Use Caution if Freeware Seems Too Good To Be Free

Free software is great. But consumers should be smart about using it and take precautions.
* Protect yourself: Don't download software from Web sites you don't know. Protect your computer with up-to-date virus and spyware programs. If you're in doubt about a particular product, research it and see what others have to say.

Visit blogs or chatrooms for people who use the same product.

* Watch out at work: Some free programs, such as those offered by Google, require users to store files created in these programs on the company's Web site. This can be a good thing because storing files anywhere other than your own hard drive acts as a great backup .

But Boston software engineer Nat Budin, 25, cautions that you should be careful about what you store on someone else's server , particularly if the material involves proprietary information.

* Watch that URL: If you're in doubt about whether a Web site is legitimate, train your eye to immediately go to the address line in your browser.

Gary Olinger, a Denver-based computer consultant, advises that just because a Web address might have "apple" in it doesn't mean it's the official web site for Apple. So-called "spoofers" will set up sites to mimic official sites and this is one way they do it.

* Stay current: Sign up to receive regular e-mails notifying you of updates for your free software applications.

* Don't bootleg: Sharing your friend's expensive software programs is against the law and, if you're caught, won't save you any money.

* Beware of the fakes: Some free software programs are so good that sneaky people will make copies of these programs and then offer them for $29 or $49 on competing Web sites. If you think a product should be free but you land at a site that's asking you for money, do a careful search to see if this product is available somewhere else free.

Download free programs only from reputable sites. Among the best are download.com, downloadsquad.com, macupdate.com, versiontracker.com

* Don't forget free tryouts: If you think your only option is to purchase a high-priced piece of software, don't forget that most programs these days allow free tryout versions that can be downloaded and are fully functional for up to 30 days. This is great if you need to test drive a program -- or if you're on vacation with your laptop and you forgot to load a program onto it.

Use Caution if Freeware Seems Too Good To Be Free

Free software is great. But consumers should be smart about using it and take precautions.
* Protect yourself: Don't download software from Web sites you don't know. Protect your computer with up-to-date virus and spyware programs. If you're in doubt about a particular product, research it and see what others have to say.

Visit blogs or chatrooms for people who use the same product.

* Watch out at work: Some free programs, such as those offered by Google, require users to store files created in these programs on the company's Web site. This can be a good thing because storing files anywhere other than your own hard drive acts as a great backup .

But Boston software engineer Nat Budin, 25, cautions that you should be careful about what you store on someone else's server , particularly if the material involves proprietary information.

* Watch that URL: If you're in doubt about whether a Web site is legitimate, train your eye to immediately go to the address line in your browser.

Gary Olinger, a Denver-based computer consultant, advises that just because a Web address might have "apple" in it doesn't mean it's the official web site for Apple. So-called "spoofers" will set up sites to mimic official sites and this is one way they do it.

* Stay current: Sign up to receive regular e-mails notifying you of updates for your free software applications.

* Don't bootleg: Sharing your friend's expensive software programs is against the law and, if you're caught, won't save you any money.

* Beware of the fakes: Some free software programs are so good that sneaky people will make copies of these programs and then offer them for $29 or $49 on competing Web sites. If you think a product should be free but you land at a site that's asking you for money, do a careful search to see if this product is available somewhere else free.

Download free programs only from reputable sites. Among the best are download.com, downloadsquad.com, macupdate.com, versiontracker.com

* Don't forget free tryouts: If you think your only option is to purchase a high-priced piece of software, don't forget that most programs these days allow free tryout versions that can be downloaded and are fully functional for up to 30 days. This is great if you need to test drive a program -- or if you're on vacation with your laptop and you forgot to load a program onto it.

AVG Anti-Virus and Walling Data Streamline Network Security for National Medical Supply Company

Hickory, NC (PRWEB) January 15, 2009 -- Kendall Cox has been the IT Director for ClassOne Orthodontics for the past six years. When Cox started on the job, he was fresh out of college and had little experience in a professional setting. Right off the bat, it was obvious that ClassOne needed a more secure network.

