Office Software Reviews

If you don't have any security software and a malware or a trojan hits your system like a comet hitting a god-forsaken planet, you will probably lose documents you have labored over. Do not wait for it to happen. E Security Planet gives this noteworthy article. Don't just take their word for it, check out other security software reviews and forewarned.

Security Software Reviews Reveal a Scary Destroyer

Microsoft is warning users that a Trojan is masquerading as the company's popular free Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) package.

The alert came from Microsoft's (NASDAQ: MSFT) Malware Protection Center (MMPC) on Wednesday.

"One of the oldest tricks used by rogue antivirus products is to use a similar name as, or have a similar look and feel to, legitimate security software," Microsoft said in a post on the MMPC's Threat Research & Response Blog. "So it was inevitable that the day would arrive when a rogue would masquerade as something similar to Microsoft Security Essentials."

If your computer has already been hit, don't think it's the end of the world. It's just the end of some of your precious files.

How This Trojan Sneaks In

The masquerading rogue security tool goes by the name Security Essentials 2010, which is very similar to the actual name of Microsoft's suite, though the real suite does not have a date in its name.

Users who encounter the fake will see a bogus malware detection scanner that reports many files on a PC are infected with various types of malware, including Trojans and adware, replete with what looks like a legit "system warning."

Users infected with the Trojan, known as Win32/Fakeinit, will be presented with a screen informing them that the software is just a "trial version" and that "removal and real-time protection features are disabled."

The solution, the fake software informs users, is to "activate [the] full version."

That's not a good idea, however.

"Fakeinit's downloader not only installs the fake scanner component -- it also monitors other running processes and attempts to terminate the ones it doesn't like, claiming that they are infected," Microsoft's blog entry cautions.

Falling victim to this will surely waste a lot of your time, for you will be redoing a lot of damaged files/programs. Speaking of time, are you an employer who is getting cheated by the log-ins of your workers? Then check out this article and assess this web-based clock software.

The bogus anti-malware product also makes changes to the user's registry to lower security settings, and to prevent users from deleting the "Your System Is Infected" background that it displays in order to raise the user's anxiety level.

According to the blog post, Fakeinit also downloads a second Trojan that installs the Alureon rootkit -- another piece of malware that Microsoft warned a week ago was the source of many Windows XP machines exhibiting blue screens and constant reboots.

Additionally, the malware cuts off access to a list of URLs popular with users, including Ask.com, Amazon.com, Craigslist.com and many others, according to Microsoft.

Aside from some minor grammatical errors in the text -- a common tipoff that a piece of software is actually malware -- what gives away the real purpose of the bogus software are the statements identifying it as a "trial version" and requests to activate the full product.

Regarding the Alureon- if your favorite color is blue, it will no longer be once you've been hit by this. Yes, I have seen it- nasty.

You may be fuming about this, don't. You won't get to meet the inventors of this trojan, just be conscientious when you come across this. Keep on reading security software reviews.

Blog Taragana has this article that reviews "the ten best", but for my purposes, I think just a few will still prove useful.


Virus Software Reviews for Avira

Avast is a longtime favorite of mine as a free antivirus software. Most interesting feature of all is the DOS based boot time scan which is very rare to see in a free software after all. The antivirus does not create a huge load on the system memory or processor and the scanning processes are also pretty fast. It is also one of the few Anti Virus softwares available in the market that can detect almost every threat to your system.

2. Avira
Avira is perhaps the most popular free AntiVirus software of last year. It is very good to detect almost every kinds of malware on your system. The scan speeds are one of the best for a free anti virus software. It also works both on 32 bit and 64 bit Windows 7.

This 32 and 64 option is a good one- flexibility is always a plus (and I am referring not just to anti virus packages).


A Package With a Funny Name

3. Panda Cloud Antivirus
This software is our bet for the best AntiVirus in the coming years. Though it is still in Beta mode and using an antivirus in Beta mode may not sound too intelligent but I am pretty confident with Panda. For your information, lemme tell you that it has the better virus detection rate than most other common anti-viruses according to PC World.

