Keeping your PC protected from the Spyware is a full time 24/7 task and the sad fact is that your PC is probably infected right now - some experts believe as many as 90% of PC’s are infected.

Spyware tracks your online behaviour and “calls home” with what you are up to online - and you will not even be aware of it. It’s not just that this is an invasion of your privacy, it poses a real threat to your personal security as malicious programs can and do recover personal data such as credit card and banking information - imagine your account information together with a log of your keystrokes showing your online banking password being sent out from your PC to a thief.

Stompsoft’s X-terminator automatically removes Spyware and other malicious and intrusive programs from your PC not only scanning for infection but protecting your PC in real-time, as well as intercepting “call home” behaviour of embedded malicious code. Real Time Protection
Actively defends against spyware and adware installations as they happen so you have no need to worry from the moment your system is connected to the net.

Spyware, together with its’ close friends, Adware and Malware, pose the leading threats to the integrity of your PC and in playing a part in the degradation of system performance including the speed of your online connection.

Spyware X-terminator is easy and simple to use and install, highly effective in the restoration of system performance and maintaining your personal privacy and security.

Download this freeware here!

Backup Software, Data Recovery, Registry Cleaner, Data Migration / File Transfer, Erase Hard Drive Data, Anonymous Surfing, Firewall Software
Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog

PC Tools Firewall Plus is a powerful personal firewall for Windows that protects your computer from intruders and controls the network traffic in and out of your PC. By monitoring applications that connect to the network Firewall Plus can stop Trojans, backdoors, keyloggers and other malware from damaging your computer and stealing your private information.

PC Tools Firewall Plus is advanced technology designed specially for people, not experts. Powerful prevention against attacks and known exploits is activated by default and advanced users can also easily create their own packet filtering rules to customize the network defenses. All you need to do is install it for immediate and automatic ongoing protection.

That’s why PC Tools Firewall Plus provides world-leading protection, backed by regular Smart Updates, OnGuard real-time protection and comprehensive network shielding to ensure your system remains safe and hacker free. PC Tools products are trusted and used by millions of people everyday to protect their home and business computers against online threats.

We highly recommend this FREE download.

Download this freeware here!

Backup Software, Data Recovery, Registry Cleaner, Data Migration / File Transfer, Erase Hard Drive Data, Anonymous Surfing, Firewall Software
Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog

Best Spyware Protection. Used by Millions World Wide.
Spyware Doctor has been downloaded over 75 Million times; with a million more downloads every week. Millions of people worldwide use Spyware Doctor to protect their identity and PC security.

Spyware Doctor has consistently been awarded Editors’ Choice, by leading PC magazines and testing laboratories around the world, including United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany and Australia. All current versions of Spyware Doctor have won Editors’ Choice awards from PC Magazine in United States. In addition, after leading the market in 2005, Spyware Doctor was awarded the prestigious Best of the Year at the end of 2005.

Spyware Doctor continues to be awarded the highest honors by many of the worlds leading PC publications such as PC Pro, PC Plus, PC Authority, PC Utilities, PC Advisor, PC Choice, Microdatorn, PC Answers Magazine plus number of reputable 5-star ratings including CNET’s Download.com and Tucows.

Download this evaluation here!

Backup Software, Data Recovery, Registry Cleaner, Data Migration / File Transfer, Erase Hard Drive Data, Anonymous Surfing, Firewall Software
Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog

As you may know Stompsoft sponsor this blog and so I thought it only right and proper that on this post they get a thorough review of their product line-up so I’d really apreciate you taking the time to check them out and support Free Software Reviews.

Stompsoft provide a suite of data protection, anti-spyware, registry performance and data recovery products including protecting your mobile data devices such as usb keys and flash drives.

I used System Mechanic from Iola in the past, but after looking at Stompsofts Registry Repair I switched over - it was easier to use, and I also found I was getting issues with updates on SM that have not reappeared with Registry Repair - try the evaluation and test for yourself

I also really like Portable Vault for USB protection using 256 bit Blowfish Encryption - if like me you have a tendency to lose your keys (and I do) you’ll need this to protect the USB key (as I have mine on my keyring) - try the evaluation here.

