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   We have compiled a list of high quality products and services for you and your computing environment. We use and recommend these products, services and companies. The programs below require little or no maintenance on your part. However, it is very important that they be installed and setup properly initially. We are happy to properly install and train you on the use of the following programs. It does not take long and is well worth your time!

Anti-Virus Software: The most important piece of software to have on your computer is anti-virus protection. Our favorite product for this was selected because it is small, fast and finds viruses that the most popular anti-virus programs don't. The price is impressive too! Click the logo below to visit their site.

They also offer a free edition of the AVG Anti-Virus software that is available for private, non-commercial, single home computer use only. It is located at the bottom of this webpage.

 

Firewall Software: Another very important piece of software for any computer that is connected to the internet. This software keeps internet intruders from accessing your computer from the internet. Windows XP with service pack 2 has a built-in firewall that protects you from these attacks. More sophisticated firewall software can also protect you from viruses and spyware/malware from sending personal information out to those that would use that information to exploit you or your computer. Our favorite firewall product is Keiro Personal Firewall by Sunbelt-Software. Click their link below to visit their site. If you have a hardware firewall you will not need a software firewall. If you are not sure give us a call and we will help you determine what you need.

Spyware, Adware and Malware Software: Over 80% of computers have it! And they cause everything from pop-ups, slow computers to identity theft! There are many anti-spyware software packages out there, but it is hard for them to keep up with the spyware writers. This means that many people that have anti-spyware software running also have spyware running. The only way to be sure that you are clean from spyware is to have a qualified technician do a complete system check and manually remove any spyware found. The anti-spyware software we like best is CounterSpy by Sunbelt-Software. However, nothing can find spyware better than a trained technician. We can check your computer for spyware in less than 15 minutes.

Want to read more about Spyware? Take a look at this document.

Email Spam: If you hate spam, get iHateSpam from Sunbelt-Software. It is the best anti-spam program and the price is right! Click their banner below to take a look at it. It doesn't work with AOL or Windows 95. We can help you set it up and train you on using it.

Computer Performance: The number one thing most computers need to improve their computer's performance as far as hardware upgrades go is memory or RAM. For that, nobody beats Crucial. They will help you decide what type of memory to get, ship it fast and free and even help you install it. Their prices are the lowest we have found too! For the typical computer user, 512MB (megabytes) of memory (RAM) is sufficient. However, what is right for you depends on many other factors including your version of Windows, processor speed in the computer and so on. They even have a free tool that will evaluate your system and make recommendations on memory for you. They also have flash memory for cameras at unbeatable prices.

All the other stuff for your computer: In our opinion, TigerDirect is the best place to get computer upgrades, printers, cameras, ink, CD's, DVD's, networking equipment, software, games, and much more! Their customer support is great, their prices are low, their shipping is fast. We recommend you check them out before you buy anything electronic from anyone else.

Test your firewall: Click on the link below and then click on the "Shields UP!" picture. You will be taken to a second page where you will need to scroll halfway down the page to click on "ShieldsUP!" again. Finally, click on the proceed button and follow the instructions on that page. It provides comprehensive firewall testing and explanations of the tests and results. If you have any questions about the tests or results, please call Taylor at 888-896-9662.     http://www.grc.com/