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

Multi-Platform and Cross-Platform Tools

Mozilla Firefox - The leading open-source web browser. We now recommend that all our clients user Firefox when practical. Compared to Internet Explorer, it is far more secure; it offers excellent built-in pop-up control and cookie control; and we love its extensible search toolbar. We also like the mail reader Mozilla Thunderbird. We don't recommend it for all clients, but for those who need its reliable IMAP capabilities and robust spam filtering, it is unparalleled.

OpenOffice.org - This open source productivity suite works a lot like Microsoft Office, and can read and write Microsoft file formats. Its feature-list is quite complete, and we find that most Microsoft Office users take to it easily. Runs well on Windows and Linux, but a bit awkwardly on Mac. It also includes a couple unusual features not in Microsoft Office.

VNC - A remote-console program (similar to PC Anywhere, Timbuktu, or Carbon Copy) that interoperates between Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and many other systems. A great administration and troubleshooting tool.

Ethereal - This is a network protocol analyzer, or "sniffer" program. It's invaluable for any kind of serious network traffic analysis.

GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program is intended to work as a full replacement for Adobe Photoshop. While it's not yet achieved that goal, the current 2.x release is getting closer.

Windows Programs

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 - Synchronizes 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 gets our “Best Other Option” prize for being 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.

Linux/UNIX Programs

Samba - Lets a Linux or UNIX host act as a Windows fileserver, replacing or supplementing Windows server infrastructure. We deploy quite a bit of Samba these days. Did you know that Samba is built into Mac OS X, and many other products?

Netatalk - Lets a Linux or UNIX server act as an AppleShare server - with Samba, this means your Linux system can act as a bridge between the worlds of Mac and Windows networking. Mac OS X has other ways of making this connection, but Netatalk is a good way to keep older Macs connected.

AMANDA - An automated backup system, expressly designed to be more durable and flexible than most enterprise-class data backup software.