - pay only if you like it). Some are free, but offer a Premiun (paid) version with more features. Please read the descriptions for each before downloading the programs. Some will download from here (this website) and some will require you to go to their website to download. Most require some registration process either at the time of download or later after a specified time period. Bookmark this page as I will from time to time I will add more programs here.
There are various types of security programs that EVERY computer needs. These all do different jobs to make you computer safe and run better. These are anti-virus programs (finds viruses, trogens and worms), spyware scanners (checks for spyware on your computer) and firewalls (protects personal information from theft), evidence removers (deletes the tracks of where you have been on your computer) and Anti-Phishing programs (these warn you when you go to a fraudulent website that looks real, but is trying to steal your personal information).
Antivirus Programs
Here is one that has been around awhile, but I have just started using. It is great and I feel maybe even a little safer (hackers try to get around the "leaders") This one does a fine job, runs quietly behind the scenes and automatically updates every hour unlike the leaders that take much longer... There is a trial version (30 days) that you can download to try first to see if you like it.. This also includes a very good spyware scanner and removes those problems as well. (like two programs in one) Be sure to uninstall or disable any other anti-virus programs during the trial, as they might conflict.
This one has been around for a LONG time, it is the industry leader. I have used it for many years and still recommend it.
Spyware Scanners
Spyware is becoming a bigger problem than viruses as hacker use these to hijack pages, slow computers down, pops up extra pages, dial out costly Long distance (900) calls, etc. Unlike anti-virus programs, you can use more then one on a computer without conflicts. This is the program that I use and like..
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Firewalls - stand alone programs
Zone alarm Pro - The best firewall (free version, paid version)
Do you trust Windows XP firewall? I don't,for sure! Running an earlier version of Windows, more reason to protect yourself. ID thieft is a big problem, a good firewall is the answer. Zone Alarm makes your computer "stealth" or hidden, which many firewall don't. If they can't see you, they can't find and hack you..
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Anti-Phishing Programs (stand alone programs)
Site Hound (FREE version, Paid version does more, of course)
SiteHound is a free toolbar for Internet Explorer or FireFox (make sure that you download the right one, I had to download both). and protects you against fraudulent websites offering scams. This toolbar sits right on your browser and automaticially checks EVERY website that you visit. One of the biggest problems today is phishing: sending an unexpectant to a fraudulent website that asks information from the user, to steal your ID, monies, etc. The site looks real, so how can you tell? ID Theift is REAL and this a great help. Your site hound is on guard.Combination Security Programs ![]()
In the last couple of years there has been a trend to combine Anti-Virus Software with spyware scanners and/or firewallsand/or Anti-Phishing Programs. We have STRONGLY RECOMMENDEDtwo different Anti-Virus Programs above, so naturally, we also recommend thier combination Security programs as listed as well below:
This one offers a three user version for the price of thier one user program. If you only have one computer, you are paying the normal price. If you have two or three computers those computers will be covered FREE.
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This one is Norton's top end security program. This one is a three user program, will cover up to three computers for the price of one. They offer several mid-range programs that you can order, but read carefully as they have limitations not found in this product.
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Cover your tracks Programs
Evidence Nuker - Free scan, Paid version removes ALL traces of past activities.
Even good people don't want thier computers telling on them.. Here is a FREE (with out obligation) test of what YOUR computer would be telling on you. Very revealing!!
~ Browser Programs ~
FOXFIRE - A BETTER Choice (freeware)
Are you bound to use "The BIG E" (Internet Explorer) for life? Is there a better choice? Yes, there is! Give the Bill Gate's monster the boot! Here is a browser that you will love.Leaner, faster and safer. Open Sourse software, for a better Internet. Download the new version of FOXFIRE (FREE) and see for yourself. (Keep your I.E. until you get mad and delete it for good) .. LOL
400,000+ - This many people have switched so far!! Are you Next?
