Efficient Computer Tools and Apps

Please note that this post is always under update since some tools go bad while others improve. I try and experiment a lot with computer safety and productivity apps.

Chrome OS Live USB
If you don’t have any backup operating system, you’re bound for a digital nightmare. I have three for my Windows 7: Ubuntu, Joli OS, and Chrome OS, which is now my primary backup. Why? Because it does more than Ubuntu and Joli. If you want to create a Chrome OS live USB, follow the simple steps here:

http://chromeos.hexxeh.net/lime.php

Browsers
A reliable browser is so important that you can’t use the Internet without it.

I dumped Firefox because it was troublesome with my old laptop. I tried it again on my 2-year-old netbook and discovered its great improvement. So Firefox might not be your problem too.

SeaMonkey is a great lightweight browser created by Mozilla too. It’s great if you prefer a ‘lightweight Firefox’.

Computer Safety and Infection Prevention:

Malwarebytes (MBAM) Portable
The importance of having a portable AV

This app might have saved my PC from virus twice. In both cases, MBAM caught a deadly virus that eluded both Microsoft Security Essentials and SuperAntispyware. The last time, it caught a nasty Trojan that prevented me from connecting to the Net and gave me trouble for more than 48 hours straight. And the probable reason why MBAM was successful is that it isn’t installed (local) in my PC. It’s in your portable flashdrive which makes it hidden to viruses. You’re taking a great risk if you don’t have MBAM Portable.

Problems a Trojan Virus Bring
1. Will interfere with everything you do with your PC and slow it down
2. Will prevent you from connecting on-line
3. Will even interfere with your online games while you are playing

Worst Computer Viruses of All Time

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/worst-computer-viruses.htm#mkcpgn=em6

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)
What I like best about MSE is that it alerts you if there is a malware threat so you don’t need to bother when to do a scan.

Google+ Hangouts
G+ Hangouts works like Skype and other web conference tools but what’s Hangouts advantage? You don’t have to install it and it’s simpler and faster. We night even meet online if you have a Hangout account. http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/

TrueCrypt
WinPatrol
TrusteerRapport
Norton Safe Search
Firefox Web of Trust
Avast
Malwarebytes
Photoscape
Predator
PreyProject
SuperAntispyware
iDrive
Greenshot

My Most Useful Apps

Evernote
Jarte
Abiword
Anvir
Diigo
Diigo is a file management and collaboration tool. I also use Toodledo for those tasks but it’s Diigo I use for editing files because it’s editing page is less crowded than that of Toodledo.

Winmend Folder Hidden
The primary purpose for Winmend is to hide or lock your important files. But what I like about Winmend is that it can unclutter and shorten your Documents list.

Xmarks
If you want organize all your bookmark sites, Xmarks is the tool
Sync and Backup
Install Xmarks on each computer you use, and it seamlessly integrates with your web browser and keeps your bookmarks safely backed up and in sync.
Xmarks will sync across browsers too. Today we support Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Safari (Mac OS).
Smarter Search
Xmarks will highlight the top sites in your search results based on how other users have bookmarked and rated them. Simply click to learn more. (Available in Firefox only)
Site Info built into your browser
Click on the Xmarks info icon in your location bar to see detailed information about the site you are on, and discover other great sites just like it. (Available in Firefox only)

http://www.xmarks.com/about/features