Continuing my series on various anti-virus programs, here’s another I’ve found, newly released: VIPRE Antivirus Software. This one caught me by surprise; I hadn’t heard of it until the good folks at Sunbelt asked me to take a look at it. I’m familiar with Sunbelt programs, having the old Kerio/Sunbelt Firewall on one of my other computers. (Kerio was going to discontinue the firewall, but Sunbelt snatched it a few years ago and renamed it Sunbelt Personal Firewall).Sunbelt has been busy, chugging out some high quality software recently.
The VIPRE software is a suite– a combination anti-virus/anti-spyware. Such combos are becoming more popular, but not every company can get it right. Judging by Sunbelt’s record of reliable software, I’d say VIPRE scores big. There’s a free 15-day trial, and then the software is about $30. VIPRE promises not to slow down or bog down your PC (like the notorious Norton and McAfee programs do). And it was rated 5 out of 5 stars by Download.com (my primary software-download website). Very impressive!

Go to the Sunbelt website; there you’ll see a plethora of screenshots, FAQs, lots of other information, and the link to download your free trial.
Tags: anti-spyware, anti-virus, VIPRE
I wrote about discovering Phone Tray (which I will soon be reviewing), and in so doing, I was reminded of another, similar program called CallWave. I used this program extensively for several years when I had dialup Internet service. It was free (but I think either it eventually became a paid-for service, or perhaps I upgraded, I can’t remember now), and extremely convenient. 
As you dialup users know, unless you have a separate phone line with a separate number, you cannot receive normal telephone calls when you are online. Your callers get a busy signal or are directed to voice mail (if your phone service offers it). For us, this was a great inconvenience. CallWave is a program that is installed on your computer, and is like an answering machine through your computer. It also came with Caller ID (a very nice feature) and voicemail that you can control right off your computer desktop.
I checked out the CallWave website, and the software has changed a bit since I stopped using it three years ago (we got DSL at that time). Apparently, there’s a 30-day free trial, but after that the charge is $7.95. I think that’s a little steep. I mean, if you were going to pay $8 more a month, you may as well spend that $8 and upgrade to DSL service, and free up your phone line plus get the high speed of DSL. But CallWave may be a God send for you folks out in rural areas, where the only thing available to you is dialup.
Anyway, it’s a neat little program. And there just may be a free version in there somewhere. Be sure to do a little digging before you make that choice to pay for it.
Tags: Internet, telephone, telephony
A friend passed along this website when I complained about my incessant telemarketing calls- Phone Tray. Oh my word, this looks like an amazing software program! I wanted to post about it right away, so that you’d have the chance to see it, too. (Scroll all the way down and look for Phone Tray Free 1.34). I have not downloaded it yet (I have to order Call Waiting at my local telephone provider first, in order for Phone Tray to work). This looks like a spectacular program. I have been PLAGUED by telemarketing calls. I mean, hey, it’s great to know that I have a Rochester personal injury lawyer or a new credit card waiting at my disposal, but if I need it, I’ll call you guys, k?
Basically, Phone Tray installs on your computer. Your computer is then hooked up to your telephone line. When a call comes in, the phone call is routed through your computer (through Phone Tray) and a Caller ID information window pops up. The nice thing about Phone Tray is that you can BLOCK telephone calls! Which means, when I get a telemarketer, I can, through the Caller ID, get the number and then block that number from ever calling my phone again. I LOVE this idea!! So as soon as I have the Caller ID feature enabled on my phone, I’m going to download Phone Tray and give it a thorough run-through. I’ll post my review with all my findings. I’m really looking forward to this, hoping that this will solve my telemarketer problems. P.S. Phone Tray is a free program! Stay tuned.
Tags: Phone Tray, software, telephone, telephony
Need some portable office space? Here’s a company to keep in mind, with locations all across the United States: Acton Mobile Industries, based in Baltimore, Maryland. They have locations in Jackson, Austin, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ft. Myers, and even a nice Tampa mobile office available! Acton Mobile Industries is one of the leaders in the field, providing short-term, quality office solutions. This is a great solution for those of us who have businesses or home offices under construction (like my home office and home will be, soon!). The selections are amazing– 8′ to 14′ trailers are available, as well as multi-sectionals, and more. Trailers can come with very nice features, such as security system packages, heat and/or air conditioning, built-in desks and plan tables, restrooms (yes!!), and handicapped ramps. Check out the website if you’re in need of some safe, clean portable office space.
Tags: business, Office