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RECOMMENDED TOOLS
RECOMMENDED WEB TOOLS
& SOFTWARE


(links will open in a new browser window)
    = highly recommended

  1. Privacy - protect important documents & online privacy

  2. Virus/Trojan Protection - scan & clean before disaster strikes

  3. Security - identify security risks on your internet connection

  4. Web Tools - browsers, graphic programs, ftp clients, email programs, etc.




Privacy Related
SPYWARE / MALWARE PROTECTION
Spyware is ANY SOFTWARE which employs a user's Internet connection in the background (the so-called "backchannel") without their knowledge or explicit permission. For example, if you happen to notice that your browsers start-up page has changed without your consent, or perhaps you see new toolbars in your browser that you did not install, or perhaps your browser has started to act strangely by crashing or by displaying a lot of pop-up ads. You probably have spyware.
There's also silent effects that you may never notice, especially as spyware gets more sophisticated. For example, did you know that some spyware silenty tracks your surfing behavior and "talks back" to advertising companies?

  • Spyware Eliminator (spyware removal software)
    In minutes, you can identify and eliminate malicious spyware, keyloggers, browser hijackers, and remote-control programs, and abolish annoying adware that ruins your Internet experience and drains your system performance.
    by Aluria Software
    Average Price: $29-$59
    Staff note: they usually offer a free quick download to do an initial scan of your computer, which will show you any traces of spyware on your computer. This quick check won't clean anything, it only displays results. If you don't yet want the commitment of buying spyware cleaning software, consider the freeware ones listed below.

  • AD-AWARE (spyware removal software)
    Ad-aware is a multi spyware removal utility, that scans your memory, registry and hard drives for known spyware and lets you remove it safely. Both a shareware and freeware version are available.
    by LavaSoft
    AD-AWARE SE Personal Edition is FREEWARE
    Staff Note: They tend to bury the link to the freeware version of their software, if you can't locate it you can also download it via download.com.

  • SPYBOT Search & Destroy (spyware removal software)
    SPYBOT Search & destroy is a free tool that can detect and remove spyware, adware, dialers, keyloggers, trojans, and usage tracks from your computer.
    by Team Spybot
    Freeware, donations accepted
    Staff Note: We recommend running this along with Ad-Aware (see above). They are both reliable non-intrusive programs, but it never hurts to have a second pair of eyes scanning your system for something the first may have missed (software developers update their databases at different times and sometimes with different items).
ELIMINATE POP-UP ADS
Rid yourself of those unwanted advertisements!

Staff Note: pop-up blockers will block those annoying pop-up ads on websites as you surf. If you still experience pop-up ads after installing a pop-up blocker, there's a good chance that you have a small ad-serving program on your computer that you are not aware of. In this case, make sure you regularly run a Spyware/Adware removal tool as well.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you are running a current version of your internet browser (especially if you use Internet Explorer). In addition to providing important security and bug fixes, most current browsers offer some sort of built-in pop-up ad blocking. If you need assistance, please contact us.

TEST YOUR POP-UP AD PROTECTION.... if you goto www.popuptest.com, you can run a series of safe tests to check your pop-up ad protection.

If you still find that you need additional pop-up protection, there are many choices. Here's a well-known one that also offers a trial version:
  • AdSubtract (shareware)
    ELIMINATE POP-UP ADS (and more!) WHILE YOUR SURF.
    Blocks ads, cookies, pop-up windows, animations, music, and more. Enable/Disable blocking with the click of a button.
    by interMute
    Average Price: $29.99
DOCUMENT ENCRYPTION / PRIVACY
Encrypt and protect your sensitive documents, also enjoy secure email communication with others to prevent unauthorized persons from reading your mail.

  • Pretty Good Protection - PGP (paid or freeware)
    Comprehensive security solution for mobile and desktop users
    PGP is a very useful tool to send important documents encrypted. Encrypt files, e-mail, etc. so that only the reciever who has your "key" is able to open the encrypted document.

