The Right Tool for the Job?
Working IT pros put software and hardware solutions to the test. Which tools will make the grade?
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Assemble the perfect system administrator's toolkit
A good system admin is like a boy scout: always prepared. Paul Mah puts together a list of items that belongs in every system administrator's survival toolkit.
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Microsoft Office for the Mac 2008: The Right Tool for the Job?
Office productivity applications are critical business components. This is as true for Macintosh computer owners as it is for Windows users. Whether users are creating documents, spreadsheets or slide show presentations, they require a powerful office suite that is easy to use, creates attractive files and is widely compatible with other users. Erik Eckel checks out this year's version of Microsoft Office for the Mac.
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GFI Network Server Monitor: The Right Tool for the Job?
If you have ever been a system administrator or network manager, you can appreciate a tool that allows you to quickly and efficiently check on the health of the various components on your network. Paul Mah decides whether GFI Network Server Monitor is the Right Tool for the Job.
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Evolution: The Right Tool for the Job?
If you are looking for a single application to replace Outlook you need look no further than Evolution. It is as feature rich, easy to use, and far more reliable than Outlook.
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Scribus desktop publishing: The Right Tool for the Job?
Most applications that create complex pdf documents are costly, resource hogs, and difficult to master. The alternative? Scribus.
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Mac OS X Leopard: The Right Tool for the Job?
Apple Macintosh computers have long boasted fast, secure operation and outstanding approachability. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) performed admirably, but all OSes become stale in time. Is an updated OS needed to fuel today’s powerful Mac computers?
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Norton Internet Security 2008: The Right Tool for the Job?
Windows computers require protection from a wide variety of common viruses and spyware programs, not too mention unwanted intrusions. Novice users are particularly vulnerable to system infections and identity theft. A single software suite is required that can address all these issues.
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Network LookOut Administrator Professional: The Right Tool for the Job?
Network administrators often need to monitor computer usage to make sure that users are adhering to organizational policies. Network monitoring tools are also helpful when providing help desk assistance over the phone, to make sure that the user is not having trouble following your steps. Scott Lowe investigates whether Network LookOut Administrator Professional is the Right Tool for the Job.
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Norton AntiVirus: The Right Tool for the Job?
Windows computers require protection from a wide variety of common viruses and spyware programs, as well as another unwelcome malware threat: rootkits. A software application is needed that will monitor a system for infections, continually update itself, effectively prevent and remove infections when found and not overly cannibalize system resources. Is Norton AntiVirus the Right Tool for the Job?
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Vista Manager: The Right Tool for the Job?
Vista Manager is an application that provides a front-end interface to many different OS and application settings within Vista. In addition to giving access to many, sometimes hidden settings, Vista Manager also integrates many freeware utilities used for general maintenance on your PC. Is it the Right Tool for the Job?
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IrfanView: The Right Tool for the Job?
Professional photographers and designers often need to preview large groups of image files quickly. Even IT professionals working in a non-creative environment occasionally need to perform basic edits to images or convert many images as a batch job. For jobs like these, the image viewing software bundled with Windows just doesn't cut it. Enter the IrfanView graphic viewer.
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Matrox TripleHead2Go, Digital Edition: The Right Tool for the Job?
When ALT-TAB no longer cuts it for navigating the half dozen or more application windows you have in use at any given time, you'll typically solve the problem by switching over to a multi-monitor setup. It's usually a trivial matter to slot in additional video cards for a desktop. But what if you're dealing with a small form-factor PC that doesn't have the slot for more video cards, or a laptop to which you need to add two or more external monitors? That's where the Matrox TripleHead2Go enters the picture.
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nComputing L200 PC Expanion: The Right Tool for the Job?
Rather than purchase, deploy and maintain additional systems for users, organizations can turn to nComputing’s L200 PC Expanion Multi-User Computing Terminal and leverage existing hardware capacity. The small hardware device, which measures roughly two-thirds the size of a 12-inch PowerBook laptop, enables connecting multiple users to a single system (using only a single PC or server).
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Evolution: The Right Tool for the Job?
If you are looking for a single application to replace Outlook you need look no further than Evolution. It is as feature rich, easy to use, and far more reliable than Outlook.
-
Norton Internet Security 2008: The Right Tool for the Job?
Windows computers require protection from a wide variety of common viruses and spyware programs, not too mention unwanted intrusions. Novice users are particularly vulnerable to system infections and identity theft. A single software suite is required that can address all these issues.
-
Assemble the perfect system administrator's toolkit
A good system admin is like a boy scout: always prepared. Paul Mah puts together a list of items that belongs in every system administrator's survival toolkit.
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Microsoft Virtual Server R2: The Right Tool for the Job?
Consolidation with Microsoft Virtual Server R2 has reduced a total of 42U worth of rack space down into 8U--a huge saving in our cramped data center. It has definitely been the Right Tool for the Job.
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The Razer Lachesis gaming mouse: The Right Tool for the Job?
TechRepublic contributor Paul Mah dropped by Razer's Singapore office yesterday and got his hands on Razer's new Lanchesis gaming mouse. This hot little item is not yet even available in stores, but the promises of never-before-seen input precision were so dizzying that Paul couldn't wait. He nabbed a mouse from the first batch out of the factory, took it home for a test drive, and sent us his findings that same day.
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nComputing L200 PC Expanion: The Right Tool for the Job?
Rather than purchase, deploy and maintain additional systems for users, organizations can turn to nComputing’s L200 PC Expanion Multi-User Computing Terminal and leverage existing hardware capacity. The small hardware device, which measures roughly two-thirds the size of a 12-inch PowerBook laptop, enables connecting multiple users to a single system (using only a single PC or server).
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Spybot Search & Destroy: The Right Tool for the Job?
Many anti-virus software apps do a good job on cleaning up viruses and Trojans, but only relatively recently have they begun to effectively address the newer threat vector of spyware and adware. Paul Mah tests Spybot Search & Destroy, and decides whether it is worthy of a space in your computer first-aid box.
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DriveClone Pro 3.5: The Right Tool for the Job?
Frequently, IT professionals must prepare identical hard disk images for duplication and deployment to other systems. Erik Eckel evaluates how well DriveClone Pro 3.5 gets the job done.
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Popims Animator: The Right Tool for the Job?
SmartMorph, a freeware morphing program by Meesoft, has been wildly upgraded and had even garnered a shiny new name. Kirk Starr takes a hard look at this piece of freeware and compares it to the version from which it supposedly evolved.
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Sound off: Write your own The Right Tool for the Job? review
So you think you have what it takes to write a review for The Right Tool for the Job? Show us what you've got. Submit your review to this blog. If it meets our criteria, we'll publish it under your byline, to certain glory and the adulation of your TechRepublic peers. You may even be invited to become a regular TechRepublic contributor!
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NeoOffice for the Mac: The Right Tool for the Job?
TechRepublic's Erik Eckel searched for productivity applications that provide high compatibility not only with Microsoft Office applications but for use on Macintosh platforms. Erik found NeoOffice version 2.2.1, available both for PowerPC- and Intel-powered Apple computer users. Here's a summary of what he discovered when he put NeoOffice to the test.