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SOFTWARE- THIS IS  USED TO MANAGE AND MAINTAIN HUNDREDS OF CLIENT COMPUTERS, and, through the services of LogMeIn, the sky is the limit to just how many computers can be maintained. Would you like your computer to always be working at its optimum performance without you having to fix it yourself? Find out more HERE!

THE PROGRAMS IN THE SHADED PINK BOX ARE RECOMMEND PROGRAMS AND UTILITIES TO BE INSTALLED ON EVERY COMPUTER

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GOOGLE CHROME  Without a doubt, the browser I recommend most, especially now that it is compatible with Windows and Mac o/s as well, it now has bookmark sync and extension support. There are issues where certain websites may not load properly as they are not up to date with this latest browser therefore you should always have a second browser installed (other then the Internet Explorer since you really do not want to have use this at all)

AVANT BROWSER= Although the  Internet Explorer is always installed (on systems prior to Windows 7) as it is part of the windows operating system, you do not have to use it! For anyone that has ever had a problem with spyware/malware, you should be changing your browsing habits and that MUST start with the choice of web browser. This browser is by far the most user-friendly, emulates the Internet Explorer to other websites, so what are you waiting for?  Download it now! The Avant Browser is very user friendly. Visit their website.

avast! Free Antivirus=Avast Antivirus. My choice for your free antivirus security as well as your Professional needs including Server support! Visit Website here.

FIREFOX As mentioned above, I suggest installing both Avant Browser and a second browser. You can make that call whether it is Chrome or the Firefox browser.  Although the Avant Browser is completely "Internet Explorer compatible" with most websites, they will believe you are using the Internet Explorer. There are times, especially if you are producing web pages, where you will want to confirm your pages look good and so having a second browser installed is a good idea. This way you NEVER have to use the Internet Explorer. Since the Internet Explorer is part of the Windows operating system, it will always be the most widely used browser but this doesn't mean you have to use it! The Firefox browser has many 'plug-ins' making this a very compatible browser for all your advanced needs and for that reason I suggest those that are not looking for advanced features to stick with the Avant Browser.

Secunia PSI  A free utility to help make sure you are using the latest software, safe and secure. Visit the website here.

X-SETUP="Tweak" your computer and get the most performance. Do you have files in the ADD/REMOVE folder that no longer exist but the names are still there? This program will remove those as well as fix many other items. Visit their website for more information and updates.

SPYBOT SEARCH & DESTROY =Much like Ad-aware only more advanced as well, it has the ability to repair those registry entries that have been changed due to the spyware software that has hijacked your computer. Visit their website here for updates and information.

AD-AWARE=One of the original anti-spyware programs and one that should be used on a regular basis. Visit their website for updates and more information.

SPYWAREBLASTER=Prevent spyware from installing in the first place! Visit their website for more information and updates..

JavaRA=a simple tool that does a simple job: it removes old and redundant versions of Java. Visit their website here.

CCLEANER  Recently Updated= yet another great tool for doing serious deep cleaning of "crap", thus the name. Visit their website here.

What used to be AIDA32-Freeware hardware diagnostics and memory benchmarking solution for home PC users, based on the award-winning EVEREST Technology. It offers the world's most accurate hardware information and diagnostics capabilities, including memory benchmarks, hardware monitoring, and low-level hardware information. Note this software is no longer available on their website however they say they will continue to support.. therefore you must choose the last version they made which is available by clicking on the Everest icon or HERE.

BELARC Advisor-Much like Everest but still part of my arsenal since it has some features such as windows update file/patch indicator. With the many patches we are hopefully retrieving with the automatic windows updates, this will let you know if they were installed and are working correctly.

HIJACK THIS  Use this to remove many spyware entries from your Internet Explorer/Computer start up. More information on how to use this can be found here.

  The xp-AntiSpy program is a little utility that lets you disable some built-in update and authentication 'features' It works for Vista too so don't let the name fool you! Visit the website here.

MALWAREBYTES is a site dedicated to fighting malware. Malwarebytes has developed a variety of tools that can identify and remove malicious software from your computer. When your computer becomes infected, Malwarebytes can provide the needed assistance to remove the infection and restore the machine back to optimum performance.Visit the website here.

RECOMMENDED PROGRAMS various software and links that I have found to fix bugs that may not be removed with software above. They may have a free trial period in which some or all of the specific problems found will be removed;  as well, many links to popular software sites.

AUTORUNS-This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP. Visit the website here.

For those stubborn malicious and other spyware components I suggest giving COUNTERSPY a try!

