Resources

A look at Globalscape File Express

Overview

Exchanging information is a routine part of most jobs with electronic exchanges extremely common. However, sending large files over e-mail applications is problematic. The sheer size of some files requires excessively long upload and download times. Not only does this impact the individuals involved, it also affects the entire network as bandwidth and resources are required. Because of these concerns, file size restrictions are usually implemented.

However, when employees can’t send required files via their e-mail programs, they often resort to other methods (such as instant messaging, unauthorized third party software, FTP transfers, etc) which can also adversely affect the network or cause additional work for others. Globalscape File Express solves these problems!  

Features

File Express is an ideal solution that offers numerous features to businesses that need a way to manage their e-mail attachments. Among the key features are:

• Microsoft Outlook compatible - Because Microsoft Outlook is the e-mail client of choice for the majority of businesses, compatibility with Outlook means fewer hassles.
• No end user training required - File Express integrates seamlessly and is transparent to the end user.
• Capable of large file transfers - File Express allows the transfer of attachments up to 2 gigabytes large.
• IT control and customization - File Express allows the administrator to control permissions and file access as well as create rules and other controls as needed.
• Tracking and auditing - Files are tracked so that you always know what was transmitted and what was received.

Benefits

File Express allows for the transfer of large files using your existing Microsoft Outlook software. Because employees are often frustrated when their large attachments fail to send, they resort to other methods such as instant messaging or unauthorized third party file transfer applications which can compromise the network. Others may burn the file to DVD or print out huge reports which must be shipped overnight to colleagues and clients - adding unnecessary expenses.

Instead of potentially dangerous or costly workarounds, File Express makes it easy to send large files via e-mail. Now, employees can work productively and exchange the information they need to exchange without the frustration of file size limits.

The IT staff benefits from File Express as well. This product reduces the burden on servers and on personnel who must clean up the problems users create when trying alternative file transfer methods. In addition, auditing and tracking features provide detailed information about the files being sent and received.

How it Works

File Express is a new file transfer offering from Globalscape designed for businesses who need an easy-to-use, IT controllable, file transfer system. Currently, you will need to contact a Globalscape sales representative to learn more about File Express or receive a trial version.

Recommendations

If your team is frustrated by file size restrictions, File Express offers an excellent way to facilitate large file transfers while providing the IT staff with the control and security it needs.

Mini Review: Tenebril SpyCatcher Enterprise

Overview

Are you looking for an enterprise level anti-spyware solution? Tenebril’s SpyCatcher Enterprise offers zero day protection and continuous real-time protection across the entire enterprise - including mobile computers not connected to the network.

Features

Tenebril SpyCatcher Enterprise is loaded with features that matter to system administrators and security professionals including:

• Real-time protection against current and emerging threats
• Mobile protection for laptops that are not always connected to the network
• Safe spyware removal tools that won’t harm the network
• Advanced fortification features that ensure that SpyCatcher is not targeted by malicious programs
• Active Directory integration enhances database lookups
• Small footprint doesn’t impact computer performance. In fact, less than 10% of a system’s CPU is used when the low CPU scanning option is used.
• Enterprise level management tools including: transparent automatic spyware sweeps, Web-based management console, enterprise integration, scalability, and detailed reports and alerts.

Benefits

Enterprise networks require antispyware solutions built with the enterprise’s needs in mind. This means that the solution must integrate well with other IT technologies employed on the network, be easy to manage and deploy, and seamless to end users. Tenebril SpyCatcher Enterprise achieves all of these objectives. Whether installed on a network of ten or ten thousand, this product is easy to install, configure, deploy, manage, and upgrade. It integrates with existing IT technologies already installed on the enterprise. And spyware sweeps take place on the users’ desktops quietly and unobtrusively.

Real-time protection ensures that spyware never has a chance to install on the network, thus preventing damage and reducing the need for continual scans. Behavior based detection mechanisms are in place to detect emerging threats and mutating spyware that has yet to be discovered. This adds zero day protection, meaning that your computers are safe from the latest spyware programs - even those that have just been released and have not been discovered by Tenebril yet.

Detailed reports and alerts allow administrators to detect and respond to suspicious programs, activities, or files.

Finally, even mobile computers are protected when off the network through mobile signature updates.

How it works

Tenebril SpyCatcher Enterprise uses Tenebril’s spyware Profiling Engine which offers a layered approach to the detection of hard-to-detect malware. Where other anti-spyware solutions fail, SpyCatcher succeeds.

Recommendations

If you need an enterprise solution for combating spyware, consider this powerful product. Try the demo version or speak with a Tenebril representative to see if this anti-spyware solution is the right choice for your enterprise network.

