Recommendations

Security Software

Anti Virus is a must have, but I am disappointed in the way Symantec and McAfee are up selling their software suite. The average user finds the maintenance of a software firewall complicated and so such software gets in the way of tasks that were previously simple. McAfee's suite is top rated and I like it for users who want this extra protection. Users can protect their systems by not installing software unless they trust the source. This will keep out spyware and adware as well as negate the need for a firewall unless they don't want even trusted applications checking the Internet for updates and such. I recommend McAfee VirusScan and resist the repeated marketing for the upgraded security bundle. AVG is a good alternative.

Spyware Removers

If you think your computer is infected with spyware then you should first try to install, update and scan Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition and/or Spybot Search and Destroy. If that fails then purchase Spyware Doctor from PC Tools or Spy Sweeper from Webroot. Remember that these tools do not protect your computer from infection, not installing things from websites you don't trust is how you protect your system, but will remove infections. Remember to update the product before you scan.

LCD Displays

If you have not replaced your CRT (Cathode ray tube) then you are in luck because the prices of LCD Displays are fantastically low. The average user will find a 17" LCD a great replacement for CRTs up to 19", but beware that LCDs have much more specific resolutions. The average 17" or 19" LCD is ideal for 1280 x 1024 - this makes the 19" a better choice for someone who would normally set the 17" to 1280 x 1024 because everything will be larger at this native resolution.

Computers

Dell no longer deserves any distinction in the desktop computer market. In fact their insistence on using Intel processors is a liability. AMD offers superior processing power as com paired to Intel chips. Stay away from Celeron or Sempron, and take a close look at HP computers. You can't buy a computer based on manufacturer, but HP has really stepped up the quality of their computers over the last several years so I always look at them first. I recommend 1 GB of RAM, and a DVD Burner. For best performance look for PCIe 16x video instead of Integrated, but Integrated Sound and NIC is perfectly acceptable.

Printers

Stay away from Lexmark. That is abbot as clear as I can make it. Like computers you need to look beyond the manufacturer name, but I never met a Lexmark that I liked. HP, Epson and Canon make great printers, but not all models are recommended. I really like the Brother Laser All-In-Ones. Inkjets are cheap, but they do not last long, so don't spend much on them. I currently use an HP LaserJet 1320 and an HP OfficeJet 7310. My OfficeJet is a great machine, but the scanning adds noise to photos during the transfer to the PC. They replaced it with one that just has less noise, so I have just accepted that it is a defect in engineering and works as well as it ever will - disappointing though for a Photo All-In-One.

Broadband

DSL or Cable are the top choices and this can be a tough recommendation. BellSouth does an outstanding job providing DSL, but Comcast has faster speeds available. Comcast is only affordable if you have Cable TV also ($15.00/month difference). I am not a DISH person, but I don't own one of those big Plasma TVs either. It is my understanding that Satellite has superior quality as com paired to cable. So, if you are a DISH house get DSL and if you have Cable TV with Comcast use Comcast for broadband as well. Adelphia has good service also, but not as good as Comcast.

 

© Copyright 2006 Brian Haines, Inc.