    Paid version: click here for the new PGP corporation
    Freeware version: click here to go to the MIT distribution download center

    Staff note: Remember to never send sensitive or private information in plain text via email. It is extemely insecure, and any 12 year old with basic know-how can intercept your mail while in transit. Encrypt your sensitive messages!
    Export of this software is restricted by the US government.
    by PGP Security, a Network Associates business



    • Virus & Trojan Protection
    Tip: Want to learn about email virus safety precautions? Visit our virus & trojan information page.
      SINGLE-PC PROTECTION
      There are many software manufacturers, each performing similar functions. Every system has unique needs, but overall we recommend you try the following:

    • eTrust EZ AntiVirus (anti-virus)
      Provides world-class real-time antivirus protection for home and home office PC’s. Developed from the award winning eTrust product line, the #1 Internet Security brand used by large corporations and governments around the world. Free trial download.
      Average Price: $19.95, annual renewal fee only $9.95
      by Computer Associates
      Staff note: Easy to use, easy to update, a solid & non-intrusive program. The annual renewal fee allows for software updates, and unlimited access to their virus update database.

    • F-PROT (anti-virus)
      F-prot for Windows offers high-quality antivirus solutions for both home users and corporations that are renowned for both their speed and reliability. The program's innovative and integrated heuristic detection capabilities also provides the best possible protection against unknown future threats that may emerge. Free trial download.
      Average Price: $29
      by Frisk Software
      Staff note: A reliable, user-friendly program. They also offer other protection software for Linux, BSD, DOS, Exchange, and Solaris.

    • AVG Anti-Virus (anti-virus)
      AVG Anti-Virus offers full protection including email scanning, boot scanning, and auto updating of the virus definitions. Free trial download.
      Paid version: Average price $38.95
      Freeware version: free.grisoft.com
      by Frisk Software
      Staff note: They offer both a paid and free version of their anti-virus software. You won't miss the features in the scaled-down free version, such as an advanced user interface, creating and scheduling tests, and free tech support. If you prefer to have more gadgets to play with, then consider switching to the paid version.



    PC Security
    As internet users switch from ISP dialup lines to permanent connections such as DSL or cable, new security risks appear. Here are some tools and informational links to check and safeguard your connection vulnerability.

      TEST YOUR CONNECTION:
    • Shields-Up - Internet security testing for windows (done online,free)
      - Quickly check the SECURITY of YOUR connection to the Internet.

      PROTECT YOURSELF:
    • ZoneAlarm - Firewall, by Zonelabs
      "...providing rock-solid protection against Internet thieves, vandals and hackers - stopping them dead in their tracks. If you can't be seen, you can't be attacked!" Also very useful to see what programs on your computer are trying to transmit out to the internet without your knowledge.
      ZONEALARM is FREE for personal and non-profit use.
      ZONEALARM PRO ($49.95+) is available if you desire more gadgets.
      by Zone Labs LLC



    Web Productivity Tools
    Web Tools and Utilities to Make Life Easier

    • SecureFX - (FTP client)
      "... has a simple Explorer-like interface, so it's easy to learn and use."
      "Secure FTP Made Easy". Free trial download.
      Average Price: $59.95
      by Van Dyke Technologies

    • FileZilla - (FTP client)
      FileZilla is a powerful Open Source FTP/SFTP client with many features. It includes a site manager to store your connection details as well as an "Explorer style" interface that shows the local and remote folders and can be customized independently. The program offers support for firewalls and proxy connections as well as SSL and Kerberos GSS security.
      Freeware, Open Source
      by Tim Kosse

    • WinSCP - (FTP client)
      WinSCP is an open source SFTP client for Windows. Its main function is the secure file transfer between a local and a remote computer. Beyond this, WinSCP offers basic file manager functionality. It uses Secure Shell (SSH) and supports, in addition to Secure FTP, also legacy SCP protocol.
      Freeware, Open Source
      by WinSCP Development

    • UPDATE your Internet Explorer - (web browser)
      If you are using Windows, you already have this installed. This is just a reminder to make sure that you UPDATE your browser software.
      Visit the Internet Explorer Web site to install browser security/bug fixes.
      or if you are comfortable updating your whole system:
      Visit the Windows Update Web site to scan your computer for needed updates.
      by Microsoft
      To find out what version you currently have, in your browsers top menu click "Help" then "About". Your version number is listed in the middle of the window (ie. Version 6.0.2900, SP2).

