Favorite Files

1. Ace Utilities for Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista
2. Autoruns
3. AutoSizer
4. Belarc Advisor
5. CCleaner
6. Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi
7. CryptoSuite
8. DisplayFusion
9. Foxit Reader
10. HijackThis
11. HostsMan
12. jv16 PowerTools 2009
13. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
14. Microsoft Silverlight for Windows
15. PerfectDisk Professional
16. Process Explorer
17. Process Monitor
18. SnagIt
19. Speccy
20. SpywareBlaster
21. Sticky Password
22. ThumbsPlus
23. TrojanHunter
24. TuneUp Utilities 2010
25. UltraMon
26. Weather Watcher Live
27. WinRAR (64-bit)
28. WOT for Internet Explorer
29. X-NetStat Professional

Recent Posts

1. 
   Review - TrojanHunter

   4.6 Build 930 (Sep 14, 2006)

   Version 4.6 provides a newly designed Quarantine feature in TrojanHunter. This is a continuation of enhancements being incorporated in this powerful trojan + other malware detection/removal program. Many of the enhancements are in direct response to user suggestions and requests. New versions and builds are routinely issued so that customers can/do reap the improvement benefits as they are developed and incorporated in TrojanHunter.
   
   TrojanHunter's GUI provides easy-to-customize options both in the scanner module and the realtime monitor THGuard. The modules require minimal resources and are not bloated with features that slow down systems or detract from the primary design scope/objective of trojan/malware detection/removal.
   
   New definitions are issued daily...most of the time 7 days per week. Gavin Coe, Mischel's trojan analyst, has dramatically ramped up the detection capability during 2006. Detection of trojans, keyloggers, rootkits, spyware, worms and other critters are being added and updated at a highly acceptable rate. A server in the Europe and the United States, coupled with incremental update capability in TH's LiveUpdate, provide quick updates even for dial-up users.
   
   The personalized support of Mischel Internet Security's dedicated forum attempts to quickly meet the needs and problem resolution of existing and potential TrojanHunter users.
   
   The $49 one-time licensing fee followed each year thereafter with a nominal annual subscription fee of $19(USD) is well worth the investment. I recommend this security program as a complement/supplement to anti-virus software.

2. 
   Review - Advanced SystemCare Free

   2 Beta 3.5 (Aug 17, 2006)

   Have been utilizing the Beta version for a number of weeks now.
   1. Developers are very responsive to recommended changes, bug fixes, and new features.
   2. It found and repaired a significant number of system level errors in settings (XP-SP2 HE). Did see an improvement in system responsiveness following the fixes.
   3. The system Services section should not be taken at face value for its recommendations. There are some services that a user may have disabled totally, but AWC may recommend that they be either Manual or Automatic. The newly revised "Ignore" list permits the user to tell AWC to always ignore these services.
   4. The price for the PRO version seems very reasonable considering it permits utilization on up to 3 computers.
   5. The GUI is easy to use and understand. A novice computer user should be able to comprehend what AWC is recommending for fixing.
   
   I would recommend it for users who do not already have a number of comparable utility programs installed and in use. I've not seen any conflicts with other utility programs; but there is or may be, as always, a lot of overlap between such programs. Based on what the program is designed to do and how effectively it does those functions, I give it a 5 rating.

3. 
   Review - Sticky Password

   2.7 Beta (Mar 9, 2006)

   Excellent password manager with easy-to-use interface. Support is excellent when/if required. Enhancement upgrades issued routinely to provide improved utilization. Have tried other password manager/protection software in the past and StickyPassword is a pleasant improvement over the ones I've tried.
   
   On Windows XP-SP2, resources required are negliable with about 5 mbyte RAM memory useage. Have not experienced any conflicts with other programs on system.

4. 
   Review - RegDefend

   2.001 (Sep 15, 2005)

   RegDefend is one of the key security tools that I rely on for protection of my system against criminal activities by trojans, spyware, viruses, worms and the like. The latest version 2.001 is highly customizable and incorporates a user friendly GUI for setup, customizing, and monitoring.
   
   Whereas RegDefend works deep through the kernel, there are minimal resource requirements and no polling chewing up CPU cycles. Although it "sounds" like it is one of those programs that is for advanced users, it definitely can be implemented relatively easily by a novice. The default registry defense groups are extensive. For the majority of users, the default registry defense groups will adequately protect against malicious registry modifications. Highly recommend!
   
   On my XP-SP2 Dell running 24/7 with a cable modem, I feel I've enhanced my security protection significantly by installing RegDefend.

5. 
   Review - Online Armor Personal Firewall Free Edition

   1.1.0.152 (Aug 24, 2005)

   This innovative, new approach to protecting our systems from the Internet criminals lurking around waiting to find a sucker is a great addition to the security portfolio.
   
   Its engine is kernel based at the lowest level giving it prevention capabilities instead of signature based. It has a great LiveUpdate that updates the program version automatically as well as any new data furnished by Tall EMU.
   
   The program has just been brought on the market by Tall EMU in Australia and in certain areas is still evolving in its capabilities and protection.
   
   The user interface is straight forward. The program GUI is designed for simplicistic installation/setup/use for the computer novice.
   
   Customer support is outstanding with a dedicated forum on the Tall EMU servers and also a lot of activity in the Wilderssecurity forum. Customer concerns and recommendations are encouraged and promptly responded to and integrated when practical and conducive to the design scheme of Online-Armor.
   
   Well worth the initial licensing fee which also includes 1 years support.