Hey guys, I've tried this one out, and it's better than good. However, my friend Reuben refused to try it out because as he said: "How can you take a software seriously with a name like Panda Cloud?". Hmm...I am sure there are other Reubens out there. More than any name, I suggest that the more important thing to focus on is online skepticism, and here is an article that will give you insights.

4. Kaspersky Anti Virus 2009 Free Edition
The Kaspersky Anti Virus Software Paid version is one of the best Anti Virus softwares that we reviewed till date. The anti virus software is also available as a free version. Though I have not tested it yet, I am confident that it should work fine.

5. AVG 9.0 Free
The AVG was a very popular antivirus for some time. Then there were times when it seemed that their AntiVirus Software is of no use. The latest AVG 9.0 is like the old antivirus software that I used for quite some time. And there is also the Link scanner toolbar that sits over the browser and scans every link and tell you which link may harm your computer. This is sometimes very useful for the novice users. It is also available for both 32 bit and 64 bit versions.

The Link scanner toolbar takes a bit of time for you to get the hang of it, well at least, that was the case with me.

Checking out a list of different packages is just looking for a pair of shoes, or buying a car for that matter. It is not just a search for the best software/hardware, but the one that you'll find most practical for your needs.

A product of Sun Microsystems, StarOffice is a propriety office suite package. This program was originally created by StarDivision. In August 1999, StarOffice was purchased by Sun Microsystems. In July 2000, the source code for this program was released, making StarOffice an open source office suite known as OpenOffice.org. The subsequent StarOffice versions were based on OpenOffice, along with additional propriety elements.

Pros of StarOffice

StarOffice supports the XML file format, which includes the standard OpenDocument format. This suite can also handle Flash and PDF formats. When you use StarOffice, a software development kit, a macro recorder, and templates are all included in the package. Programs offered through this suite are StarWriter, StarCalc, StarImpress, StarDraw, StarBase, and StarMath. The propriety components included are the Adabas D database, StarOffice configuration manager, a huge collection of clip art accessible through its clip art gallery, 12 Western fonts, and several Unicode True Type fonts that are compatible with the font metric. Compared to Microsoft Office, users will experience lesser system crashes and virus attacks. And if you are annoyed with MS Word's talking paper clip, you don't have to worry about this because StarOffice doesn't offer this feature. Another cool feature of StarOffice is its compatibility among various versions. This means you won't be forced to upgrade your program every two years or so.

Cons of StarOffice

Because StarOffice is a cheaper alternative for Windows, a disadvantage of using StarOffice is that its exporting and importing abilities in terms of obscure or complex Windows features is never 100% accurate. Of course, this is due to the fact that StarOffice is not Microsoft.

Despite such a disadvantage, many computer users still prefer StarOffice over Microsoft because of its nifty features. Plus, StarOffice is not as virus-prone as Microsoft. If you're looking for an office suite that somehow resembles how Microsoft Office works, then better check out StarOffice and try out its latest additions and upgrades.

MS 2007 is a popular product from Microsoft that is designed for computers running on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. This is the most recent version of the Microsoft Office system, the productivity suite created by Microsoft.

Features of MS 2007 as office software

MS 2007 contains upgrades from the previous version, among them the Ribbon User Interface, which replaced the earlier menus and toolbars that were characteristic of the previous system, as well as new applications such as Groove and SharePoint Designer. Applications that make it a necessity as office software include Microsoft Office Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, and OneNote. The XML file formats also make files smaller and allow users to easily transfer information between different applications.

Cons of MS 2007 as business software

Perhaps the only thing users can complain about MS 2007 is if they mistakenly purchase an edition that does not have business applications in it. For example, Business Contact Manager is not found in home, student, and basic editions of MS 2007.

MS 2007 is a very good software that came with a lot of useful upgrades. The cleaner interface also makes it more attractive to look at. Business owners simply need to make sure that they purchase an edition that contains all business applications they need.