Mini Review: Tenebril Uninstaller

Overview

Did you know that there’s a right way and a wrong way to uninstall unwanted programs? Even using the Add and Remove Programs utility in Windows doesn’t always completely remove old programs. When programs are not completely removed, computer errors and conflicts often result. If you’re thinking that there’s got to be a better way, you’re right. Tenebril Uninstaller is the perfect way to uninstall programs that you know longer want on your computer.

Features

Tenebril Uninstaller is an easy utility that offers a variety of easy-to-use features for completely removing unwanted applications including:

• Complete removal - Uninstaller removes all components of unwanted applications, even those overlooked by Windows Add and Remove software tool.
• Seek and remove - Tenebril Uninstaller actively seeks unneeded files and uninstalls them.
• Monitors changes - Uninstaller monitors all installations and their related changes, saving this information for later uninstallation routines.
• Startup management - Includes tools for managing which applications launch at startup.
• Cookie management - Includes tools for removing unwanted cookies while keeping those that are useful.
• Registry key cleanup - Uninstaller removes obsolete registry entries safely and includes an undelete feature in case the results are unsatisfactory.

Benefits

By using Uninstaller to uninstall software rather than haphazardly deleting program files, you can be sure that the program is completely uninstalled including remnants that are often left behind in the Windows registry. These leftovers often interfere with the computer’s performance or leave Windows confused, wondering what to do with these obsolete instructions. Sluggish performance, conflicts, and computer errors often follow failed or incomplete uninstalls. Uninstaller avoids these issues and ensures that your computer contains only the software and related files that you want.

How it Works

Uninstaller is designed to completely uninstall unwanted applications and their related parts, including registry entries.

Recommendations

While your computer has a built-in utility for removing unwanted programs, it often comes up short. Instead of relying on Windows to uninstall applications, use Tenebril Uninstaller and get rid of those programs completely.

Mini Review: Tenebril Adarmor

Overview

How much would you pay to eliminate annoying computer advertisements? Did you know that this was even possible? We’re not talking about blocking pop-up ads though this will do that to; we’re talking about all kinds of online ads including paid search engine ads, in-page ads, animated images, flashing text, and even nag screens. Imagine having your screen back with no advertisements. Now, how much is that worth? $50? $100? Tenebril AdArmor is less than $20!

Features

Tenebril AdArmor blocks advertisements and frees up bandwidth. Among the features that this unique software offers are:

• Ad blocking - AdArmor blocks all types of online advertisements from annoying pop-ups and flashing text to ActiveX ads and paid search engine ads. Now, you can surf the Internet without being bombarded by advertisements.
• Frees up bandwidth - Because ads are not being downloaded to your computer, your computer will have more bandwidth. As a result, you will save time and pages will load faster.
• Eliminates nag screens - Stops advertisers from nagging you to upgrade your products and other annoying messages.
• Automatic updates - Automatic updates ensure that AdArmor is fully equipped to block the latest advertisers and advertisement delivery technologies.
• Site lists - Use lists to block or allow sites based on your preferences.
• Detailed statistics - Want to see how many advertisements you didn’t see? AdArmor provides you with detailed statistics.

Benefits

Today, consumers are bombarded with ads everywhere they go. Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and billboards were just the beginning. Even the local gas pump features advertisements as do restaurant menus and bathroom stalls. Your mail carrier likely delivers more ads than legitimate mail. Football stadiums and sports arenas are now known by the brand names of their sponsors such as Qualcomm Stadium and Coors Amphitheater. And naturally, the Internet is loaded with ads.

While you can TiVo your television shows or change the channel when a commercial comes on, you can’t do much about many forms of advertising short of ignoring the ads or throwing the junk mail in the trash. Now, with AdArmor, you can take control of Internet advertising and block it from ever reaching your computer.

Not only is this a welcome relief to ad-weary eyes, it also helps your computer run more efficiently. With fewer images to download, pages will load faster and your bandwidth will be more available.   

How it works

At just under $20, AdArmor is a bargain indeed. It installs in seconds and sets to work, actively blocking Internet advertisers from ever reaching your PC.

Recommendations

If you’re tired of the endless barrage of ads, spend a few dollars now and block Internet ads. You may even come out ahead if you’re susceptible to advertising and tend to buy products that you don’t really need.

In Search of Microsoft Excel

I’m not sure if you previously had Excel and lost a shortcut or if something when awry and Excel can no longer be found. Perhaps you had a trial version of Microsoft Office on your PC but can no longer access it. Maybe Excel works fine but the data has been lost? In the meantime, let’s see if we can’t poke around and find your wayward program.

