Looking for 'must have' programs - All suggestions welcome!!

Thank you - I'm going to add it to my list.

Dropbox said:

Dropbox for the back-up of pictures.

Nisko said:

Thank you for reminding me. I used to use Mailwasher but, somewhere along the line, I stopped. I do like the program and plan to reinstall it

If you were lucky to get your licenses under the "lifetime" model, you are all set.
They switched a year or two ago to subscription licensing, and had their very last "lifetime license promo" a few months back.
Either way, it's still a good deal, as I think each license can be used on up to 3 PCs.
They have buffed and polished Windows version quite nicely over the years.
I find it to be ~100% trouble-free.
I have heard that syncing with the mobile version is not always 100% perfect, but that news does not surprise me, given the challenges of a cross-platform app that needs to work with webmail, email clients, etc.

MM

Nisko said:

Seems like a lot of people like Malwarebytes anti-malware. I use it on demand but have never had it run in the background. Is that what you do?

MBAM Free is ONLY a manual, on-demand scanner to help remove malware that made it past your AV onto the system.
If you want the layered real-time protection to help PREVENT infection from certain types of non-viral malware often missed by your AV, then you will need the paid, Premium version.

For an additional layer that does not tax resources, MBAE (Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit).
Free version protects browsers and certain plug-ins in real time.
Premium version protects "Office" applications, PDF readers and can be configured with custom shields to protect nearly any internet-facing application.
(There are other, similar options, such as HitmanPro Alert.)

MBAM and your AV protect against the "what" of malware. MBAE protects against the "how".

Cheers,
MM

exploder said:

Some apps I install, free too!

- Firefox - web browser with the uBlock Origin add on.

- LibreOffice

- CDBurner XP

- VLC

- Oracle Java

- Adobe Flash

- Adobe Acrobat Reader

- Thunderbird

I've been seeing articles lately about Java and Flash being prone to exploits, and to avoid if possible. Obviously you do not agree. So assuming the articles may be unduly alarmist but have a grain of truth, can you shed some light on the subject?

I wasn't aware of most of what you posted. Thank you!

MoxieMomma said:

MBAM Free is ONLY a manual, on-demand scanner to help remove malware that made it past your AV onto the system.
If you want the layered real-time protection to help PREVENT infection from certain types of non-viral malware often missed by your AV, then you will need the paid, Premium version.

For an additional layer that does not tax resources, MBAE (Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit).
Free version protects browsers and certain plug-ins in real time.
Premium version protects "Office" applications, PDF readers and can be configured with custom shields to protect nearly any internet-facing application.
(There are other, similar options, such as HitmanPro Alert.)

MBAM and your AV protect against the "what" of malware. MBAE protects against the "how".

Cheers,
MM

RE: MailWasher Pro

MoxieMomma said:

If you were lucky to get your licenses under the "lifetime" model, you are all set.
They switched a year or two ago to subscription licensing, and had their very last "lifetime license promo" a few months back.
Either way, it's still a good deal, as I think each license can be used on up to 3 PCs.
They have buffed and polished Windows version quite nicely over the years.
I find it to be ~100% trouble-free.
I have heard that syncing with the mobile version is not always 100% perfect, but that news does not surprise me, given the challenges of a cross-platform app that needs to work with webmail, email clients, etc.
MM

Years ago, I purchased a MailWasher "Lifetime" license. As "MoxieMomma" stated, years later, Firetrust switched their marketing model to a subscription (software rental) one. They modified the MailWasher code, termed it "new" and halted their previous "old" "Lifetime" users from freely upgrading to the newer version(s). However, at least today, in addition to a yearly rental fee, they are still/again offering (to me the original "Lifetime" purchaser, & ALL others) another "Lifetime" purchase (for $99.00).

While one can argue about the meaning of "is", it's pretty difficult for FireTrust to keep a straight face by terming the re-coded Mailwasher product "new"; thereby stopping their "old" "Lifetime" users from upgrading to newer versions of MailWasher!

To the end user, old Mailwasher and new Mailwasher function essentially the same. Modest visual changes were made. While I don't doubt that perhaps major coding modifications were made, from an end users perspective, they were mainly cosmetic, but did allow options not originally provided and they provided a more robust (non program hangup) and speedy mail download experience. The latter of which (speed and no program hangups) were normal version changes that arguably Firetrust should have provided to their original ("old" "Lifetime" customers.