Take a moment to justify my blogging existence and try out some of Stompsofts product line here:

PC Backup

Easy PC Transfer

Registry Repair

Many other evaluations and resources can also be found at the Stompsoft main site - just see below.

Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog

If like me you have a young brood of internet hungry rugrats, protecting your children online is as important as making sure your children are protected outside of the home.

I came across FunPix which makes it simple, easy and most of all safe for your children to send and receive email, even if they cannot yet read.

This is not freeware but there is a 15 day demo and my 7 year old daughter road tested the software for me and I couldn’t reclaim the laptop for a couple of hours - just as well she’s gone to school today or I wouldn’t be posting now !

Three-quarters of email users are seriously concerned with spam and the offensive and obscene content it carries - my first conversation with my eldest about drugs was as a result of him opening an email trying to sell viagara - that was an interesting conversation neither of us was ready for.

Kids only send and receive email from the address book the parents specify and provides a Spam free environment as well as securing your child from receiving or engaging in online communications with strangers.

Download this evaluation here!

Backup Software, Data Recovery, Registry Cleaner, Data Migration / File Transfer, Erase Hard Drive Data, Anonymous Surfing, Firewall Software
Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog

With iPods and mobile data storage devices proliferating, there has been a growing awareness of the need to provide file conversion and do it easily and simply.

Given the drive to web based file storage, online file conversion sites have started growing too - Zamzar supports a very wide rane of file formats and is easy to use not to mention quick - nothing like it when you rushing out of the door.

It’s not just for your iPod either, file conversion is also available for documents (including MS Office), image audio and video (WMV, AVI etc).

I liked this because you do it online with no need to download and install a stack of messy freeware files.

Access this software here!

Backup Software, Data Recovery, Registry Cleaner, Data Migration / File Transfer, Erase Hard Drive Data, Anonymous Surfing, Firewall Software
Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog

With DR an increasingly hot topic for IT managers, Stompsoft have released a Server Edition of their market leading PC Backup Software which runs on the NT4, Windows 2000 & 2003 platforms.

I particularly liked the facility to perform open file backups in XP and 2003 so you get a backup even though the user or app is changing the file. Nice touch was the P2P network backup for the smaller home and office network and a command line utility for user scripts on backup jobs.

Stompsoft have also added a bootable CD/DVD creation for system recovery after a crash, file encryption to protect data transfer between the client and DR device or location and an email log delivery feature so you can remain informed of all manual and scheduled backups.

Download this evaluation here!

Backup Software, Data Recovery, Registry Cleaner, Data Migration / File Transfer, Erase Hard Drive Data, Anonymous Surfing, Firewall Software
Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog

In a previous incarnation I worked for an IT security services provider and the emerging threat that is represented by the adoption of Instant Messaging (IM) long caught my eye.

I’ve decided to pick up on this today as AOL are now launching federal lawsuits against SPIM artists - SPIM being the IM equivalent of SPAM. Just as we need to ensure our gateway is protected IM clients are notoriously difficult to control as they will automatically seek alternative methods of entering a network or access point including hopping onto any open port providing permissible access and exit.

SPIM carries exactly the same types of threat as SPAM and every other means of malicious delivery, with one major difference - IM is Instant as in “Right Now !” whereas an email delivery may need opening and certain actions performed before it operates any malicious package - propogation is at an exponentially faster rate.

There are a variety of solutions on the market but if you’re looking for an evaluation of your network for IM activity then FaceTime are offering use of a Real Time Guardian and please do not kid yourself that because your usage policy has banned it it isn’t happening - I’ve heard that before and then seen the IT managers jaw hit the deck after the results myself:

Here’s what FaceTime have to say and the evaluation can be found at

RTG Evaluation

RTGuardian
Gateway-based Security and Control for Real-time Communications
Real-Time Guardian™ (RTGuardian) is the most advanced perimeter security solution for managing web browsing, securing unauthorized IM and P2P usage and blocking the spread of malware in the enterprise. RTGuardian integrates with FaceTime IMAuditor to form the industry’s leading IM Security and Compliance Solution. With FaceTime Greynet Enterprise Manager (GEM), RTGuardian provides the ability to identify and remediate infected endpoints.