OpenOffice is an open-source software that has been around since 2000. Like Microsoft Office, it consists of a unified set of applications intended for business use and for performing office tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheet preparation, and visual presentation. The following describes what OpenOffice is capable of as an office suite:

Features of OpenOffice as office software

OpenOffice (OO.o) is compatible with a wide variety of operating systems, such as different versions of Mac OSX and Windows, as well as FreeBSD v3.1, Linux, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and Solaris. Its word processor, Writer, can export documents into PDF files without using other software. The same goes for its Excel and PowerPoint equivalents Calc and Impress, respectively. Among other features, OO.o also comes with the Base, Draw, and Math tools, which are ideal for database management, desktop publishing, preparing charts, and forming equations. Many office workers used to Microsoft Office will not find it difficult to navigate the OO.o office suite. It also has the advantage of allowing more editing versatility and capability of exporting and importing files in PDF, XML, and HTML, as well as MSOffice file formats. On top of it all, maintaining it for corporate use costs only 10% of an MSOffice upgrade.

Cons of OpenOffice as business software

Since it’s an open-source application, one of the setbacks to OpenOffice is its susceptibility to viruses encrypted into the source code. This, however, remains just a possibility, as OO.o is found to contain no in-the-wild viruses as of now.

While MSOffice still dominates the market, OpenOffice is gaining solid ground as a strong competitor. It costs much less, plus it’s easy-to-use and versatile. Although it has a weak spot in terms of system security for now, the OpenOffice.org team is in the process of addressing this security issue.

Avast Free, the highly recommended Home Edition antivirus, just had an upgrade. Avast Professional Edition has the same multiple shields that optimize your system’s Internet security, but it comes with brand-new features. Like its free edition, Avast Professional went through third-party testing and received solid efficacy ratings. Read on for more information on the product’s pros and cons.

Virus software reviews: pros of Avast Professional Edition

It received a VB100 certification from the Virus Bulletin. It has a 100% efficacy rate for catching wild viruses and a 98% overall detection rate. Avast Professional Edition performs the functions of several security software in one system. Its file system and mail shields block potential threats that spread through e-mails, instant messages, and shareware. Like the free edition, it detects spyware, Trojans, and other malware on real-time, and now, it also protects against spamming. The interface design is also now more manageable for users.

Software reviews: cons of Avast Professional Edition

A downside to Avast Professional Edition is that you have to pay for it. At $40, it costs a bit less than other well-known security software, such as Norton. Still, the thought of having to pay for the product may cause some users to stick to Avast Free.

Avast is a brand known for effective antivirus and anti-spyware software. Those who have availed of Avast Free would know that it is the best free antivirus around. With Avast Professional Edition comes new features to optimize your system’s security. A free trial version may be downloaded online and is valid for use within 60 days.

Kaspersky is one of the leading Internet security brands in the market today. This is due to its impressive arsenal of security tools and its reputation as one of the most effective virus defenders and malware removers in the market. However, it does come with several cons that may leave you looking for other alternatives.

Virus software reviews: pros of Kaspersky

One of the advantages of the Kasperksy antivirus program is that it comes with a three PC version, which can protect three PCs for one year, making it very cost-effective. It also comes with hourly updates of its virus database and is easy to install. Users can choose between suggested and custom install modes, as well as a gamer mode that ensures uninterrupted play as the security system quietly works in the background.

Software reviews: cons of Kaspersky

The main gripe users have on Kaspersky is that it takes too long to finish scanning and it uses most of your PC’s memory while doing so, leaving you unable to do anything productive while the scan is going on. It is also more expensive compared to Norton Antivirus, one of its closest rivals.

For the best in Internet protection, Kaspersky is a good choice. However, like most software, it does come with its disadvantages, so better check if you can live with these problems before buying this product.

OpenOffice.org has been coming from the background and converting many users. There are very convincing reasons to this, as stated in many office software reviews, that might surprise even the most loyal Microsoft Office users.

OpenOffice.org is free.

One of the main reasons for OpenOffice.org’s popularity is that it’s free. Unlike Microsoft Office, which you’ll need to buy for about $150, the OpenOffice.org software is free. Now, for a total desktop office organizer, that’s a great deal!


OpenOffice.org almost has the same features as Microsoft Office.

Another good reason why many people are switching to OpenOffice.org, according to office software reviews, is that this has practically the same features as Microsoft Office. You get the basic features like document and datasheet creation and management, as well as several advanced office organizer features.

OpenOffice.org works well.