Thus, what does "Lifetime" mean? To FireTrust/MailWasher, it must mean "Lifetime" ONLY until a cash flow pinch is felt and therefore changes in the marketing model must be made.

While the version ending with v.6.5.4 still works on Windows 10, it does so sometimes, and other times it hangs and a shut-down restart of MailWasher is required. That is, the old version is not benefiting from the re-coding that original "Lifetime" users were prevented from obtaining. So, according to FireTrust, because the old version is usable, we the "Lifetime" subscribers are getting our "Lifetime" use out of (v.6.5.4) a 6-year old (May, 2010 release) and now buggy version of MailWasher.

If, as a "Lifetime" user, I was provided with the opportunity of a obtaining a significantly discounted "new" "Lifetime" license (not to be confused with an "old" "Lifetime" license) for the new/re-coded/modified Mailwasher, I probably would have done so and not felt flicked. But because the email address that I used to originally purchase Mailwasher was no longer in use, I didn't now about the change or get any offer/deal to upgrade. I could obviously prove my original "old" "Lifetime" purchase, but wasn't notified about the "new" "Lifetime" limited purchase window. When I finally found out about the changes and cost for the new version of MailWasher, I emailed Firetrust with the defunct email address explanation and was told that the window was closed and locked! So much for considering and taking care of their customers!

Hence, my experience suggests that FireTrust over the longer term is not customer focused. Seemingly, that's ok, because most buyers will purchase yearly, so, it doesn't really need to be. However, folks considering a "Lifetime" purchase, should be wary before they send their money to FireTrust. A "Lifetime" license may be quite limited and ONLY for a "Lifetime" of the present software's code structure and/or until FireTrust's marketing model needs to again be changed to increase its cash flow.

Hi:

Thanks for your detailed post.

They modified the MailWasher code, termed it "new" and halted their previous "old" "Lifetime" users from freely upgrading to the newer version(s). However, at least today, in addition to a yearly rental fee, they are still/again offering (to me the original "Lifetime" purchaser, & ALL others) another "Lifetime" purchase (for $99.00).

Sorry, but I do not think that is true.
My lifetime licenses were "grandfathered" at the time of the switch.
I have received every program update for free for many years.
I know that they did graciously honor their legitimate lifetime license holders.
I have never had a licensing or upgrading issue on any of my systems over many years.

They did, however, toughen their piracy enforcement, as well.
(I am not in any way insinuating anything. Just stating a fact.)
As with many (most? nearly all? all?) high-quality software vendors, the "lifetime" license model became unsustainable.
It costs $$ to develop and test and support good software.
If they were to continue with that model, the company would be out of business.
The good companies (Firetrust and Malwarebytes, to name two) graciously honored their existing lifetime license holders.

I have frequented the Firetrust forum for many years and have never seen problems reported like those you describe.
To the contrary, as far as I have been able to determine, they have always made things right by their customers.
I have found both their software and their support to be top-notch.

I'm sorry you have had a negative experience.
However, this is probably not the correct venue to bash Firetrust or their products.
Their forum is here: MailWasher Pro 7 - Firetrust Support Forums
Their support site is here: Product Support | Firetrust

Thank you,
MM

Speedfan, not just for the temperature indicators, but for the in-depth S.M.A.R.T. disk analysis and reporting.
Search Everything for the speed of finding that obscure item in a long-forgotten place on your drives, and
SearchMyFiles for precision search filtering
Puran Defrag for Boot time quick and deep Defrags/optimisation of all drives, defrag on demand of individual files, and checking if fragmented superhidden NTFS Journal files are taking up too much drive space, especially before making partition changes.
Baidu PC Faster for cleaning up temporary file build up and closing down memory hogs and leaks. on the fly, and reminding you when something is slowing you down.
EasyBCD for all those little adjustments to the boot menu and easily adding or renaming boot menu entries.
HostsMan for managing custom hosts files, so I never even see all the ads, buttons or links that could give me unwanted stuff.
MSOffice 97 for a portable MS Office that runs from the ISO, so I can use it anywhere, instantly.
Chrome Canary Build for all the newest features in Chrome, automatically updated
Baidu Spark Browser To download files from the web in a pauseable file manager, including torrents and streamed video such as Youtube, and many others, either as MP4 or just the soundtrack as MP3, use a whole range of search engines some not generally known in the west.

MoxieMomma said:

Hi:

Thanks for your detailed post.

