• Software - Commercial

  • Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 - a much better version of the OS with new security features including a better firewall, anti-virus software monitoring, & auto-updating.  Also includes pop-up blocking in Internet Explorer as well as better Active X security.  The OS can still can use some work, but it is much better than it's predecessors.  The Home Edition of XP is fine if your not on a business network, but I do prefer the "Pro" Edition. Figure to pay no more that $200.00 for the Professional Version at most retail stores. You MUST buy one copy per computer.
  • Microsoft Office 2003 with Service Pack 1 - includes a much more enhanced and functional Outlook with the best junk mail filter Microsoft has yet provided.  I've seen as much as a 99% reduction in spam using this new Outlook. You can get the Student & Teacher Edition which includes MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and Outlook for less than $130.00 at Best Buy or other larger computer retail stores.  What's even better is that this version is licensed for up to THREE computers.  You must have a student or student I.D. card (or be a Teacher) to purchase this edition.

• Software - Free (Also see my Top Recommended Downloads on the Home Page)

  • Tired of Microsoft Products? - OpenOffice (www.openoffice.org) is a great "free" alternative to the Microsoft Office Suite.  It's compatible with Word, Excel and Powerpoint.  The downside? - no email client, but Mozilla's Thunderbird (also free) is a better product that Outlook Express and fills out the package nicely.
  • Adaware SE - Excellent anti-spyware remover and cleaner.  Doesn't prevent spyware from being installed, but it's a great tool that helps you remove it.
  • Spybot S & D - Another excellent anti-spyware cleaner.  Also helps to "immunize" your system from future spyware installations.  Use it in conjunction with Adaware SE to remove ALL of those unwanted and often "hidden" programs.
  • AVG Antivirus - for many users, this is the best FREE Antivirus software I've found.   It doesn't interfere with your computer as much as it's more commonly known commercial cousins like Norton or McAfee. What's even better is that it works well with Microsoft XP SP2's new antivirus software monitoring feature which even some versions of Norton won't do.
  • Windows Defender - is a nice edition to your anti-spyware  suite and is being offered for free by Microsoft.

• Hardware - Computers

  • HP Pavilion - I have clients that have had excellent results with HP's line of computers.  The reliability is good in both the desktop and laptop versions.  Check out www.hp.com for more information.
  • Dell Dimension - I have had some success with Dell's new VOSTRO Series.  If you are ordering a PC for your business you should upgrade to Windows XP Professional or VISTA Business Edition.  Do NOT get Microsoft's XP or VISTA Home Edition unless your computer is to be used only at home or in a single non-network environment.
  • Dell Laptops - I've had some difficulty with Dell laptops in previous years, but the new VOSTRO series is very nice.  With laptops I recommend purchasing the extra warranty.
  • Sony Laptops - I don't have any recent experience with the Sony's, but I've heard good things. They come highly recommended by a number of "techies."

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