So far, no one has been disappointed with how the OpenOffice.org software works. Many have come to laud the features of OpenOffice.org. Users attest that OpenOffice.org works just as well as Microsoft Office. Plus, it also works well with Microsoft Office. You can edit and update documents created with the Microsoft software, which is great news for new switchers.

While it’s great to be able to protect your computer system for free using one of these free antivirus software, there are also some disadvantages to it.

A free antivirus slows down your computer.

First of all, many free antivirus software slow down your computing system. Since these are trial versions, they are not optimized to work efficiently with your system. Thus, your computer runs slower than usual.

A free antivirus might affect the speed of other applications.

Since your free antivirus is not optimized, when you run it, this can potentially slow down your other running applications. This is a big hassle since you will need your free antivirus to always be running in the background. This results in slower computer performance.

A free antivirus has limited features for filtering and protection.

Your free antivirus software will definitely have limited protection and filtering. Since only full versions offer total computer protection, your system is at a disadvantage. You are still exposing your computer to harmful viruses and malware because of your limited antivirus protection.

Downloading freeware is not as simple as it used to be. These days, you may encounter viruses and malicious software in the most unlikely place – in the exe file you download or even the image you view on your browser. It is best to always be aware and protect yourself from these.

Download your freeware only from secured sites.

The first thing to be aware of when downloading freeware is where you download from. The sites you select should be secured and not be known for spreading viruses and malware across the Internet.

Check the security warning or privacy agreement before downloading.

Likewise, when downloading freeware, you are prompted by your local virus software for any security breaches within your system. Heed to this warning and stop downloading if things become suspicious. Do not let your freeware install any other software into your computer. Check the privacy agreement also, which usually pops up before actual installation. Know what you are “signing into” when you use these freeware.

Look for user ratings and review when downloading free software.

It is important to note the user feedback when it comes to downloading freeware. If you are about to download anything malicious, a user or two will make it a point to warn others via the comment spaces allotted in many free download pages.

Every writer understands the way I feel. Being a writer is not that easy. Every day you are bombarded with different ideas that you don't even know where the hell they come from. I know it's good to have many concepts and ideas, but the problem is they are fleeting. Ideas are like lighting that strikes you when you least expect it; they are as transient as a floating bubble.

But with the latest MacJournal 4, this basic writer predicament is utterly solved. MacJournal 4 is the newest office software for your handy Mac powerbook. All writers and blog lovers need this. You need MacJournal to preserve your thoughts, to write those ideas down before they escape your mind. MacJournal is the contemporary version of your pen and paper writing process. There is no interruption and disturbances; it's just between your mind and your unique words.

MacJournal 4 has a blogging architecture that allows you to publish your delightful work in a unique blog setting. MacJournal Inspector enables you to manipulate your entries for the journal. You can also enjoy its Podcast and recording features. Design your blogs as you draft your words with the latest MacJournal 4. This is the ideal software for all writers and all blog lovers. Get it now to enjoy a better writing life.

Tired of using the same old Arial, Verdana or Lucida Console every presentation you make? Here's the solution for you: download 1001 fonts now! This is free software to all computer users. May it be for personal or business purposes. You don't have to spend money and buy an original software from the store. All you need to do is download them for free. Yes, that's right. You can have a variety of thousands of fonts by just downloading them to your computer.

Having a thousand and one fonts is not an exaggeration. I know how you feel when you're experiencing font shortage. Been there; done that. Believe me, these fonts are just enough for you. But if you're more of an artsy-fartsy, these fonts are scanty. You will need these fonts to impress your office's executives during a presentation. The fonts are also very useful to any graphic and lay out provider companies. This is surely the most necessary business software for this kind of company.

1001 fonts started in the cold December 1998. Since then, the software has grown. It is now the most famous free fonts in the Internet world. To prove that, the site received over 35,000 delightful visitors every day. According to the site's statistics, their visitors have reached up to 30,000,000 already. Whether the same or different visitors every day, the software creators don't care as long as people trust them. That's what matters most to them.