During his first weeks as IT Director, Cox found himself wasting time cleaning up infected computers and managing "a hodgepodge" of different anti-virus products across the network of 40 computers and three servers.

"I realized pretty soon after I got on the scene that I was a one man show and the first step I needed to take to simplify things was to get a potent anti-virus solution for the entire network," Cox said.

Simplifying the Day to Day

"I would describe my job as hectic, especially when I first started because there was no security protection," Cox said. "Removing different threats from computers every single day was not a recipe for productivity."

Cox encouraged the decision makers at the company to invest in anti-virus software, and pitched them AVG Network Edition.

"During my college career and experience on previous contract jobs, I always used AVG and was extremely satisfied with the results. It was so effective, I encouraged my friends and family to use AVG Free," Cox recalled. "For me, Norton and McAfee have never quite done the job. So, from the success I have had using AVG in my personal life, I decided to make AVG our company's anti-virus product of choice," Cox recalled.

After choosing AVG, Cox researched the software for competitive pricing. While on the AVG web site, he found several resellers of the product, but said, "Walling Data's competitive pricing and amazing customer support won me over."

"It was just so easy, all I had to do was call," Cox said. "Even though I did not have much training yet, they walked me through it step-by-step and it was very user-friendly."

Walling Data is the longest-standing and highest-volume distributor of AVG Technologies solutions in North America. The company is also the only distributor to offer all its customers - resellers and end-users - free, unlimited, U.S.-based pre- and post-sales support.

Step by Step Customer Support

After Cox installed the software, he had more free time to deal with his other technical issues. In fact, ClassOne spent their first three years with AVG Anti-Virus without a single virus penetrating the software. When one virus did become a threat, Cox immediately called Walling Data and without delay support walked him through removing the virus.

"When I called Walling Data, I was panicked. But their technical support helped me through everything and had my system clean and running efficiently in no time flat," Cox said. "Now we have been another three years without a virus! But if we ever have another threat, I'm not worried about it - Walling Data is there."

Sink or Swim

Cox has continued to purchase from Walling Data as the newer versions have been published.

"When you are one guy running an entire network, you either sink or swim," Cox held. "People are always calling and complaining about their minute technical problems and I have to trouble-shoot. To know that I won't have a virus on my system is a big relief. It means I know what is coming during my day, and that is not a virus."

For more information about how to purchase AVG Anti-Virus, resellers and end users should visit http://www.avgantivirus.com or call 866-833-5727.

About Walling Data

Founded in 1994, N.C.-based Walling Data is a value-added technology distributor of technology products for resellers, small businesses, and education and government institutions. Walling Data was the nation's first distributor of AVG security products and today is the highest-volume distributor for the product in North America, with more than 50,000 satisfied customers. Walling is also the only value-added distributor for Cymphonix Network Composer, an award-winning device that helps companies control and monitor users compliance with internet usage policies. Additionally, the company has recently become a distributor of CyberPatrol's parental control and business-grade web filtering solutions. Walling Data provides free, unlimited, U.S.-based phone and "we-do-it-for-you" remote support for all of its customers. For more information, visit www.wallingdata.com and www.avgantivirus.com

About ClassOne Orthodontics

Since its inception in 1989, the mission of ClassOne® Orthodontics has been to provide its customers with premium-quality, innovative orthodontic products and superior customer service. Dr. James M. Reynolds, founder of ClassOne Orthodontics, is a worldwide leader and noted lecturer on orthodontic techniques and practices. A former president of the American Association of Orthodontics, Dr. Reynolds was a developing pioneer of ceramic brackets. Through research, testing and development, Dr. Reynolds has positioned ClassOne as a recognized leader in the innovation and manufacturing of premium-quality orthodontic supplies.

About AVG

AVG is a global security solutions leader protecting more than 85 million consumers and small business computer users in 167 countries from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. Headquartered in Amsterdam, AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free online, downloadable software model allows entry-level users to gain basic anti-virus protection and then to easily and inexpensively upgrade to greater levels of safety and defense in both single and multi-user environments.

