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Downloads
Often there are files we recommend to help with a particular diagnostic and
these are detailed below with some explanation. The list is not definitive but
when we advise you to run a program then this is where you will find it.
We also subscribe to a service of low cost software, If you have a need for
something then you can search for it here, these programs only cost a few pounds
but you may get exactly what you need. To search then click on a button on the
right hand side.
Viruses, Spyware and malwares
This program is available in either a free or paid for version. The paid for
version sits on the system and checks and works all the time. The free version
will only check the system for viruses and spyware when it is run. It's
pretty good and thorough and is our number one choice for a system that is
behaving suspiciously.
This program spots only spyware which may be affecting the performance or
security of your system. It will run automatically or do a scan when called. It's
a free product and designed for techies, but it's good. Don't install the
"teatimer" if your system is short on resources. It will also "immunize" your
system against spyware but don't let that lure you into a false sense of
security; you need to run this about once a week with normal usage.
Trend
Housecall & Eset Scan
These are remote scanning programmes that look for and try to defeat viruses. If
they say you are clear, then you can accept that but if they won't run then
beware, you may be infected. Trend and Eset are probably the best mid range AV
software available.
Hijack
this (Use www.hijackthis.de to analyse the results)
This is really a techie toy. It scans the registry - scary, the registry is the
soul of your system and a screw up can turn your sytem into an expensive door
stop, playing with the registry is about as much fun as blindfold laser brain
surgery. If you just want to do a scan then copy the data to website above and
it will analyse the results. Great in finding problems.
System Specifications
This utility is great if you are building a disaster plan or a file covering
what you have got. It tells you all the software and all the connections for
each PC.
This produces a 60 page report (in a data file) which will tell you the real
specification of your system. Forget the three line description you had when you
bought it, this program tells you the real truth. Good reading for a bored
techie, gobbledegook to anyone else but useful for seeing what you have got and
what can be added, It won't give you advice but a techie can read where the
improvements can be made.
Utilities
A free ZIP utility that allows you to read and make Zip files, it doesn't ask
you to register or donate like WinZip.
A pdf printer, one of the best, it installed and selected like a printer and the
you just name the file, where you save it and it becomes a PDF, it even suggest
the name from the original document.
Every device on a network has an address and 65500 ports, this program finds out
what's there, what's it called, it's IP and all the ports whether open or closed.
The only reader that is free and original, beware as it
loads, a few secons after it starts it asks if you want a Goggle tool bar,
believe us, you don't. Open it, wait then untick the box before proceeding.
Google toolbar slows your internet usage and tracks your searches hmmmmmmmmmm.
ADSL Broadband
Maybe you have broadband already, that may be but you may have had a service at a
slower rate than you deserve, maybe they gave the extra speed to your neighbour,
find out what you can get in your area.
Promised an 8Mb service? This will tell you what you are getting in real life,
you may be sharing your connection with thousands in your area so the 8Mb service
is actually 1Mb. Also it tests the speed you send your page request up to
Google. If you have got an upload speed of 448Kbps and 2Mbps download and
you live in a small village then be pleased, in a town it's another matter. Use
the Cairo connection and we will advise you if it's a good service or you should
be getting better.
Search for free / low cost software
There are lots of programs available and some
smaller software houses or hobbyists write software and either give it away,
offer free trials for low cost software. This will take you to another site
where you can search and download software. It's safe and all the programs are
checked out. |
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