Sorry, but I do not think that is true.
My lifetime licenses were "grandfathered" at the time of the switch.
I have received every program update for free for many years.
I know that they did graciously honor their legitimate lifetime license holders.
I have never had a licensing or upgrading issue on any of my systems over many years.

They did, however, toughen their piracy enforcement, as well.
(I am not in any way insinuating anything. Just stating a fact.)
As with many (most? nearly all? all?) high-quality software vendors, the "lifetime" license model became unsustainable.
It costs $$ to develop and test and support good software.
If they were to continue with that model, the company would be out of business.
The good companies (Firetrust and Malwarebytes, to name two) graciously honored their existing lifetime license holders.

I have frequented the Firetrust forum for many years and have never seen problems reported like those you describe.
To the contrary, as far as I have been able to determine, they have always made things right by their customers.
I have found both their software and their support to be top-notch.

I'm sorry you have had a negative experience.
However, this is probably not the correct venue to bash Firetrust or their products.
Their forum is here: MailWasher Pro 7 - Firetrust Support Forums
Their support site is here: Product Support | Firetrust

Thank you,
MM

Please peruse the following email communication [case #RPI-323423] with Jeremy Clark from Firetrust in 2012. Unlike your unfounded assessment, my post was an accurate and truthful statement of facts! Your so termed: “bashing”, when a "Lifetime" license is invalidated, -- with no offer of additional customer care -- I think NOT!!

-------------------------> BEGIN 2012 EMAIL WITH FIRETRUST <---------------------------

Hi Mich__l,

No problem, have not really got a list to add you onto however, I have changed your address to m_____@att.net on our database, and registered you for our newsletters, this includes product updates and specials etc....

Cheers!
--Jeremy Clark :. Firetrust Support
firetrust INTERNET SECURITY
Christchurch, New Zealand
Firetrust - Simple Security Products - AntiSpam - MailWasher, Email Encryption - EncryptUs, VPN - HideAway, Antivirus - SecureAnywhere
Email: mailwasher@firetrust.com
Try our user based Support Forum at Firetrust Support Forums - Index page
Ticket History Mike (Client) Posted On: 24 Aug 2012 05:15 AM ________________________________________

Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for your prompt reply. I understand your company has to do what is best for its bottom line and longevity.
I never received a lifetime offer, probably because my original purchase email address (long time defunct) was with our first ISP (we’re on our 3rd.) – Email:______________.

After using Mailwasher for so long, I was kinda’ wondering how you folks were making a living. So, given my longevity, I don’t begrudge your company for securing compensation for support and major changes.

However, as I mentioned below, I’m not in favor of renting software on a 1, 2, or even 3 year basis. I want to use it as I am now doing with: 6.xx, or MS Windows, and MS Office etc…..

So, I would appreciate it, if you would insert my present e-mail address in your tickler file for contact, if the “lifetime” (or upgrade when I feel software/hardware changes warrant same) offer were to be restarted…..Thanks,

Signed______________
Present Email________________

From: Firetrust Support [mailto:support@firetrust.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2012 6:36 PM
To: m_______@att.net
Subject: [#RPI-323423]: Another/New "Lifetime" License
Hi Mich__l,
Thanks for your email.

Very sorry but the lifetime offer has actually been withdrawn for the time being, 3 years purchase, or 2 years renewal is the current maximum....
Sorry about that!

However, your 6.xx version will never expire as per its license if you wanted to reinstall you can do so from here:
http://www.firetrust.com/sites/firet..._654_Setup.exe

Cheers!
Jeremy Clark :. Firetrust Support
firetrust INTERNET SECURITY
Christchurch, New Zealand
Firetrust - Simple Security Products - AntiSpam - MailWasher, Email Encryption - EncryptUs, VPN - HideAway, Antivirus - SecureAnywhere
Email: mailwasher@firetrust.com
Try our user based Support Forum at Firetrust Support Forums - Index page
Ticket History Mike (Client) Posted On: 23 Aug 2012 10:00 PM
Jeremy - Mailwasher Support (Staff) Posted On: 23 Aug 2012 10:36 PM

________________________________________
Mi__ (Client) Posted On: 23 Aug 2012 10:00 PM
________________________________________

I've been a MailWasher user for years. I recently lost a motherboard & CPU
to a lightening strike, so after replacing both, I sought out the most
recent version of MailWasher, to upgrade to, with my existing registration
key. My latest version is: 653 (or at least that's the filename I have in
my Download folder).

