The table below is not recommending products and if you choose to use
one or more of them you are doing so at your own risk and I strongly recommend
that you seek professional advice about the applicability to your own
circumstances - technical, legal and commercial prior to downloading.
As almost all of this software will interact with Windows® at an intimate
level I would also recommend that you take a full system backup with a
product such as Norton Ghost 2003 (DOS!) prior
to installing any one of them.
This page © Business before Technology
2006-2020 - see the respective sites of the owners
for their copyright statements as well as terms and conditions
|
| Name of tool and brief description
| When and how to run and VERY IMPORTANT
comments regarding INSTALLATION
| Common name, link to download
and 'likely' conditions of use*¹
|
Belarc Advisor - creates a report showing the hardware and
software installed on your PC.
Also produces a summary of Windows Updates.
Very useful first step in problem diagnosis.
| Run manually before and after any software or hardware change.
Always e-mail to a friend or to me (at
send Belarc Report to Brian R.
)
if appropriate - there is no charge for filing and/or retrieval by e-mail Running
this BEFORE you have a problem is HIGHLY recommended!
| PC Inventory
(Software+H/Ware)
Free for personal use
(Belarc)
|
Comodo Free Firewall - inhibits interactions between your PC and
millions of other PCs / servers trying to attack it.
Necessary even if you enable the XP firewall because the latter
lacks (Dec'10) outbound monitoring / protection.
After reviewing on many PCs over 2-3 years this company is also
recommended as a provider of Anti-Virus too!
However - they refer that combination as CIS or Comodo Internet Security
| Must! be (auto-)run at PC startup*²
on any PC which is connected to any network.
** Take Custom Install option + Opt-Out if/as required **
Zonealarm is now (2010) only recommended if you run a free, old (2005ish) version
which doesn't bundle (Kaspersky?) AntiVirus with it.
| Firewall plus now (Jan'13) AV (below) + HIPS
a.k.a Comodo Internet Security
Free for personal (& commercial!)
use (choose Comodo Firewall
OR CIS Free to inc. AntiVirus)
|
NOTE - Jan'13 - please ignore/skip the next item referring to AVG as it is
no longer recommended.
See the **Comodo** AntiVirus section ABOVE as a possible substitute.
AVAST is also a good option but personally I only use
the AV option of it (2 ticks out of 20+ they offer!)
See Full installation files - useful if updating more than 1 PC.
If the target PC is running XP or any other reason to keep it offline
then you can request a registration key
here.
The only reason for keeping the AVG entry below in this list during 2013
is so that people can see/read the history of how it got to be "relegated".
|
AVG Anti-virus 8.5 - scans e-mails and files for malware such as
Viruses, Trojans etc.
This now includes the first of:
AVG (aka Ewido) Anti-Spyware - scans for more malware - not
just Viruses, Trojans etc., also cookies etc.
AVG Anti-Rootkit - scans disks for hidden files that
can run as Viruses, Trojans etc.
Note: AVG9/10 have had mixed reviews and we are trialling AntiVir,
Comodo AV and Microsoft Essentials with a view to changing our recommendations.
Update Oct'11 - Although we are still trialling potential replacements -
AVG WILL be replaced on this list because they are trying to supplant all other
security software on customer's PCs.
The recommendation is LIKELY to be dependant upon how you and "where" you use
your PC, e-mail etc...
|
NB If you use WEB-MAIL (Yahoo, AoL, MSN etc.) rather than Outlook/T'Bird
- you MIGHT be best using the AV in Comodo above! - ask us if you want a brief
conversation to help you decide
Must be (auto-)run at PC startup*² on any PC which accesses
e-mails or files from other PCs.
Updates itself automatically (& fast) when online.
** Take Custom Install option + Opt-Out if/as required ** If you want to opt-out of the (2) ToolBars, the Link Scanner and
the SafeSearch features then you will need to choose 'Customised' installation
and uncheck each feature.
** Take Custom Install option + Opt-Out if/as required **
| AntiVirus or AV/HIPS
Free for personal use, all from AVG*³,
Rootkit detector (not tested by us!)
If link above fails (out of date?) start
here.
Be aware you will be "offered" (led towards!) the paid version on
each (every?!) page you visit.
|
Comodo Anti-virus - scans e-mails and files for malware such as
Viruses, Trojans etc.
See Comodo above regarding FW or AV or both - CIS!
|
Must be (auto-)run at PC startup*² on any PC which accesses
e-mails or files from other PCs.
See row above AVG section for more details.
| AntiVirus as well as Firewall and HIPS
See row above AVG section for links...
|
Secunia software version checker -
checks NON-MS software versions for currency and security.
This version of the tool has options to 'fix' the problem(s) but they
not designed for use by a novice as they are typically generic links to the
site from which you can update the software - see text to right.
|
As non-MS software becomes an increasing target for malware writers
this tool addresses that problem.
Note that recently Adobe was deemed MORE OF AN EXPOSURE THAN MICROSOFT!
