Earthwave Essential Software Selections

Earthwave has selected some basic software that makes the Internet a little more safe and surfing a little more hassle free. Every user should have an anti-virus program, a spyware removal program, a basic firewall, and a web browser that doesn't give pop-ups.

Please note: these programs are recommendations only. There are many more programs that do the job as well as these. Earthwave does not support or sell these programs.

Virus programs on your computer can create havoc. If you do not have an anti-virus program get one today. Protects email, instant messages, and other files by automatically removing viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.

Recommended: Norton Anti-Virus
Cost: One time purchase

 

A firewall is a shield against outside intruders looking into your computer. Even if you do not store anything important on your computer it is a good thing to have a basic firewall installed.

Recommended: ZoneAlarm
Cost: Free download for personal use

Spam

Although these programs will not get rid of all spam and junk email. They will help to manage some of it.

Recommended: All-in-One Secretmaker
Cost: Free

Recommended: Thunderbird (email client)
Cost: Free

Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don't see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to advertisement companies.

Recommended: Spybot Search & Destroy
Cost: Free

Pop-ups are those annoying boxes that get in the way of a good surfing session. There are two main ways to remove them. One is to patch your browser with a anti-popup blocker program. Or if you are adventurous you can use a new web-browser.

To patch up Internet Explorer there are a bunch of programs to try. If it does not work for you try another program from Download.com.
Recommended: All-in-One Secretmaker
Recommended: Pop Up Stopper
Cost: Free

Try a new web browser. Yes Internet Explorer is not the only one. We recommend Firefox (open source).
Recommended: Firefox
Cost: Free