Software Recommendations
Note that while we have checked out these programs and have found them to be free from general issues, it is not a guarantee that you will not experience problems when installing or using these items. If your computer is not in good operating order, we do NOT recommend you install any programs until your computer system has been properly serviced as you will often make the condition worse.
Data Doctors can NOT be responsible for any problems that occur as a result of software that we do not install.
***BEWARE of rogue and suspect anti-spyware products!
- (Click here for a list of programs to avoid) Cost: Free
1. Protect your Operating System
-
Apple's Most Recent updates Cost: Free
(For Apple users only) -
Microsoft's Windows Update Cost: Free
(For Windows users only)
2. Personal Firewall (Make yourself invisible on the Internet)
-
Windows Firewall Cost: Free
(Before downloading a third party program, check to see if you have it)
3. Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware
- Grisoft's AVG Free Cost: Free for Home Users
-
Mac - Trend Micro Smart Surfing for Mac Cost: $49.95
(Purchase as part of a Quality Care package!) -
Windows - Trend Micro Titanium Security Cost: $79.95
(Purchase as part of a Quality Care package!)
4. Spyware / Adware Detection & Removal
- Ad-Aware SE Cost: Free
- CWShredder Cost: Free
-
HijackThis Cost: Free
(Advanced users only) - Microsoft Defender Cost: Free
-
SpyBot Search & Destroy Cost: Free
(Advanced users only) - Trend Micro Housecall Cost: Free Online Scan
Digital Photography
- Google's Picasa Cost: Free
- Photo Story 3 Cost: Free
Encryption
Internet Filtering and Blocking
-
K9 Web Protection Cost: FREE
(Great for families with lots of computers!)
Internet Tracking
-
SpyAgent Cost: Free Trial
(Track your children's usage on the Internet)
Key Logger Detection
-
KL-Detector Cost: free
(find out whether your activity is being recorded with a keylogger application)
Legal Music Downloads
-
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SERVICE IS BEST FOR ME? Cost: N/A
(Our advice column on making the best decision) - iTunes Cost: Free software download - 99 cents per song
- MSN Music Cost: 99 cents per song
- Napster (Yes it's now a legal service!) Cost: Per song or subscription
- Walmart.com Cost: 88 cents per song
Pop-Up Blockers
- EMS Free Surfer mk II Cost: Free
- Google Toolbar Cost: Free
- PanicWare Pop-Up Stopper Cost: Free Trial
Secure Deletion
- Eraser Cost: Free
Spam Tools
-
CloudMark Desktop Cost: Free Trial
(Spam and Fraud detection tool for Outlook and Outlook Express) - MailWasher Cost: 30-day Free Trial
-
Spam Pal Cost: Free
(Works with Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora & most POP3 mail programs) -
SpamBayes Cost: Free
(For Outlook users only. Does not work with Outlook Express.)
Un-Approved Software
Windows-based computer systems are highly susceptible to problems from the installation of new programs. Over our years of service, we have notated programs that tend to cause a high number of issues. In order for you to maintain a stable computer, we highly recommend minimizing the installation of ANY new programs, unless they are truly needed.
We recommend against the installation of the following programs:
- "Registry Optimizing Tools"
- 180 Solutions
- 20 20 Search
- 404 Search
- A Better Internet
- Adult Friend Finder
- Afterdark
- ATP
- Back Web
- Bargain Buddy
- BDE Administrator
- Bear Share
- Bomb Shelter
- Bullguard
- Cashback
- Comet Cursor
- Cool Web Search
- Direct CD
- Download Daemon
- E-Accelerator
- Eanthology
- Eanthology Search
- Elitebar
- Exact Toolbar
- First Aid
- FreeZip
- Gain
- Gator
- Hotbar
- Httper
- IE Help
- IE Host R3
- IE Toolbars (Except Google)
- IEC System
- InCD
- InstafinderK
- Internet Answering Machine
- Internet Optimizer
- IOMega Tools
- Istbar
- k++
- Kazaa
- McAfee Utilities (other than Anti-Virus)
- Memory Meter
- Monoco Gold Casino
- MoreMoney rebates
- My Daily Horoscope
- My Web Search
- nCase
- Need 2 Find Bar
- Norton Utilities (other than Anti-Virus)
- Oil Change
- PC-Doctor
- Power Scan
- Powersearch
- PSGuard
- Pure Networks Port Magic
- RealDownload
- RealJukeBox
- RealTray
- RegCleaner
- Registry Mechanic
- Ring Central
- Rsync Mon
- Safe and Sound
- Save!
- SE Assistant
- Search
- Search Bar
- Search Baskets
- Search Function
- SEhelp
- Sidebar
- Sidefind
- Spy Sheriff
- SpyHunter
- Spykiller
- SpySheriff
- Spyware Spysoft
- Spyware Strike
- Sqire
- Superbar
- Surf SideKick
- System Doctor
- System Wizard
- TvMedia
- TweakNow RegCleaner
- TweakUI (other than TweakUI XP)
- Viewpoint
- Weatherbug (Free version)
- Web Helper
- Web Rebates
- Webhancer
- Webscan-X
- Webshots
- Wild Tangent
- Win Favorites
- WinAntiVirus
- Windows Guardian
- WinFixer2005
- Wintools
- Xoftspy
- XXX Search
Paradise Valley
602-953-1390
Southwest corner of Tatum and Thunderbird
13636 N. Tatum Blvd.
Suite 5
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Click for Map, Hours & Specials
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