Recommended Software

Anti-Virus Software

I like ESET NOD32 Antivirus because it is one of the rare security suites that is extremely effective without slowing down your computer or causing a lot of system problems.  It protects against both viruses and spyware and has been rated as one of the most effective security programs for many years.

Microsoft Security Essentials — Released in late 2009, Security Essentials is currently the best FREE anti-virus and anti-spyware software I know of.

Backup Software

The hard disk in your computer can fail in an instant, with no warning whatsoever.  After I lost three months of critical data a couple years ago, I went searching for a more effective backup system.

Acronis True Image is recognized in the industry as one of the very best backup programs available, and properly configured and paired with an external USB hard disk, it can make backing up your system effortless and automatic.  And because it is a “disk imaging” program instead of just a file backup program, it makes it very easy to restore your computer in the event of a hard disk failure.

Microsoft Backup and Restore is available in some versions of Windows 7 and Windows Vista, and is also a simple and effective backup solution.  Look for it on the start menu under Maintenance.