~ Mail Programs ~
Mail Readers
Thunderbird (freeware)
The FireFox people (Mozilla) also offer a FREE E-mail program called Thunderbird. Really good!! Lots of neat features, add ons. Again open source. Maybe time to let the OUTLOOK or OE go also.![]()
Incredimail (freeware or Premium)
This one has been around for a while but the new version has out done itself. It takes a small FREE download to set up an email client that has all (it walks you through the process) but over taken my Outlook Express 6.0. I have made the Incredimail program my default email program on all three of my computers. With incredimail I can add graphics, sound, ecards and stationary to all my emails. I have mine set up to show going mail as comming from my web based hotmail account, even thought it is coming from my desktopand local ISP. There are lots of neat notifiers that pop up with sounds when incredimail receives incoming mail, too. They have a premiun program that they sell with extras, which I have purchased, but you are licensed to use the FREE program "for your lifetime." The free version leaves a "tag line" (a small ad) at the bottom of your out going e-mails. The premium version doesn't use your e-mails to advertise thier program.
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Mail Managers
Mailwasher Pro (Free/Trial/Paid)
Every once in a while comes along a program that really helps and saves time. Spam is the number one problem that I face with Email. I have looked at several anti-spam programs but they did not meet my needs, they were not flexable enough. I have several email accounts and most would only work with my Outlook Express, which I don't even use anymore. (I use the Incredimail above as my default email program) plus I have several web-based email accounts (like Hotmail and Yahoo). This program works with them all, allows me to preview my mail without opening it (safety against viruses - but still have a good anti-virus program on your computer), and even, in most cases, bounces it back to the sender as user unknown. (this really helps stop the spam) There are three versions available:1) a FREE Limited version
2) a PRO version (full features, unlimited use with tech support)
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~ Optional, but great programs ~
AZZ Cardfile (Trial/Paid) various ways to get a free licence on website
Here is a computer question: Do you remember the Windows Cardfile? You only will, if you have been around computers for awhile. The Windows clipboard was introduced in Windows 95 and disappeared in Windows 98. This short lived program was very handy. It was like having a stack of 3x5 index cards on your computer. Azz Cardfile is simple and powerful, totally customizable organizer software without predefined fields, it can be set to specific use as Recipe Software, Contacts Database, Address Book, Rolodex, Contact Management Software, Simple Database, Organizer for Notes, References or any other items. It's uses were basically unlimited. It could be an address/phone book, it could be a reciepe file (like grandma had without the tin box). Too bad that everything has to be programed for us today.
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Robo Form? (Freeware, Paid version available)
Internet security people suggest that you use different user names and/or passwords on the various websites that require them. They also suggest changing them periodically, at let twice a year. That way. if someone does find out your user name and password, they will not gain access to all your personal information with that single combination. They also suggest that you use alpha-numerical passwords, ones that contain both numbers and letters in each password. These are harder to remember. There in lies a BIG problem - You remembering your own passwords. Making paper lists is clumbersome, at best. Password "safe", computers programs that store your lists are better. The best and easiest way are programs that remember your passwords and "sense" which webpage that your are at in your browser are better. I have now become a big fan of Robo Form.Robo form is not spyware, has No ads or displays, No pop up windows. If you click on either banner below you will get the entire program (2 in 1) as a download. This is the FREE version. It has some features that expire in 30 days, but the program will work indefinately. You can upgrade to the shareware version at any time, if you want the extra features.
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eCleaner (Freeware)
Here is a program that I have used for years. From time to time, we all forward e-mail to others. This little program automatically removes the">" marks at the beginning of each line in that e-mail. A real time saver. This program is getting hard to find, so get a copy now. This newer version 2.02 is a zip file. I have not found a newer version and they may NOT be making one, anymore. (their web site is gone). There are a couple of newer programs, but they leave a "tag line" (a small ad) at the bottom of your out going e-mails. This "older" version doesn't use your e-mails to advertise thier program. Nice!
DOWNLOAD NOW version 2.01 (Self extracting exe file)
OR
DOWNLOAD NOW version 2.02 (zipped file)
Callwave - (free trial and subscription ware)
When you are on dial up , two phone lines is too expensive, but you can't tie up your phone line too long. (darn!) Here is the answer. When you have a call come in, listen to the message on your computer's speakers. Then you can answer, forward to your cell phone or even call back later. (depending upon who is calling) You can even have a fax number (without a fax machine) and recieve these messages via e-mail.
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NOTE: If you have any problem with downloading and/or installing any of these programs, please let me know at the e-mail address below.
I have not added an music to these store pages. The graphics take a little longer to load all by themselves. :-)
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