Software

We have a number of favorite pieces of software we use and recommend. Most are low-cost or no-cost to use:

Putty - A great freeware telnet/SSH client package - also includes PSCP and PSFTP, bringing your Windows machine into the world of robust secure file transfers.

Second Copy - This inexpensive downloadable program automatically maintains a mirror of your data on another drive or networked PC. It's a quick and painless entry into the world of backups.

Tardis - Syncrhonizes your PC's clock automatically with Internet NTP time servers. Inexpensive shareware and well worth it.

Ad-Aware Personal - This adware/spyware removal utility scans your memory, registry and hard drives for known spyware and adware components and lets you remove them. Free for individual use.

Spybot Search & Destroy - Another spyware/adware remover, with an "immunize" feature that can protect you from a range of threats. No-cost download.

WinZip - WinZip is the standard for downloading and compressing large files easily. Inexpensive to buy; try the free trial.

7-zip - This is best for an alternative to WinZip. We don't recommend it over WinZip for most desktop users, but it is a solid free product that works well.

Stinger - This is a virus removal tool that removes many of today's nastier viruses. It is not meant to replace regular virus protection, but rather as a “just in case” tool if a virus gets on your system. It is updated frequently so a fresh download before running is recommended. No-cost download.

Cygwin - Old UNIX admins working on Windows have relied upon Cygwin for years. It provides a shell and a wide range of standard command-line programs for performing UNIX-y tasks on Windows. A very mature and highly evolved package for the serious power user.