 

CounterSpy

This program is very thorough with what it does, to the point, more thorough then all other anti-spyware programs (to date), however at this point I have only used it to scan and remove the major components that are not getting caught by the normal anti-spyware programs, it has a 15 day trial period and like all the others, if you simply install the default settings will have it monitoring your system all the time. This is something I suggest turning off. Visit the website here.

SKYPE-Recently UpdatedOne of the leaders of communications software for computer to computer and mobile/land-line messaging. Visit website here.

Symantec/Norton Removal Tool When you have completely removed a norton product and find you have many errors, this will usually fix the problem as Norton is very good at binding itself within windows to the point that the typical uninstall just doesn't get everything.


Paragon Hard Disk Manager

Acronis True Image:  With both Carbonite and Acronis installed you are sure to be covered from disaster. It truly is the one-two punch!

SysJewel Check what is under the hood (in your case). Description:   SysJewel is a cute little tool for System Administrators which can be used to gather the complete information about your system. It can be used to gather information of a local system or of a remote system. SysJewel collects system information from the complete list of hardware including the Input Devices, Mass Storage Devices, Mother Board, Controllers, Ports, BIOS, Networking Devices, Power Devices, Printers, Modems, Video Controllers, Cooling Device all in a very detailed way.

IZArc Windows Compress/De-Compress Free! Does what Winzip and WinRar do separately plus more! And did I mention it was free!  Visit their website here.


Get your current IP Address Here


SPYWAREGAURD=A real-time protection solution against spyware! Visit their website for more information and updates.

A few good places to test your internet connection speeds: 


For Backing up your system use Acronis True Image

Allway Sync synchronizes PCs, local, network or removable files and folders. It performs true bi-directional sync with flash drives, USB keys, MP3 players, digital cameras, SAMBA, CD, and more. Fast, safe, stable, intuitive and FREE for personal use! Visit Website here.

 
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OANDA.com, The currency site provides currency and foreign exchange rates to investors travelers and online businessesCURRENCY CONVERTER=Get the exchange rate at current bank prices for any denomination around the world.

REG-CLEANER=it is what it says it is. Good way to check what is there without having to worry about making a mistake as it makes backups of your registry for you.

ERUNT & NTREGOPT Registry Backup and Restore for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP  More information
Registry Optimization for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP  More Information: Visit their website.
Unlocker: If you are having troubles deleting files that have become locked by viruses and other malware.

Download the latest version for Windows 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista - Unlocker is Freeware

This utility should be able to help.Visit the website here.

Free Window Registry Repair Just one more great tool to help dig through the registry issues. Visit the website here


E-MAIL CLEANER = Get rid of those ">" and other junk from forwarded email.


POWERCHUTE PERSONAL-APC UPS management software. Visit their website for more information and updates.


TUCOWS=The ultimate collection of windows software.. another place for great software and games with a very good rating system which might save you a lot of time in downloading software to try that really isn't what you were looking for! You will be taken to the general website where you can click on the closest site from where you live for the fastest downloads.


DOWNLOADS.COM=If you know what you are looking for or at least have the name of the program file, you should be able to find it using the search feature on this site.

SUPPORT

If you haven't read my TIPS then I suggest you do this first, before trying the links below

ONLINE SECURITY PORT CHECKER=SHIELD UP! offers a free port checker among other security tips. See how secure you are, even if you have firewall protection. This has more detailed scans then what are available at Symantec or McAfee websites.


ALLEXPERTS=As a volunteer expert I recommend you go here first for any problems and questions you may have on your computer and it's operating system.  If you click HERE and you can ask me a question.  Hey, if you are at my website, I am sure you have a question that you have always wanted answered about your operating system!  Don't forget to vote for me too.. I need the prestige :-)

LOCKERGNOME=Chris Pirillo has a daily and/or weekly newsletter that can be emailed, or in the form of RSS feed to you which is filled with tips and tricks and featured websites.


SHAREWARE.COM=Another site that has demos and shareware software with the usual write-ups, discussions and comparisons.

C-NET=Want to know more about some product?  As well as downloading shareware or purchasing online, you will get the latest information on it here.

MICROSOFT=If all else fails why not try Microsoft directly?  Since your computer operating system is most likely a Microsoft product, not to mention your web browser and/or email program.  This support site is set up for you to complete a search for the particular problem. I might suggest keeping it general at first. In fact, if you have a specific error message, try copying it and pasting it in the search window..  it's a good place to start.

TECH SUPPORT TIP= What exactly do you expect when you phone or email tech support? Read this to learn why you might end up being even more frustrated then before you made that phone call!