However it still needs to be used with caution as it often directs users
to the very latest version of software instead of an earlier version,
see Not using 'latest' software below.
| (Software) Version checker
Free for personal use.
I prefer to take this small piece of software rather than use their on-line
version which requires Java's 120MB + regular updates that are constantly
being offered.
|
Image viewer - Irfanview -
rapidly displays images and allows some editing and lots of manipulation.
NB this is NOT a PHOTO editor.
|
Very fast and capable but offers to download Google Chrome which would
then become your default browser
** Take Custom Install option + Opt-Out if/as required **
| Image viewer - Irfanview
Free for personal use.
|
Multimedia Player - VLCPlayer -
fast and supporting many, many formats.
|
Very fast and capable, can't remember if it tries to affect your PC so - just a warning
** Take Custom Install option + Opt-Out if/as required **
| Multimedia Player - VLCPlayer
Free for personal use.
|
The MS Sysinternals tool: psexec (replaces
Drop My Rights) - launches applications as a
limited user rather than the Administrator...
See the example at the very bottom of the (linked) page:
For technical people ONLY!
To run Internet Explorer with limited-user privileges use:
psexec -l -d "c:\program files\internet explorer\iexplore.exe"
This is NOT AS GOOD as using a non-Admin account
| This tool runs programs such as Internet Explorer
and Outlook Express (and crucially programs launched by them!)
in a much safer manner by restricting their ability to
make changes to your (XP only!) system.
Bear in mind that they CAN STILL DO HARM to YOUr data AND INFECT YOUR ACCOUNT!
Also be aware that Hackers will be 'fighting' this approach to running programs.
| Sandbox(er) - one approach other than Sandboxie, Virtual PC etc.
Free for all? users - only 20-30 lines of code! *³
|
MS Defender - scans (and protects) SOME parts
of Windows that Microsoft left open to attack when 'rushing' XP,
IE, Media Player etc. etc. to market.
Do not use if you already have an
equivalent HIPS e.g. Comodo Defence+.
N.B. This is for XP only!
| Updated as part of Windows update. Schedule a weekly or even daily scan.
Also runs 'in realtime' to monitor potential attacks to Windows XP®
| Intrusion Protection System (HIPS)
Free for Genuine Windows Users
(MS Defender) *³
|
MS Malware remover - scans for known
threats in a similar way
to other Anti-Spyware / Anti-Virus but has the advantage that the actions it takes
are in code written by MS and MAY (should!) do any 'removals' better than non-MS.
| Updated and run as part of Windows update.
Run other manual scans after this one even if only once per month (2nd Tuesday?).
Full MS name is Malicious Software Removal Tool.
| Microsoft cleaner for its own bugs/holes
Free for Windows Users
(MS Malware remover) *³
|
| Tools that CAN! BE MADE TO supplement
the above without conflicting with them and/or Windows®.
NB. Each of these tools tries to add a little "extra" which can
potentially conflict with AV, FW, HIPS etc... see "Opt Out"...
|
AdAware - detects and attempts to remove Spyware.
Used to be paranoid about (tracking) cookies but otherwise useful.
| Free version needs to be updated and run manually. Do so weekly
or at least monthly.
** Take Custom Install option + Opt-Out if/as required **
| Anti-Spyware - typically scheduled weekly
Free for personal use
(AdAware)
|
SpyBot - detects and attempts to remove Spyware.
Paranoic about (tracking) cookies but otherwise useful.
| Free version needs to be updated and run manually. Do so weekly
or at least monthly.
** Take Custom Install option + Opt-Out if/as required **
The Tea-Timer option is not one we would take
| Anti-Spyware - typically scheduled weekly
Free for personal use
(Spy Bot)
|
MalwareBytes - detects and attempts to remove Spyware.
| Anti-Virus without Real-Time Scanning
(From 2010-ish the latter is available but optional and not a market leader) - SO...
** Take Custom Install option + Opt-Out if/as required **
| Typically schedule monthly OR when suspicious
Free for personal use
(Malware Bytes)
|
MailWasher - allows you to PRE-PROCESS your InBox.
Even on Broadband this is useful on any 'Spammy' account.
NB. We offer a better (server-based) service.
| Run prior to each opening of your InBox with your e-mail client
(e.g. Outlook / Express).
Often you won't need to do the latter at all!
| (Personal) Spam filtering executed at the server but under YOUR control
Free for personal use
(MailWasher)
|
Google Mail - allows you to have an on-line (WebMail) InBox
which is relatively free of xxxxx Spam.
Our observations of the Spam filtering is that it traps over 95% and has
very low false positives which are a fundamental weakness of any
content or blacklist-oriented filtering system.
| Although primarily offered as a WebMail tool it IS POSSIBLE to
retrieve NON-SPAM e-mails from your GoogleMail account with Outlook Express.
This is very useful because it keeps Spam e-mails in your (on-line!)
