Our Software Recommendations

This page features a complete list of all the software that we recommend. We've done extensive research and have tested these applications ourselves for the sole benefit of our clients. This list changes from time to time (no one is perfect), so please keep checking it.

It seems wherever we go, people always ask. This is why this is featured as a button on every page of our website. We have also done sub-contractual work for Best Buy and Circuit City and have heard first-hand of the complaints from what in-store retail salesmen recommend. Our list is tried and true and our clients seem to always appreciate it.

Best Anti-Virus Software

Norton AntiVirus 2010 + AntiSpyware ($39.99/year, PC or Mac)

We recommend the basic version only and nothing more as their advanced all-inclusive software consumes far too much memory. This version is slimmer than previous versions and doesn't consume as many resources as McAffe or its competitors. This comes free with our virus removal service. It does an OK job with Spyware.

Why seperate programs for Virus, Spyware and Malware?
No one program seems to completely address all malicious computer scripts. Believe us, we tested everything. In addition to our current Anti-Virus selection above, we recommend two other solutions for Spyware and Malware below. If you have to chose only one of the three, Norton Antivirus is the one we would pick.

Best Anti-Spyware Software

Spyware Doctor by PCTools ($29.95, PC)

We've found that this product eliminates about 85% of all Spyware on a computer, which gives it an 'A' in our book. We've included a limited version of this in our virus removal service.

Best Anti-Malware Program

MalwareBytes (Free, PC)

This is not just another security program. MalwareBytes is a security program that picks up where programs like Ad-Aware left off. This also picks up what most Anti-Virus and Anti-Spam programs miss. It is also free (which gives it an A in our book).

Best Backup Software

Carbonite.com ($54/year, PC or Mac)

We've seen all types of backup software services, but Carbonite seems to remain on the top of our list of favorites. They don't charge for how many files you have, they simply offer one single rate of $54/year (even less if you commit to 2 or 3 years). Every client we've recommended the software to, love the service.

Whatever the situation, if your computer dies or data is no longer available, you can login to your Carbonite account to retrieve it all. Carbonite starts by uploading all the data you select for backup on the first night. After that, Carbonite only backs up files that change or are added. Simple as that. For only $54 a year, we consider this an option you shouldn't do without.

Best Free Email Service

Google Mail (Gmail)

Hands Down. Gmail is a web-mail service Google had intended to use only for their own staff. Hence the name Gmail (short for "Google Mail"). The company soon allowed the public to use the service and the rest is history. Gmail is free and you can now create, use and share documents, spreadsheets, contacts, etc..

Google also offers Gmail for business so you can use your own website for email, but use their Gmail system as the base. Click here to read more...

Best Web Editor

Microsoft Expression Web 3.0 ($149, PC)

If you're looking for simplicity in web design, our best recommendation is Microsoft Expression Web 3.0. This is picks up where FrontPage left off, helping new users edit their web pages for a great cost. Adobe offers Dreamweaver (PC or Mac), a more advanced web editor that costs $399 that are for those a little more experienced in CSS and web code.

If you're looking to start hosting a web site, look no further than Geek 3 Web Services. We offer simple and affordable rates with year round support. If you already have a website and don't want to spend time or energy in a web editor program like the above, Geek 3 can convert your existing site so that you can easily edit text and content from our CMS control panel. More...

Best Photo Editor

Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate ($40, PC)

If you are looking for an easy-to-use, affordable photo/graphic editor without having to learn Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro is the editor for you. For only $40, this is a great solution if you're looking to edit several photos or you'd like to play photo tricks.

Best PDF Writer

CutePDF (Free, PC)

If you've ever wondered how you could easily create PDF documents from your Microsoft Word or Excel documents without having to spend $450 on Adobe Professional, wonder no more. CutePDF offers a free "PDF Writer" that will act as if it were a printer on your computer. Instead of printing out on paper, CutePDF instead prints your document directly onto a PDF! No watermarks, no demo... simply free!

Best Remote Login Service

LogMeIn (Free, PC or MAC)

If you ever have a need to log in remotely to your computer and simply don't need any bells or whistles, LogMeIn can give you the complete functionality to do so for absolutely no charge! Whether you are on the road or at your office, you can log in at any time to your home computer!

They do have a paid version, but we've found the free version allows you to do everything you need. We have this on all of our personal computers and recommend it consistently to our clients.

Geek 3 Tip: They try to hide the free version on their site and try offering a free trial instead. If you end up getting the free trial, simply change your account to "Free" and you can escape the charges.

Best PrintScreen Application

Printkey-Pro

PrintKey-Pro is a Windows 7 compatible system tray-based program that can capture your screen or any part of it with the press of the PrintScrn key (or any other key you configure). You can adjust the captured picture's brightness, contrast, color balance, size, color invert, or convert to grayscale or black and white. Pictures can be edited, using an image editor of your choice, printed or saved in multiple formats such as JPG, JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIF and PCX. You can capture the full screen or just the active window, the client area, or any rectangular or circular area with or without the cursor. You can also insert text and free hand draw on the picture. You can preview the picture, add the date, user info, and any text you choose before printing on the selected printer.

Did we Miss Something?

The reason we know about the above applications is because we've (a) tested them and (b) our clients love them. If you have an application that you think we missed, simply let us know by clicking here. We will check it out and possibly add it to our page. Please note, however, that this page is not a free for all and we only put a small handful of applications that we recommend. If you feel we may be missing a category, also let us know and we will possibly add it.

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