Seeing as I have used many products and services over my history as a geek, I thought I would put a list of products and services together that I recommend. This list includes the products and services that I either currently use, or have used previously and that I recommend to my friends and family that they use.
The links provided here will be affiliate links (where available) however this has no affect on my recommendations to the products and services. I will keep this list as up to date as possible if I change the software or service that I am actively recommending.
So the Products/Services Currently listed Include:
- Antivirus - Kaspersky
- Firewall - ZoneAlarm Pro
- Online Meetings - GoToMeeting
- Remote PC Access - GoToMyPC
- Geeky Gifts - ThinkGeek
- Video Compression Codec - DivX
- Online Data Backups - MozyHome
- Offline Data/System Backups - Acronis TrueImage Home
- Laptop Security & Encryption - PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) Desktop
1. Antivirus - Kaspersky Antivirus
I started using Kaspersky Antivirus less than a year ago however I have to say I have not looked back since I switched over. I have found it very simple to set up, their support has been great when I found a file which I thought was a new strain of an old virus. The application is fast and efficient and highly configurable (which is what any geek wants). Worth a look if your antivirus is due for renewal or due to expire soon.
2. Firewall - ZoneAlarm Pro
I have now been using ZoneAlarm Pro for over 3 years, closer to 4 if I remember correctly. The free version is really worth a look, however if you need the extra pro-active protection or additional network flexibility in configuration I would not go past ZoneAlarm Pro.
3. Online Meetings - GoToMeeting
I have only needed to do online meetings a handful of times during my university studies. Each time I have managed to get my hands on a free trial of GoToMeeting. The application performs really well and was quite easy to get a grasp of within less than 20 minutes of use. The ability to switch which user is sharing their desktop and presenting with just a couple of clicks is a really welcome feature. Well work a look for the low monthly price of less than $50USD a month.
4. Remote PC Access - GoToMyPC
I have used GoToMyPC previously and the only reason I stopped using it was due to the expense. I now use the free version of LogMeIn, however if I had the money I would go back to GoToMyPC in a heartbeat. I found I have had far less problems with GoToMyPC than what I have had with LogMeIn. But I guess as the old saying goes if you pay with peanuts you get monkeys.
5. Geeky Gifts - ThinkGeek
I love my geeky toys, cube warfare materials and most of all caffeine hits. So I really don’t need to give much of an introduction to ThinkGeek… If you need a gift for a geek you will find it on ThinkGeek for sure. One thing I have done for my mate is put together a survival kit for him, it contained a heap of things from ThinkGeek and he loved it I managed to do that for sub $100AUD.
6. Video Compression Codec - DivX
This one really will not need much explanation, those who know what it is will know what I mean. I encode all my videos as DivX where possible. I have found the codec quite good for almost everything (the only drawback is if there is a lot of black in the screen you usually end up with pixellation. But the encoder is quite fast and great quality otherwise.
7. Online Data Backups - MozyHome
I have done a tutorial on my site for MozyHome, I use it for all my day to day data backups of my laptop. For me the benefits are that it is offsite, secure and most of all, unlimited backup for only $4.95USD a month. They also have a 2GB Free option with no catch whatsoever and you do *not* need a credit card to sign up so that is well worth a look too.
8. Offline Data/System Backups - Acronis TrueImage Home
When I need to backup my entire computer or as I often do now, image a computer after I have got it all configured the way that I like to have it configured, I use Acronis TrueImage Home. The new version has a REALLY good feature that allows you to configure your computer so that when you install a new program (for example if you wish to test it) you can install and test, and then if you want to get rid of the changes you just click "Discard Changes" and once your computer reboots, it will be as though you never installed the software. Great for when you need to test something that could have a detrimental effect on your computer.
9. Laptop Security & Encryption - PGP Desktop
Finally on the list is Laptop Security and Encryption. PGP allows you to encrypt files for transfer across the internet, and also allows you to encrypt and secure your computer locally on your machine as well. The features that I have found most useful are Full Disk Encryption, which secures your entire computer hard drive with an encrypted password and secondly the ability to create virtual encrypted disks on a machine where Full Disk Encryption is not practical.
Additions: Services I am currently TRIALLING
These services listed below I am currently trialling. I have yet to form my opinion.
Box.net Online File Storage
Box.net offers a service to store your files online. 2GB for $25USD a year. Well worth a look:
