(Or see our free software recommendations.)

The products found in this section are the finest products that can be found in their category. Each has been reviewed thoroughly. The assessment process consists of two stages. The first stage is an internal review by team of computer users with different skill levels. This is done deliberately as it is important to know what the ’sometime computer user’s’ perception is, as well as the person who is a daily, intensive user of the computer. Once a program passes this initial, internal team review, it is passed along to experts for their assessment. Only then, when a program has been vetted diligently, will a program be recommended on this site.

Finally, the final endorsement of the product is that we use it. Indeed, these are programs that are on my desktop and on my laptop. If there is a decrease in the quality of the program, it is removed from these pages. These programs are under constant assessment through use on our machines. - If you need a corporate solution and multiple versions, please contact me (contact_us@flyinghamster.com).

Catherine Forsythe

Spy Sweeper

Spy Sweeper is an award winning antispyware program.

“Stop the incessant search for spyware. Trust Spy Sweeper, which uses 16 advanced Smart Shields to block spyware as soon as it tries to install. ActiveX, Toolbar and Spy Communications shields are just a few of the shields that stop spyware from ever accessing your personal information.”

• for Windows 98 SE, 2000, Me or XP
• free trial, or purchase for $29.95

Window Washer

Window Washer is an excellent privacy tool. It eliminates needless files from the hard drive and speeds up the machine.

“As you work on your computer and browse the Internet, you leave behind traces of your activity. This information not only takes up valuable disk space but also jeopardizes your privacy. Window Washer simply and safely wipes your tracks clean and removes unnecessary files for complete privacy and improved PC performance.”

• for Windows 98 SE, 2000, Me or XP
• supports Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, Firefox and AOL
• free trial, or purchase for $29.95

Spyware Doctor

Spyware Doctor is an award winning antispyware program.

“Spyware Doctor has the most advanced update feature that continually improves its Spyware fighting capabilities on daily basis. As Spyware gets more complex to avoid detection by AntiSpyware programs Spyware Doctor responds with new technology to stay one step ahead.”

• for Windows
• free trial, or purchase for $29.95

Registry Mechanic

Whether you are an expert with the Windows registry or whether you fear to make any changes in the registry, this is a superb program for all levels of expertise.

“With Registry Mechanic you can safely clean, repair and optimize the Windows registry with a few simple mouse clicks! Problems with the Windows registry are a common cause of Windows crashes, slow performance and error messages. By using a registry cleaner regularly and fixing registry errors your system should not only be more stable but it will also help improve your system performance without expensive hardware upgrades.”

• for Windows
• free trial, or purchase for $29.95

Privacy Guardian

Privacy Guardian protects your privacy, reclaims hard drive space and improves the speed and efficiency of the computer.

“Privacy Guardian guarantees your privacy by ensuring all traces of your online Internet and computer activities are permanently erased and unrecoverable on your PC. Information from every website you visit is stored on your computer and recorded in hidden Windows locations including temporary files, cookies, system registry and the index.dat file. Web browsers only provide partial privacy protection by allowing some temporary Internet files and cookies to be deleted, but they do not clean data out of all the hidden files nor do they delete the data securely.”

• for Windows
• free trial, or purchase for $29.95