Genealogy, Social, Software

Off-Site Links :

The links given on these pages are based on my experience and, therefore, reflect my feelings over their usage. Others may disagree and indeed some do!

I have only given links to sites and tools which I use and which cost little or nothing. This may mean that one has to take more time to learn how to use them.

In the case of web design, for example, it is probably necessary to know more about "html" and cascading style sheets than is the case with more expensive programs.

Email
E-mail:
Ron Ferguson

Protect Your Computer

Source	Comments	Price
Zone Alarm	Well respected and a very effective firewall it also protects other computer users, unlike Windows SP2. It takes a little while to configure but no more than other firewalls.	Cost: Free
Grisoft AVG 7.5	An essential virus protection for e-mails and in the event of a virus getting through it will render it harmless. Best set to scan daily. It puts messages on outgoing and incoming e-mails to say they have been checked.	Cost: Free
Lavasoft Adaware	Renders inoperable, spyware and other malware which report back your computer useage to other sites. (see Spybot below))	Cost: Free for personal use
Spybot	Similar to Adaware but acts on some different malware. It is recommended that both are installed. Spybot also enables immunisation against its identified malware.	Cost: Free
Machine Washer	(Only the Pro version with Hotmail) An anti-spam program by Firetrust which checks incoming emails held by the ISP and makes them available for one's email program. Can bounce, delete and blacklist. Will import and prioritise the address book.	Cost: Free Pro. Version $37.00 US
Google	Most browsers have a pop-up blocker but Google is one of the most effective. Some sites (eg. 1837 - see Genealogy) may require blockers to be turned off before working effectively.	Cost: Free
Registry Mechanic	Not a protection against malware but does help keep to keep things trouble free. Identifies and repairs registry faults. The trial version only works on the first six sections but that is often enough.	Cost: Trial Version: Free Full Version: cir $30 US

Protection :

Often overlooked, particularly by newcomers to the web, is the need to protect one's computer from the many viruses, adware, trojans and all the other forms of malware which are out there. So this is a basic guide aimed at new surfers using WINDOWS.

The first priority is to ensure that the Microsoft Updates are kept up to date and firewalls switched on. The only one I use is Windows SP2 and have no problems, although others prefer to have additional protection.

Where software has a facility for automatic updates and scans this is best switched on and a convenient time for oneself set. Otherwise regular (at least weekly) updates should be done.

Pop-ups are not only a pain but can also carry malware and should be blocked. If they do crop up use the "X" to cancel them. Similarly if an e-mail arrives from an unknown source it is preferable not to open it. Just delete and put on blocked sender's list

Detailed information on the use of the software is given in my blog

Genealogy, Social, Software

Protect Your Computer

Protection :

No responsibility can be accepted for the use of these programs

© Ronald Ferguson 2005 - 2008