3 Frequently Used IT Solutions That Don"t Cost Money
Below is a list of software and web applications that are free for business use.
This list only contains solutions that are relatively easy to setup and use.
In addition, they are all fully compatible with Microsoft operating systems ranging from XP to 7.
Comodo Internet Security (CIS) This is an antivirus and firewall solution that is free for business use.
Most free antivirus software is free for home users and not for commercial purposes.
In addition to antivirus and firewall protection, this suite of services also includes a proactive security feature called Defense+.
Based on personal experience, CIS was causing issues with Vista 64 bit (and according to the vendor, all 64 bit operating systems under "certain conditions").
However, these issues were repaired in a recent patch.
The built-in antivirus features real time protection that attempts to block viruses the moment an infected file is executed, allows scheduling of automatic scans, and automatically updates virus definitions as they become available on-line.
At the time a file is executed, the firewall prompts the user for permission to allow specific applications access to various locations (ex: internet or local network).
Over time the firewall will prompt less and less as it learns which applications are safe and unsafe and what is allowed access where.
Defense+ also provides prompts but for a different reason.
Instead of blocking files access to various network locations, it helps to prevent key operating system files from damage caused by malware attacks.
The downside to CIS is that, as a free solution, it has no central deployment and update method.
This means that the more computers an organization owns, the more labor and resources it will take to maintain CIS installations, configurations and updates.
Centralized solutions contain server software which allows installations to be pushed out from a single location to all the client machines.
In addition, configuration changes only need to be made on the server and updates are only downloaded once from the internet.
Without a server, these tasks must be performed over and over again on each individual computer and each and every client has to access the internet for updates.
Reducing the number of computers accessing the internet allows bandwidth to be used for more valuable purposes.
Another downside is that the firewall and Defense+ prompts may seem daunting to more novice users.
Every time a new application installation is attempted or a program tries to access a network resource, a service, or the internet, the user may be prompted for a course of action.
There are ways, however, to configure the suite to be more user-friendly.
Overall this is a great free solution for small businesses and competes well with products which require paid licenses.
Google Voice Provides a free phone number that can be forwarded to any other phone number within the United States.
All calls within the US are free and international calls are cheap.
When going on a business trip, one can easily attach their Google Voice number to a hotel room line and receive business calls as if they never left the office.
Google Voice can be configured so that different lines ring depending on the caller.
For example, a client calls and three phones, home, office and mobile, ring simultaneously.
A friend calls and the mobile and home phones ring.
When a telemarketer calls, they are sent directly to voice mail or blocked completely if desired.
Custom ring schedules can be created so that specific lines only ring between specified times during the week or weekend.
Voicemails left via Google Voice can be transcribed and sent as text messages to a mobile phone or viewed or listened to on-line.
CDBurnerXP Allows for the cloning of CDs and DVDs and the burning of customized content onto either of the above media.
Data disks with documents, pictures, and MP3s can be burned as well as audio CDs for use in older players.
Although not as advanced or feature rich as costly software, it will serve the purpose of most day to day tasks.
Another nice thing about this program is its small footprint.
It is a small download; it loads quickly and gets the jobs done.
This list only contains solutions that are relatively easy to setup and use.
In addition, they are all fully compatible with Microsoft operating systems ranging from XP to 7.
Comodo Internet Security (CIS) This is an antivirus and firewall solution that is free for business use.
Most free antivirus software is free for home users and not for commercial purposes.
In addition to antivirus and firewall protection, this suite of services also includes a proactive security feature called Defense+.
Based on personal experience, CIS was causing issues with Vista 64 bit (and according to the vendor, all 64 bit operating systems under "certain conditions").
However, these issues were repaired in a recent patch.
The built-in antivirus features real time protection that attempts to block viruses the moment an infected file is executed, allows scheduling of automatic scans, and automatically updates virus definitions as they become available on-line.
At the time a file is executed, the firewall prompts the user for permission to allow specific applications access to various locations (ex: internet or local network).
Over time the firewall will prompt less and less as it learns which applications are safe and unsafe and what is allowed access where.
Defense+ also provides prompts but for a different reason.
Instead of blocking files access to various network locations, it helps to prevent key operating system files from damage caused by malware attacks.
The downside to CIS is that, as a free solution, it has no central deployment and update method.
This means that the more computers an organization owns, the more labor and resources it will take to maintain CIS installations, configurations and updates.
Centralized solutions contain server software which allows installations to be pushed out from a single location to all the client machines.
In addition, configuration changes only need to be made on the server and updates are only downloaded once from the internet.
Without a server, these tasks must be performed over and over again on each individual computer and each and every client has to access the internet for updates.
Reducing the number of computers accessing the internet allows bandwidth to be used for more valuable purposes.
Another downside is that the firewall and Defense+ prompts may seem daunting to more novice users.
Every time a new application installation is attempted or a program tries to access a network resource, a service, or the internet, the user may be prompted for a course of action.
There are ways, however, to configure the suite to be more user-friendly.
Overall this is a great free solution for small businesses and competes well with products which require paid licenses.
Google Voice Provides a free phone number that can be forwarded to any other phone number within the United States.
All calls within the US are free and international calls are cheap.
When going on a business trip, one can easily attach their Google Voice number to a hotel room line and receive business calls as if they never left the office.
Google Voice can be configured so that different lines ring depending on the caller.
For example, a client calls and three phones, home, office and mobile, ring simultaneously.
A friend calls and the mobile and home phones ring.
When a telemarketer calls, they are sent directly to voice mail or blocked completely if desired.
Custom ring schedules can be created so that specific lines only ring between specified times during the week or weekend.
Voicemails left via Google Voice can be transcribed and sent as text messages to a mobile phone or viewed or listened to on-line.
CDBurnerXP Allows for the cloning of CDs and DVDs and the burning of customized content onto either of the above media.
Data disks with documents, pictures, and MP3s can be burned as well as audio CDs for use in older players.
Although not as advanced or feature rich as costly software, it will serve the purpose of most day to day tasks.
Another nice thing about this program is its small footprint.
It is a small download; it loads quickly and gets the jobs done.
