Product Evaluation
Browsers
Ø Product- Mozilla (FireFox)
Ø Product Type- Web Browser
Ø Product Information- Mozilla FireFox is a new web browser that can be used on Windows, Linux, and Mac Os X. FireFox was released in November of 2004. FireFox is expected to have a major release in March 2005. The goal of Mozilla is to deliver the best browsing experience to a wide range of people.
Ø
Advantages-
FireFox is very easy and fast to download because
the size is only 4.7 MB. It is fast to download even if you have dial
connection. You can import all your favorite settings from Internet Explorer
such as (passwords and favorites). The download is free. Mozilla
offers free online support and is now offering free telephone support for end
users. It has tabbed browsing so that you can open several web pages with one
click. FireFox does not load harmful Active X.
Ø
Disadvantages-
FireFox is only a web browser. You would have to
download the e-mail client Thunderbird for e-mail. Or you can download the full
suite which is the Mozilla Suite which includes the
web browser and e-mail client.
Ø
Recommendations-
FireFox is recommended because it doesn’t have
the security problems that the Internet Explorer has.
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Ø
Product- Internet
Explorer 6
Ø
Product
Type- Web Browser
Ø
Product
Information- Internet Explorer is the world’s most popular browser.
Ø
Advantages-
It is by Microsoft and has been around for quite a while.
Ø
Disadvantages-
The Internet Explorer has an ongoing security threat. Many people are or have switched to FireFox 1.0. It is a target for hackers. It is a security
risk because it employs Microsoft’s propriety active scripting called active X.
Ø
Recommendations-
It is recommended if you are still using the Internet Explorer to download
the patches for security reasons.
Freeware
Ø
Product- Cryptainer LE 5.0.1
Ø
Product
Type- Freeware
Ø
Product
Information- This is free 128-bit file and disk encryption software. It
creates encrypted vaults for storing data. It supports drag-and-drop, and
allows you to create secure e-mail files. With Cryptainer
it is possible to encrypt files directly on any media, including removable
media such as a
Ø
Advantages-
Cryptainer LE 5.0.1 has a high rating. It is one
of the most popular encryption software. Protecting
a file is as simple as dragging it into an encrypted drive. Can create an
unlimited number of containers the size of 20MB.
Ø
Disadvantages-
If you lose the password to get inside the encrypted drive, then that drive
is inaccessible. Free version limited to a container size of 20MB.
Ø
Recommendations-
You could use this to send secure e-mail. I would recommend this if the
e-mail being sent has valuable information that no one else should see.
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Ø
Product- Zero Footprint Crypt Lite
Ø
Product
Type- Freeware
Product Information- Using
any one of six algorithms, this application encrypts files and wipes the
originals from the drive. The built-in viewers allow you to view several common
file types including movie, image and sound files. For supported formats, you
can choose to view images without decrypting to a file. This process allows for
maximum security since the file is not created on your hard drive, but in
memory.
Ø
Advantages-
It comes with a built-in viewer for images, movies, sound and support for
MP3 tags.
Ø
Disadvantages- N/A
Ø
Recommendations-
It is free and easy to use.
Anti-Virus Software
Ø
Product- Norton Anti-Virus 2005
Ø
Product
Type- Anti-Virus Software
Ø
Product
Information- It removes viruses, worms, and
Trojan horses automatically—without interrupting your work. New Norton™
Internet Worm Protection blocks certain more sophisticated worms (such as
Blaster and Sasser) before they enter your computer.
Norton Anti-irus can also detect spyware
and other non-virus threats. It cost $49.95.
Ø
Advantages-
Free online support 24-7. It has a new Internet worm protection.
Ø
Disadvantages-
Telephone support is available but cost and additional fee. The cost if
only for one copy, which means if you have two computers you have to purchase
more copies.
Ø
Recommendations-
Norton Anti-Virus is recommended with the threat of viruses and security
issues via the internet.
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Ø
Product- McAfee
Internet Security
Ø
Product
Type- Anti- Virus Software
Ø
Product
Information- McAfee Internet Security helps safeguard personal data,
prevent viruses, stop unauthorized computer access, filter spam from your inbox
and block pop-up ads-all in one powerful, fully integrated package. McAfee has
automatic updates ensure you always have the latest protection. The cost is $59.99.
Ø
Advantages-
It costs less to download via Internet. It has free live instant messaging
and e-mail technical support.
Ø
Disadvantages-
It costs more if you don’t buy via Internet.
Ø
Recommendations-
It is recommended because it has improved Spyware/Adware
Detection and Removal
Spyware
Ø
Product- SpywareBlaster 3.2
Ø
Product
Type- Spyware
Ø
Product
Information- SpywareBlaster doesn`t
scan and clean for so-called spyware, but prevents it
from being installed in the first place. It achieves this by disabling the CLSIDs of popular spyware ActiveX
controls, and also prevents the installation of any of them via a webpage.
Ø
Advantages-
You don’t have to disable your active X in Internet Explorer and it will
never download or prompt you for any of the known Active X controls. It’s free.
Ø
Disadvantages-
The program cannot detect if you have any of the known objects already
installed, but if you do, they will be disabled.
Ø
Recommendations-
SpywareBlaster gets a high rating of 5 out of 5.
It has ease of use and it is free.
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Ø
Product- Sypware Doctor
Ø
Product
Type- Spyware
Ø
Product
Information- Spyware Doctor is an adware and spyware removal
utility that detects and cleans thousands of potential adware,
trojans, keyloggers, spyware and other malware from
your PC. It offers various options, including Browser monitor and immunization
against ActiveX controls, as well as automatic cookie deletion, quarantine and
more.
Ø
Advantages-
You can download a free trial.
Ø
Disadvantages-
After the free trial, you have to purchase the full version for $39.95.
Recommendations- I would recommend it with the threat of adware and Trojans via the internet.
Tech Support
Ø
Product- Tech24
Ø
Product
Type- Live Online Support
Ø
Product
Information- Tech24.com is one of the best and most reliable places to go
for Technical Support. We are basically the one stop on the net to get answers
to your technical questions, and to resolve your computer problems! Tech24 charge on a per inquiry basis - Rates for 1
inquiry are only $29.95 per half hour! If you have more than one computing
problem, you will need to re-login into our site to purchase an additional
resolution.
Ø
Advantages-
Tech24 is a very easy and accessible tech support company; we do not
require any type of membership. Simply get support, and that is it!
Ø
Disadvantages-
When you start a live session with Tech24.com, you will be prompted to
download a small piece of software and may have issues doing this.
Ø
Recommendations-
T24 is rated #1. It has online sharing technology which may be valuable to
many users.
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Ø
Product- GWI
c.Support
Ø
Product
Type- Tech Support
Ø
Product
Information- GWI c.Support is a full featured
out-of-the-box IT helpdesk/customer support solution.
Ø
Advantages-
It is easy to install, administer and use and it is priced competitively.
Ø
Disadvantages-
N/A
Recommendations – GWI c.Support received
a high rating from many organizations, such as schools, communication
organizations and Government.