Media Contacts:
Ashlie Lanning 919-557-7890 alanning at wallingdatasystems dot com

Freeware Pick: SpaceSuit

Download

Spaces is one of the hundreds of new features Apple has introduced with the original version of Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard). Spaces lets users configure their work spaces by visiting the Exposé & Spaces pane in System Preferences.

According to Apple, in the System Prefs pane dedicated to the two functions of Leopard, you can “Add rows and columns until you have all the real estate you need. Arrange your spaces as you see fit, then choose the function keys you want to control them.

 

You can assign an application to always open in a specific space, if that’s more convenient — so you’ll always know where, say, Safari or Keynote is.” Apple, however, forgot to add something very important and useful – the ability to add a different background for every space, so users could better determine their whereabouts, so to speak.

Computer savvy users probably have no problem in switching through Spaces on the same background image, but for the average user it's important to know exactly where they are. This is where SpaceSuit comes in and saves the day.

This Dockland Software-developed application lets you customize each Space with its own wallpaper and identify it quickly every time you switch from one Space to another.

Setting or changing a background image couldn't be easier. Drag your image to SpaceSuit's Dock icon, and SpaceSuit will immediately apply it to the current Space! To change the display setting or to remove the image, right-click on SpaceSuit's icon and the options will be available right there.

Users needn't worry about using complex commands, or having to go through configuration steps. As a bonus, SpaceSuit uses Core Animation, Leopard's animation technology. Each time you change an image, resize it, or modify your display settings, SpaceSuit adjusts your desktop with a visually-pleasant animation.

Softpedia believes SpaceSuit is a must-have for every Mac owner that uses Spaces. Give it a try and come back with your impressions.

Comodo Security Freeware Wins Techsupportalert.com's Award

Comodo Security Solutions announces that Comodo Internet Security has won the 2009 Techsupportalert.com "Editor's Choice" award for Free Vista 64-bit Software.

Comodo Internet Security protects computers online. Its first line of defense is a firewall with Host Intrusion Prevention System, combined with a constantly-updated antivirus database. Comodo offers this protection to all Internet users free of charge.

Techsupportalert is a community-based website which calls itself the Wikipedia for freeware. Visitors there can find and download free software. Volunteers at the site help the visitors select the software that best meets their needs.

Why Do I Need Anti Virus Software For My Computer?

If you’ve recently purchased a computer, or are just learning about using email and the internet, you may have heard about computer viruses and anti-virus software. You may be wondering if this is something that you should be concerned about, and if so, what you should do about it. This article will attempt to answer these questions for you.

First, you may be wondering just what a computer virus is. Basically a computer virus is one of many types of small programs that install themselves on your computer without your consent. Usually they enter your program through an email, or while you are browsing a website.

When these programs run, usually without you knowing, they can cause all types of problems with your computer. Some viruses can be mildly annoying, slowing down your computer as they use your computer’s resources for another purpose. Others can be very dangerous, collecting your personal information and sending it to another party, or damaging your hard-drive.

True to their name, viruses are able to use your internet connection and email program and send themselves to the computers of other people you know, spreading themselves just like a contagious disease.

Because of this, just like the health of your body, when it comes to computer viruses, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is much easier to prevent viruses from entering your computer than it is to get rid of them and cure your computer once it becomes infected. This is why Anti-Virus software is important.

Once you realize that you need anti-virus software installed and running on your computer, you’ll have to choose which one to purchase and install. This can be a complicated process, but here are some tips to make it a bit easier. First, check your computer to see if it came with anti-virus software. Many new computers are shipped with anti-virus programs already to go on them, you just need to turn them on. Check your instruction manual to see if this is the case with your computer.

Check with the vendor. If you purchased your computer from a local retailer, check with them to see what anti-virus program they recommend. They should be more than willing to help you and may even be able to provide you with a discount since you purchased a computer from them.

Once you have your anti-virus installed and running on your computer, be sure to contact the software’s support if you have any questions. It is also important to keep your software updated. Many of these programs will automatically update themselves when you are online. This is very important since new viruses are always appearing and you want to make sure your computer is protected.

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