Often, I am asked what application I would use to accomplish a specific task or solve a particular problem. Here is a list of my favorite applications and how they can make your life easier!
Anti-Virus
avast! -Great all around AV protection. Has real-time monitoring to keep computers protected before issues pop-up.
Panda Cloud – Better for older, lower powered PCs, but not as much real-time protection.
Anti-Spyware
Spybot Search & Destroy – Powerful yet free utility to rid computers of unwanted malware.
Backup Software
CrashPlan – Really nice, easy-to-use backup solution. Allows users to back up to a friends computer over the Internet free! (Don’t worry its all encrypted.)
DriveImage XML – Quick and easy way to make bare metal recovery images of a computer, while its running!
General Computer Cleanup
CCleaner – Quickly and easy cleans a whole list of common Windows ailments!
Instant Messaging
Digsby – More than just a mutliprotocal (AOL, ICQ, Google Talk, MSN, Yahoo) instant messaging client, Digsby supports Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace as well as monitoring your POP3 or IMAP email – all free! What more could you ask for?
Remote Desktop
LogMeIn.com – Great remote desktop client works through almost any firewall. BUT, the remote computer must be setup before it can be used remotly.
Remote Support
Suppio provides the world free access to it’s Bomgar appliance for non-commercial use. The site translates from Dutch so its a bit rocky here and there, but these guys are fantastic to work with. English sign-up form is here.
Network Monitoring
Spiceworks provides a free easy to use network monitoring tool that is able to scan an entire network from one location. Is also able to tie multiple locations together!
Web Browser
Mozilla Firefox- Simply the most open leading edge browser on the market today. With thousands of add-ons available it can easily become your very own launch pad to the World Wide Web!