Planning to build your dream rest house or even build a classic French chateau in Europe? This is your chance to express your hidden skills in house designing. No, you won't be needing those erasable pencils nor messy fountain pens, not even delicate blue prints. You just have to know that there are computer programs available in the market for architects and aspiring architects. This is an easy-to-use program that allows you to make a 3D computer model of your design plan.

You also don't have to hire expensive architects just to make your dream come true. Our technology will help you achieve it. Get a Broderbund 3D program now and learn its basics. If you already know the basics, it will be easier to learn the complicated designs. Enjoy its features, and design archway doors, palatial columns, and secret basements with this program. Broderbund is the only home architect that gives you a professional look for your house plan.

There is a variety of this program like Broderbund 3-D Home Architect 5, Broderbund 3-D Home Architect Deluxe V3.0 Single 1-Doc, and Broderbund 3D Home Architect Professional 5.0. You can choose among them by comparing the price that ranges from $7.99, $7.95, and $34.99. The last in the list is a bit expensive, but I assure you that it gives high-tech and professional quality for house or building plans. If you are worried how to use it, the program has a tutorial feature by which you can learn easily.

Scribus is a Linux program that functions like the Window's Adobe Pagemaker. This is a program best suited for layout artists and pre-press specialists. This is a program especially designed to provide convenience and productivity to anyone who wants ease on their work. It is where your text along with your graphics are easily managed by the different tools such as image setting equipment, text rotating, and the likes.

This program is just in its development stage. As of the moment, you can call it an immature program. However, the program is already sufficient enough to provide your layouting needs. Through Linux Scribus, you can make your personal stationery or corporate stationery, posters, newsletters, and the likes. You can also create your personal magazine through Linux Scribus. Other than that, you can enjoy expressing your creativity and create a scrapbook (magazine style) of your own.

If you're a business minded person like me, you can create a small business by using Scribus. One example is srapbooking lay out. You can add an innovative background on your scrapbook before you paste any mementos on it. Or, make corporate stationeries and sell it. Scrapbooking is a famous hobby among teenagers right now. Heck, even moms enjoy this pastime. Just an idea, you can make a baby backgound for a baby scrapbook or an electric effect lay out for rockin' teen agers.

Today's technological innovations have produced certain good results in humanity. However, it has also caused damages. Admit it, you're suffering from color blindness and mspeling dsorder right now because of too much computer exposure. But though these disorders are looming over us like King Kong, technology just makes our everyday work lighter and easier. Personally, my e-business is booming because of technology. I can conduct a business transaction even on a train-- while on vacation. Thanks to Windows mobile.

Microsoft has created an advanced and accessible device that allows any user to have access to the Internet through their mobile phones. It is especially designed by experts to add more convenience particularly to business people. It allows you to receive and send emails, chat, search, and surf on the Internet while actually in the train or bus, traveling to another city. Certain Microsoft programs are also available for mobiles. These include Excel, Word, Power Point, and others.

If you are suffering from loneliness and boredom, you should get a life! Chat with friends or meet someone new through the Internet on your mobile. Or you can make your boyfriend's presentation while you are hurrying to the grocery for last-minute shopping. You can also use the Windows Mobile Excel for your business. But if you don't have one of those like friends, boyfriend, and business, what kind of a person are you?! Load your mobile with Microsoft programs now and live a happier life.

Nothing is more important than to manage finances effectively when it comes to business enterprises. For without the cash flow and inventory, the company couldn't stand on its own even with the best ideas and corporate missions. You have to finance and facilitate management and customer satisfaction with a comprehensive program that will make doing business easier. Accounting software packages is a must if you want to guarantee efficient financial transaction and elaborate financial analysis and reports. Of course, the last thing you'll ever need is to mess with the budget and your company's assets, so to a more organized planning strategy, you should consult with a business software that will solve your pervading problems.

I'm doing your company a huge favor. I've scouted a good office accounting software that you may adapt into your system. The Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting 2006 is designed for accounting professionals and customer reliability. It will fit the needs of a company with less than 25 employees. You don't even have to train them strenuously for this accounting program is user-friendly. Toying with this software, you can come up with organized reports for purchasing, inventory, banking and payroll. Plus, clients will be treated with financial royalty while you give them a more elaborate report without having to mess with their brains. This MS Office Software is easy and functional.