50 under $50: the greatest software values on the market - Buyers Guide

Home Office Computing, March, 1995

FaxWorks

(WIN)

End fax frustration with FaxWorks. When you first install it, the program walks you through a short string of questions, con figures your modem, and submits your registration automatically. Once FaxWorks is set up, faxing someone is as easy as printing a document and entering the fax number. Automated fax reception lets you receive faxes in the background while you work on other projects. $49.95; Global Village, (408)523-1000, (800) 329-9675.

SYSTEM UTILITIES/PC

DOS 6.22 Upgrade

(WIN/DOS)

So it's an upgrade, not a standalone. Everyone who owns a PC needs the latest version of DOS, and DOS 6.22 is one of the best values on this list. The Scandisk utility identifies disk problems before they become headaches, the Microsoft Anti-Virus utility exterminates unwanted intruders, and MEMMAKER frees up RAM for residual DOS programs. Microsoft's revised disk-compression utility, DriveSpace, even beefs up your hard disk for extra storage capacity. $9.95 from version 6.0; Microsoft, (206) 882-8080, (800) 426-9400.

SpeedTools for Windows

(WIN)

You know that changing those confusing settings in WIN.INI can improve system performance, but make the wrong modification and you can bring your system to a halt. SpeedTools for Windows helps you optimize Windows without stepping on a landmine. You also get a graphical disk defragger and system analyzer that helps you decide when you need to add memory or disk space. $29.95; Symantec, (503) 690-8090, (800) 441-7234.

UnInstaller

(WIN)

You can never have enough disk space. Unlnstaller helps reclaim some of that precious commodity for your working applications by clearing off unused ones. Applications' installation routines can place files all over your hard drive during the setup process. Unlnstaller scans your disk, tracks down the errant files, and makes sure that when you want to get rid of an application, you completely eradicate it. It also finds duplicate and orphaned files (files without an application), while keeping you from deleting anything critical to your system. $49.95; MicroHelp, (404) 516-0899, (800) 777-3322.

VirusScan for Windows

(WIN/DOS)

The problem with software viruses is that hackers continually create newer and nastier ones. Fortunately, no matter how fast viruses proliferate, software publisher McAfee quickly provides a shield. Protect your system from the next major computer virus outbreak by using your modem and VirusScan's Software Express communications utility monthly to download the most recent protection from McAfee's bulletin board. Even if you have to wait for the mailed updates, VirusScan is your best protection against hackers' newest monsters. $49.98; McAfee, (408) 988-3832, (800) 866-6585.

Full Armor

(WIN)

Concerned about somebody getting a peak at your contract proposals when they shouldn't? Although intra-office politics aren't major concerns in a small business, security still matters. Full Armor password protects your system so tightly that even determined hackers will have a hard time accessing your hard drive. $40; Micah Development, (617) 641-1500.