Removing Bloatware

Preston Gralla lists the common sources of bloatware installed on a new computer, and then suggests the use of utilities to remove the unneeded programs.

-DD

Free Network Monitoring Tools

Paul Venezia explores free network monitoring tools that allow the technically savvy to determine when network channels are clogged, what type of traffic is on the network, and so forth. Thus, the seven software packages can be useful for eliminating network slowdowns, thwarting attacks over the network, and so forth.

In order to understand what these tools do, the user needs to be very familiar with TCP/IP and other Internet protocols. It is also valuable to record the results of such diagnostic tools before a problem exists, as this provides a baseline for identifying deviant behavior.

Contention for bandwidth will only increase as more devices are Internet-enabled. Someone will be required to master tools such as these to keep home and office networks functioning.

-DD

Project Management Software

Rich Hein provides a list of "Seven Free Project Management Tools ."

I use Google Docs on a regular basis, and am amazed at the flexibility of the Google suite. Some time ago I set up a Yammer account, but discovered I really had no use for the communication functions it offered. The remainder of the tools in this article are new to me.

-DD

 

Software Management and Documentation

Mary K. Pratt shares how even open source software requires documentation and management. The software may appear to be free, but licensing restrictions may restrict deployment. And a roster of available software can be useful.

-DD

Free Security Tools

Ellen Messmer has written about fifteen free security tools.

-DD