Kim Komando's Best Shareware Picks...

Here are links to shareware programs that I really like. Click the "Pick" icon for the shareware's home page. I've also provided a direct link to the shareware's download page. Enjoy!

 

ePrompter from Tiburon Technology Inc.
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  This program will retrieve messages from up to 16 e-mail accounts, allowing you to manage everything from one program. You can use it to forward or reply to messages from the original address that received the e-mail.
Cost: Free

 

 

Belarc Advisor from Belarc, Inc.
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  This little gem will tell you exactly what you’ve got on your computer. It takes seconds to run and produces a window of easy-to-read information. Belarc displays information on hardware and software.
Cost: Free for personal use		  
Apple System Profiler from Apple Computer
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  If you have a Mac, check out this Apple utility. Like Belarc, it will give you a thorough breakdown of your equipment. This type of information is very handy when you call for help.
Cost: Free		  
ZoneAlarm from Zone Labs, Inc.
One-click download link for ZA 3.x
(note: clicking either link will begin the download)
  This is my favorite firewall. Made by Zone Labs, it will render your computer invisible to hackers’ probes. Hackers run scanning programs over the Internet, looking for computers with electronic openings, called ports. A good firewall such as ZoneAlarm makes your computer invisible to the scanners.

The goal of these intruders is to place a Trojan horse on your computer. The rogue program uses the open port previously identified by a scanner. However, ZoneAlarm blocks those transmissions. They can only go through if you agree. Always say no, unless you recognize the program.
Cost: Free for personal use		  
Outpost Firewall from Agnitum
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  The free version of Outpost Firewall offers a basic protection solution for casual web surfers and low budget systems. There is also a "Pro" version with more robust features.
Cost: Free for personal use		  
Ad-aware from Lavasoft
Download link
  This program finds spyware, also known as adware. These are little programs that advertising companies place on our computers. They report back on our browsing habits. Run Ad-aware weekly, and get this garbage off your hard drive.
Cost: Free		  
Power Toys for Windows XP from Microsoft
Power Toys for Windows XP
Power Toys (TweakUI) for Windows 95, 98, ME, NT and 2000
  This is a collection of little applications that make Windows run better. They were written by Microsoft programmers, although the company does not officially support them. In fact, Microsoft warns that it can't take responsibility for them. Don't let that throw you off. I've used them for years. They work well.
Cost: Free		  
WinWhatWhere Investigator from WinWhatWhere Corporation
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  Do you need to know what someone is doing on a computer? Perhaps you need to know how much time they spend surfing. This program can collect window titles, URLs, keystrokes, date, time and more. You get the information in a report. Furthermore, you can exclude any program, day or time.
Cost: Free 14-day "evaluation mode" tryout, $100 for full version		  
SpyCop from SpyCop, Inc.
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  If you're on the receiving end of a snooping program, wouldn't you want to know? SpyCop can ferret out hidden spy programs. The full version will give you automatic updates to the program's database.
Cost: Free tryout of limited version, $49.95 for full version		  
MacWasher from Webroot Software, Inc.
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  This program will clean your browser's cache, cookies, history, recent document list and more. You can automatically erase your tracks each time you surf. It works with Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Netscape and America Online.
Cost: Free 30-day trial version, $29.95 for full version		  
Yeah Write! from Word Place, Inc.
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  Need a good word processor? Yeah, Write! will fill the bill. This application is loaded with features, but remains small and fast. The download is less than 1 megabyte.
Cost: Free for limited trial version, $29 for full version		  
 
Pop-Up Stopper from Panicware
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  It's rare to find a program that is effective in stopping pop up ads. This program is not only effective, it's free too! You can set it so that it plays a sound every time it kills a pop up window. It will also change your cursor and display a sign in your task bar for each killed pop up. You can turn these functions off in the preferences section. There are pay versions available with more browser options and features.
Cost: Free		  
 
AI RoboForm from Siber Systems
One-click download link
(note: clicking this link will begin the download)
  Manage your passwords and information with Roboform. It will automatically fill in password information or login information to any online account or Web site. Create an identity with all of your personal information--name, address, telephone, etc. You won't have to waste time retyping that information ever again! Stuck trying to think of a new password? It will generate secure random passwords for you. All personal information is securely stored on your computer.
Cost: Free limited version; $29.95 for Pro edition		  
 
AVG Antivirus from Grisoft
Download link
  This antivirus program not only protects your computer against viruses, worms and malicious code - it's free! AVG AntiVirus allows you to scan on demand or at scheduled times. It also features an e-mail scanner that supports most e-mail programs such as Outlook Express and Eudora.
Cost: Free