Erik Eckel

Grisoft has developed quite a following with its free (for personal, non-commercial use) security applications, and for good reason. AVG anti-virus and anti-spyware programs use little overhead and have proven effective at combating common malware. The security products have racked up a number of awards and accolades as a result.

Now there’s an anti-rootkit utility in AVG’s free software stable, too, and for users seeking a minimum of interaction, AVG Anti-Rootkit Free may very well be the Right Tool for the Job.

All hard disk drives fail. The only question is when. While numerous recovery utilities exist, Get Data Back from Runtime Software proves to be the Right Tool for simplifying the process. Here’s how it works.

Explore this photo gallery to see how one of the world’s most popular mobile hard disks (the Hitachi Travelstar) is put together to power countless laptops.

Ever wonder how one of the most common wireless notebook mice is put together? Check out this Cracking Open image gallery to learn just what’s inside Microsoft’s Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000.

Apple claims its new Safari 3.0 Windows Web browser
loads pages faster than both IE 7 and Firefox 2.0. Here’s a look at the new Windows Safari interface and an overview of its many new features.

Numerous options exist for protecting Windows systems from malicious traffic. While Windows boasts its own Firewall, many deride it as ineffective. More expensive (and more difficult to administer) hardware-based firewalls are another option.

All many users require, however, is an effective software-based firewall. PC Tools Firewall Plus 2.0 monitors systems and prevents unauthorized access. Better yet, it’s free and operates with no limitations or time limits. Here’s how it works.

Data protection is paramount, yet many Windows users don’t possess the time or knowledge necessary to properly safeguard files, databases and other information. Simply Safe Backup provides a free option home users can employ to direct backups to an FTP server, back up databases, use Zip, tape and even CD and DVD drives for backups and more.

A (very reasonably priced) Professional Edition is also available for business use. The Free version will meet many Windows users needs, however. Here’s why it’s often the right tool for protecting important data.

Every administrator requires ready access to Windows system, service and hardware information. Axence NetTools packs all that data into a single app, while adding an entire suite of powerful networking utilities. But how well do all those tools work together? Erik Eckel test drives Axence NetTools Professional in this Right Tool gallery.

DemoCharge enables Windows users to create powerful tutorials, presentations and other demonstrations quickly and easily. Here’s why it’s the right tool for many projects.

WinGuides Tweak Manager version 2.1 offers an easy-to-navigate interface that drastically simplifies making common Windows changes. Here’s how it works.

The Hewlett Packard LaserJet IIP popularized the desktop personal laser printer. TechRepublic cracks it open to see what made the IIP tick.

Portable media players are all the rage. View this gallery for an inside look at Microsoft’s new Zune. From the device’s packaging to its software and the device itself, here’s what you get (and how it works) when you buy a Zune.