    • Mozilla FIREFOX - (web browser)
      Firefox empowers you to browse faster, more safely and more efficiently than with any other browser.
      Popup Blocking - Stop annoying popup ads in their tracks with Firefox's built in popup blocker.
      Privacy and Security - Built with your security in mind, Firefox keeps your computer safe from malicious spyware by not loading harmful ActiveX controls.
      Fits Like a Glove - Simple and intuitive, yet fully featured, Firefox has all the functions you're used to - Bookmarks, History, Full Screen, Text Zooming to make pages with small text easier to read, etc.
      Free!
      by Mozilla Organization
      A recommended user-friendly alternative to using the standard Internet Explorer browser. We recommend having both browsers updated and readily available for your surfing needs.

    • Mozilla THUNDERBIRD - (email client)
      Thunderbird makes emailing safer, faster, and easier than ever before with the industry's best implementations of features such as intelligent spam filters, built-in RSS reader, quick search, and much more.
      Free!
      by Mozilla Organization
      An effective email client that handles multiple accounts, and has impressive filters for detecting junk mail.

    • EUDORA - (email client)
      Eudora is a classic, powerful, flexible and efficient email client.
      They offer a paid ($39-49/year) version as well as a
      FREE full functional "sponsored" version
      by Qualcomm

      Have a Mac?
      Here's a link to some Mac email clients and a dozen or so Mac FTP clients.


      GRAPHIC PROGRAMS AND VIEWERS

    • Irfanview - (file viewer / converter)
      IrfanView is a very fast, small, compact and innovative graphic viewer and converter. Supported formats include:
      AIF, ANI/CUR, ASF, AU/SND, AVI, B3D, BMP/DIB, CAM (Casio JPG), CLP, DDS, Dicom/ACR, DJVU, ECW, EMF/WMF, EPS, FITS, FLI/FLC, FlashPix (FPX), FSH, G3, GIF, ICO/ICL/EXE/DLL, IFF/LBM, IMG (GEM), JPG2000, JPG, JPM, KDC, LDF, LWF, MED, MID/RMI, MNG/JNG, MOV, MP3, MPG, MrSID, NLM/NOL/NGG, OGG, PBM/PGM/PPM, PCX/DCX, PhotoCD, PIC, PNG, PSD, PSP, QTIF, RAS/SUN, RAW, Real Audio (RA), RLE, SFF, SFW, SGI/RGB, SWF (Flash/Shockwave), TGA, TIF, TTF, TXT, WAD, WAL, WAV, WBMP, WBZ/WBC, XBM, XPM, CRW/CR2, DNG, NEF, ORF, RAF, MRW, DCR, SRF, X3F, CAD formats.
      Freeware
      by Irfan Skiljan

    • Visualizer Photo Resize - (LIGHT DUTY image resizer)
      A powerful freeware JPG Photo Manager for resizing multiple and single digital images or movie frames.
      Visualizer Photo Resize is a complete package for digital photographers and webmasters who wants to resize, improve and share photos fast and easy. With Visualizer Photo Resize you can achieve the results you want without any graphic or web experience, all you have to do is select an image folder and enter the resize ratio for your images and click Resize
      Freeware (Pro version available $)
      by Visualizer Image Group

    • The GIMP - (MEDIUM+ DUTY image resizer / converter)
      GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring.
      It has many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer, an image format converter, etc. GIMP is expandable and extensible. It is designed to be augmented with plug-ins and extensions to do just about anything. The advanced scripting interface allows everything from the simplest task to the most complex image manipulation procedures to be easily scripted.
      Freeware
      by The GIMP Team



    If you have questions related to the use of any of these tools, or how to implement security on your connection or network, please call or use our contact form.


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