Spam folder for 30 days (over 5GB of storage!) and thus a clean Inbox in Outlook.
| Free for personal use
(Google Mail)
|
| Applications that replace
those bundled with Windows®.
|
Thunderbird (T'Bird) - Modern e-mail client with extensions.
Doesn't support Active-X (that's GOOD!) - also see Firefox.
As of May'16 the release to choose (see **FTP to right)
is 38.7.2 as there are no zeros or ones in that number.
Do not use lower e.g. 5.3.2 or 6.5.4 are V.V.OLD
| Can totally replace MS Outlook Express (MS Outlook non-Express
has more function and has now (2012) proven itself
Note: Mozilla *used to provide* a STABLE VERSION (they still do for Firefox below)
but now all you can do is manually choose a version to download.
|
Free for all? users. To choose a release, browse this **FTP folder for download.
IF stability is more important to you than latest gadgets then Change
updates to manual in Tools-> Options-> Advanced.
|
FireFox - Modern browser with extensions.
Doesn't support Active-X at all (that's GOOD!) so inherently safer than MS IE.
Note: It is very important for anyone who needs STABLE software
to use THIS VERSION and not the very latest as that changes far too frequently
| Use for all your browsing and should be your default browser.
MS IE needs to be retained for Windows Updates AND a small number of
sites that you need to protect - e.g. Financial, see Safe browsing in 2010
| Free for personal use
(Firefox)
Technical download option for Firefox (FTP)
Do not use any release less than 38.*.* of 2016.
|
| The following tools are free, useful
and I have several customers that use them.
|
Foxit Reader provides a lightweight PDF reader without the
constant updates and bloated functionality which tries to take over your PC
provided by other vendors.
| Can replace Adobe Reader for at least 95% of users as of April'09
If you want to opt-out of the (2) ToolBars and other
features then you will need to choose 'Customised' installation
and uncheck each feature.
** Take Custom Install option + Opt-Out if/as required **
|
Free for personal use
(Foxit PDF Reader)
|
Hamachi -
a facility to link PCs securely over the Web.
Microsoft's Netmeeting and Remote Assistance are both able to securely interact
between PCs using this tool.
Also see Setting up a network of experts.
NOTE WELL - Hamachi management (and any senior developers) have made a
monumental PR disaster by forcing certain changes upon their users -
EVEN THOSE WHO HAVE PAID THEM MONEY!
Don't bother to read ALL of this (link to right) unless you are
a software developer or manage it's development and deployment
should skim through it all to realise how bad it can get!
| Although this facility can be used for a lot of other purposes
(e.g. sharing files between remote users) it's use to support
remote assistance between 'friends and relatives' is pretty good.
Note - there are now several alternatives (to right)
to securely and remotely assist
other Windows users. Including in Windows: Remote Assistance (XP to Win7).
N.B. LogMeIn want you to register before telling you
their prices, terms and conditions!
| Virtual private network (VPN) tunnelled over the Internet
Free for personal use
(Hamachi)
The blog of their disaster! is here
Remote assistance products - not
sure if the 2nd IS free/not:
1. Teamviewer - Free for personal use
2. LogMeIn - MIGHT be free but
you won't know 'til you register!
|
| The following tools are not free but
are important in order to retain a resilient PC.
|
Norton Ghost 2003 backs up ALL of WINDOWS -
(i.e. C drive) so an untainted restore/recovery can be done.
These backups save you installing and customising programs inc. XP!
"from scratch" in the event of serious Virus, Hard Drive crash or
similar catastrophes.
Restoring to a new drive is possible with guidance.
Restoring to a new PC is usually possible but not trivial.
Your PC supplier MAY have included this when building it.
| This product is NOT FREE and may require a 1-off coaching session
- probably possible via remote assistance (XP) or MAY be possible over the telephone.
It should be FIRST run soon after PC purchase but after your initial customisation.
After 3-6 months a 2nd backup will be needed.
After that - backup prior to all significant hardware or software changes.
This could be biannually through to biennially - the latter for an old, unchanging PC.
| Mostly the name includes image (or clone) - e.g.
TrueImage, DriveImage, Ghost image, Partition image
If not included with your PC it is
CHARGEABLE
(Ghost prices on Amazon)
|
This page © Business before Technology
2006-2020 - see the respective sites of the owners
for their copyright statements as well as terms and conditions
|
Some of the products above have options at installation which I normally
alter from the default for a variety of reasons including technical,
privacy, Spam avoidance etc.. I may be able to provide Remote Assistance
either PC to PC or telephone if appropriate.
*¹ please read the conditions of use on the actual download
site of the software provider as the definitive terms, my words are
a gross and by definition an out-of-date summary.
Also note that although I often recommend these tools, I cannot validate
their suitability to your technical, personal or commercial needs
without a review which would be a chargeable exercise.
*³ Doesn't work with Windows 95, 98, Millenium Edition (ME) et. al.
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