Trial Versions of Excel

If you downloaded a trial version of Microsoft Office or Microsoft Excel, it will eventually expire though it shouldn’t completely disappear. Once expired, Microsoft will want their money. Usually, when the trial period ends, you will be prompted to upgrade to the licensed version.

Missing Excel Shortcut

Many computer users become so accustomed to launching their favorite applications in a certain way, such as by clicking on a Desktop icon, that they forget that there are other ways to start the program. For example, if a Desktop icon no longer launches Excel (icons and shortcuts can and do fail), you can still launch your program using other methods. First, try the Start menu. Go to Start, Programs, and then scroll for Excel.

If the Start menu no longer lists Excel, right-click the Start button and choose Explore. This opens Windows Explorer where you can navigate to the Microsoft Office folder. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Microsoft Office\Office12\excel.exe. (Note: C is the hard drive. If you have a different drive letter, make the adjustment. Also, “Office12″ is the version of Office. You may have a slightly different version such as “Office10″.)

If found, clicking the excel.exe file will launch your Excel program. Want to create a fresh shortcut? Right-click the file instead and choose Create Shortcut.

Launching Excel from the Run Line

You can also enter a command directly into the Run line of your computer and launch Excel that way. Go to Start >Run and type in excel.exe. Depending on your operating system, you may have to type in cmd first to open a Command Prompt window. From there, enter excel.exe.

If you have Windows Vista, try entering the word “Excel” directly in the Start menu’s Search bar. Now, look in the results pane and you should see Excel listed under programs. Click the icon and Excel will launch.

What if Excel is Corrupt?

If you can find Excel but it doesn’t want to cooperate, the program files could be corrupt. Fortunately, Microsoft Office comes with some built-in repair tools. In versions prior to 2007, these tools were called Detect and Repair. In Office 2007, they are called Microsoft Office Diagnostics. You can read more about using these tools here:

• Detect and Repair
• Microsoft Office Diagnostics

Mini Review: Tenebril Sticky Note

Overview

If you love stickies but can’t see through your computer screen because of the clutter, ditch the paper version and get Tenebril’s Sticky Note software instead. This software places electronic versions of sticky notes on your computer where you can edit, save, and e-mail your important reminders.

Features

Sticky Note is an easy-to-use utility that offers a variety of useful features without cluttering up your environment including:

• Photo realistic electronic sticky notes - These notes are actually quite beautiful with a variety of visual effects with a 3D look.
• Attachable notes - Use stickies on your computer desktop or attach them to e-mail messages and documents.
• Note passing over the Internet - Send your notes over the Internet - they pop up right on your recipient’s screen!
• Password protection - If you have sensitive information, you can password-protect your sticky notes
• Alarms - Set up alarms and reminders so that your notes appear when you need them.
• Periodic Displays - Set up your notes to appear periodically so that you are reminded of upcoming events, to-do’s, and ideas periodically.
• Synchronization options - Use stickies with your computer and your PDA! These can be synchronized so that you can take your Sticky Notes on the road.
• Notes that have been discarded become “crumpled.” This is an easy, visual way for you to recognize that a note has been placed in the Recycle Bin and then later retrieved.
• Built-in address book - The Sticky Note software has its own built-in address book making it a snap to send Sticky Notes to friends and co-workers.
• Customize fonts - Use your favorite fonts, colors, and other attributes when typing your text into your notes.

Benefits

StickyNote from Tenebril is a useful little utility that clears the physical clutter of sticky notes and replaces it with manageable electronic versions. Instead of having sticky notes fall off your monitor and lose their stickiness over time, create electronic versions. These notes won’t clutter your screen because you can place them in a convenient side bar for one click access. Likewise, you can schedule reminders so that your notes pop-up and remind you of important messages according to a schedule you choose.

StickyNote also lets you quickly communicate brief messages with friends, coworkers, and family members. Now, you don’t have to wait for them to check their e-mail in order to remind them of important events. Simply send a note and it will appear on their screen if they also have a copy of StickyNote installed.

StickyNote is a terrific tool for managing tasks and staying organized. Let these cute little notes keep you from forgetting important tasks - without cluttering up your office space.

How it Works

Tenebril StickyNote comes in single user and multi-user versions with site licenses, academic pricing, OEM licenses also available.

Recommendations

If you love stickies but dislike having them all over your desk, you’ll love StickyNote. This is an easy product to use. Stay organized and clear up the paper notes by choosing this unique utility.