With RTGuardian, organizations can:
Detect, manage and secure all Internet activity with zero network latency
Block malware over real-time communication channels and web channel at the Internet gateway
Block unauthorized IM and P2P connections
Monitor and control access to Web sites to prevent inappropriate use of company resources
Set web usage policy by users/groups of users through Active Directory integration and customize by IP addresses
Monitor and control access to website using industry leading URL database – Secure Computing’s SmartFilter
Customizable update schedules for URL and malware databases
Ensure safe and secure IM usage by blocking high-risk features
Create a standardized profile of IM use and VoIP applications such as Skype within the enterprise
Real-time monitoring and graphical reports of greynet usage and employee web usage

Download this freeware here!

Backup Software, Data Recovery, Registry Cleaner, Data Migration / File Transfer, Erase Hard Drive Data, Anonymous Surfing, Firewall Software
Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog

What is KeePass?

Remembering all the passwords that are being generated for networks, email accounts, homepage ftp, online accounts, banking and pin numbers is a nightmare.

Best practice is also to use different passwords for different things in case your one password becomes unsecure and then the thief has access to your whole life.

KeePass is a free/open source password manager which securely manages your passwords in a database, for which there is only one master key or key-disk (shades of the Da Vinci Code appearing here).

You only need remember one master password and the whole database iself is encrypted AES and Twofish, the most secure encryption algorithms currently available - I just suggest you don’t use the password Apple, Madonna on the Rocks or O Draconian Devil as Dan Brown may get upset (not to mention Steve Jobs).

For more information or to download the software see below.

Download this freeware here!

Backup Software, Data Recovery, Registry Cleaner, Data Migration / File Transfer, Erase Hard Drive Data, Anonymous Surfing, Firewall Software
Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog

OK I tried this and liked the feature that it can also erase IM tracks from the major IM clients. AIM, Yahoo, MSN and so on - here’s what StompSoft have to say:

Securely erase your confidential data and online tracks with Digital File Shredder Pro from StompSoft
Easily, securely and permanently shred and wash away your online tracks, system history, confidential files, deleted emails, recycle bin contents and more. If you only delete a file it is recoverable, if you shred it, it’s gone for good. Protect yourself with Digital File Shredder Pro!

Permanently delete files, folders and free space from your computer.

Shreds Data on Hard Drives, Floppies, External Drives, Flash Memory

Shreds your internet tracks - History, Cookies, Temp Files, Cache and more

Shreds your deleted E-mails making them unrecoverable
Shreds your Recycle Bin, assuring your deleted files are gone for good
Shreds most popular Instant Messenger History, Cache and tracks
Scheduled Cleaning/Shredding keeps you “Always Clean”
Cleans free disc space on an entire drive or just selected partitions
Works with all Windows drive formats - FAT16, FAT32, NTFS
Features Custom, Government and Military Data Sanitation Standards
Supports most IDE, Serial ATA, SCSI, RAID, USB, and Firewire drives
Quick shreds with fast single pass sanitation method
Verifies that your data has been erased
Simple right-click shredding is supported
Progress meter shows shred progress
English, French, Italian, German and Spanish Supported
1 year of Program Updates
File Shredder Pro will shred:
Recycle Bin contents
Deleted E-mail contents (Outlook and Outlook Express)
Individual files and folders
Internet/Windows Tracks such as:
• Find History
• Run History
• Clipboard
• Common dialog history
• Temp files
• Recent Documents
• Index.dat files
• Cookies
• IE and AOL cache
• IE and AOL history
• Auto Complete Files
• Microsoft Office recently opened documents
• Instant Messanger cache and hisory - Supports

- Yahooo Instant Messenger
- AOL Instant Messenger
- Microsoft MSN Instant Messenger
- ICQ
• And Much More

Download this demo here!

Backup Software, Data Recovery, Registry Cleaner, Data Migration / File Transfer, Erase Hard Drive Data, Anonymous Surfing, Firewall Software
Stompsoft Software Blog

Software Downloads & Reviews Blog