It appears that my license key won't work for Pro 2012. Furthermore, unlike
previous pro versions, there appears to be an annual fee to rent the use of
the 2012 Pro version.

I'm a big fan of MailWasher, but I have no desire to pay a fee just to use
the product on an annual or 2, or 3-year subscriptive basis. Are lifetime
licenses offered to licensed owners of version 6? If so, I'm interested.
If not, well...

I understand that software can't be updated without recompense forever. And
I would be more willing to buy another "long term" license, but I don't
believe in renting the use of software.

In fact, I parted ways with Roboform because of their yearly fee, which, is more palatable than a
package like yours, because of the inherent cost of using the cloud for
storage as opposed to their former versions which were local housed (no
cloud service). Hence, I would like to upgrade to Pro 2012, and hope that
there is a "lifetime" license available for existing former customers like
myself. Please advise...

Regards,
PS. Because I have yet to load MS Outlook on my new M/B and CPU, I can't
get to my archived e-mails. However, for your records, my license might be
tied to 2 former and 2 other e-mail addresses in addition to the one this
e-mail is being sent from:

These are:

1)______________________
2)_____________________
3)___________________
4)______________________
Signed_______________
Ticket Details
Ticket ID: RPI-323423
Department: Jeremy
Priority: High
Status: Closed

-------------------------> END 2012 EMAIL WITH FIRETRUST <---------------------------

As my above 2012 email comments, and my previous post in this thread specified, my "Lifetime" purchase was halted at version: 6xxx. Moreover, I was not offered a "grandfather" (grandmother, grandchild) or any other option to purchase another "Lifetime" license -- discounted, or otherwise – and as such, I was provided with zero/zip customer support!!!

I know it may be difficult for someone that terms my post less than honest to believe, but over time people really do change ISP's and E-mail addresses etc. Thus, as a-paid-for-licensed "Lifetime" user, I had no way of knowing of upgrades and especially a cancellation of my "Lifetime" license, until I had to reload MailWasher because of a lightning damaged PC.

When you brought up the term "piracy", and termed my post untrue, my credibility was unnecessarily and arbitrarily questioned!! If you have a vested interest in Firetrust and are fronting for them, shame on you!! If you're simply a TenForums disinterested member, why the knee-jerk uncalled-for accusations?

As my 2012 email opined, I understood that the "Lifetime" model presented a cash flow issue and as a happy user, I was ready to purchase another "Lifetime" license but one wasn't available/offered!! Why penalize the customer that helped Firetrust get to where they got; because Firetrust erroneously chose an "unsustainable" business model and wanted to wash their hands of loyal users (who put their trust in Firetrust) and begin anew?

Not penalizing Firetrust's original "Lifetime" users by cancelling their access to future upgrades, would have been a prudent customer-centric decision. You mentioned the term "grandfathered"! As a validated long term "Lifetime" user, NO "grandfathered" "Lifetime" offer was presented to me! So not knowing where that mysterious term eminated, at the very least, another, "Lifetime" and highly discounted offer to former "Lifetime" customers, would have been what Firetrust should have done!! Would that have been too much to ask?

As you can see, Jeremy never questioned my legitimate use as a "Lifetime" Pro user! I provided all previous email addresses and could have, if asked, provided my original registration number (which I still have). Additionally, I provided my given name -- the name I used to purchase my "Lifetime" license. Plus, I could have provided other personal information to ID myself, but was never asked! Contrary to your innuendo, my legitimacy as "Lifetime" user was never questioned by Jeremy Clark: why did you?!

In 2012, as can be seen via my inserted email, because I was happy with MailWasher, I would have been happy with the ability to purchase another "Lifetime" license, especially one that provided a current customer discount because of my previous purchase. But none was offered!!

If my resulting dissatisfaction and warning prospective buyers to shy away from a “Lifetime” purchase based on the cancelling of a previous so-called “Lifetime” purchases is considered “bashing”, then you must therefore approve of such contractual cancellations and poor customer-focused business practices!!!

This doesn't mean -- as I said in my original post -- that I believe that MailWasher isn't a very useful product, or that an annual rental will put ones faith and trust in Firetrust in jeopardy. It just means, that one should proceed with caveat emptor in mind with "Lifetime" offers that may prove to be anything but......!!!