Best Server Software
OEM Server License and Media; Server 2012 Standard requires CALS, which are not included with this product.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is what one would expect from Microsoft."
"When you have to have it,, you might as well buy it."
"Works well in our computer set up, our tech told us what to order and it arrived just in time."
"Great Server software at an incredible price."
"definitely worth the extra money over the earlier editions."
"Excellent product."
An ideal server for small businesses, Windows Server 2012 Essentials (the latest version of Windows Small Business Server Essentials) provides a powerful and flexible solution that helps protect your business data while allowing you to access the information you need from virtually anywhere using almost any device. Protect and secure your business.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I called Microsoft and got confirmation that this OS software (Essentials) would indeed allow me to install the licensed version of RDS and all would work well. After a painstakingly long week and many IT professionals, I gave up on using RDS and found a round about way to get the Application to work. Basically we installed the application software on each workstation and linked it to the Shared Folder on the Server. In other words, if you do not know how to install and work your way around Server software...be aware that if you have a problem, do not count on Microsoft to help you out without some compensation."
"Worked as expected."
"Microsoft no longer allows Exchange server to be installed on a domain controller."
An ideal server for small businesses, Windows Server 2012 Essentials (the latest version of Windows Small Business Server Essentials) provides a powerful and flexible solution that helps protect your business data while allowing you to access the information you need from virtually anywhere using almost any device. AE: Academic Edition--not for business or commercial purposes.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Not only provides peace of mind knowing that all PCs in the house are backed up regularly, but also provides a bunch of features, from user and shared folder management, remote access, etc."
"I first downloaded the 180 day trial version from Microsoft to make sure the OS worked as I intended it to for my Home Server to replace WHS2011."
"Nice alternative for home use without buying the full version."
"Luckily I ran across this AE version while looking for the lowest price for the software. I just popped in the new key to upgrade my evaluation copy to the real deal and it 'just worked'."
"Windows Server Essentials 2012 R2 is a good product with several enhancements over earlier versions, making it easier to set up the server and maintain it."
"So far so good."
"Great version of Windows Server."
"easy to install, works gtrat."
Best Directory Servers
The server disk backup file includes all the server disk data including system, programs, databases, and the like. After a system crash, Acronis True Image ES allows administrators to perform a full system restore, a bare-metal server restore or just restore of data bases, files, and folders in minutes.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Created a Windows 98SE image without problems; performed a test restore without problems."
"After the latest crash in July '05, I learned that my previous backup product, Dantz Retrospect 6.5, which is packaged with the Maxtor One Touch USB drives, doesn't really take a "perfect" copy of your hard disk...you can't just copy over all the files on your USB drive to your PC's new hard disk and think it's all going to work as good as new. Anyway, for my next crash, I just want to be able to create a perfect copy of my hard disk and be able to copy that image to the new disk. A monkey could duplicate an image of his hard disk onto another drive. The emergency disk option creates a Linux-based "emergency boot disk" on CD so you will be able to start your PC with a blank hard disk and access the file you created on your external USB drive. I have NOT restored the backup yet, but I'm going to test it: I'm going to boot up with the emergency CD, then I'll restore the backup from the DVD's to my USB external hard disk. If it doesn't work, I'll report back here, and then I'll give up and go back to Dantz Retrospect and use their actual Backup option (not duplicate) to create a copy to DVD...at least you don't have to use DVD-RW or format the DVD's with their product."
"My Acronis backup "Image" was saved on a second system drive but it will also see USB drives, connected externally to the computer, where I have a 2nd backup also. I highly suggest you do a nightly incremental Image addition of each days work as they suggest, which I didn't so I lost one day of my work since the last Image backup... lucky me I'd Imaged the day before! Apparently one of the latest XP updates made my Acronis quit working so I've switched to Apple/Mac since I could never get the XP backup to work reliably either."
"When I have to do a full system recovery, I have to run the HP discs, then download and install several HP patches AND nearly a hundred Windows updates. At this point I install SP2, several more Windows updates and THEN I can install my Media Center 2005 upgrade, and another pile of Windows updates."
"I posted a "highly technical" PROPER install/run procedure, in my Acronis 9.0 review."
"I've had this product for some time now and I cannot make a good image."
Best File & Print Servers
If you would not like to buy a new AirPrint printer to replace of your existing printer, O'Print could help you to solve this problem.By installing O'Print on your Windows computer, O'Print enables your existing printers to support AirPrint via your computer, just like an AirPrint printer. It's good compatibility with all brands printers, copy machine and multi functional printers.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I keep getting an error code, and the automated message from customer support says 'If you receive an error message "ER02" when you register, it may cause by our server would be too busy to process your register."
"The Program is Great, And Allows you to Use your Iphone and "Others" to Print "Over the Air" to any Printer.."
"Do not ever think that this will keep working - just changing to a different user will tank it - no support repliles, just "we are working on it" - I had come to rely on this, but when I need it, it is giving me a machine generated message "try the beta, maybe that will fix it" -- Are you kidding - I spent good money on this."
"No code included, so software only useable for trial period of 30 days."
Best Linux Network Servers
Lean, fast and powerful, Ubuntu Server delivers services reliably, predictably and economically – and it easily integrates with your existing infrastructure. Canonical's Landscape makes it even easier to extend this management to a farm of servers, optimising the administrator's time and maximising your data centre's uptime. All versions of Ubuntu Server come with Open LDAP ensuring you can build a shared directory service if one is required. New editions of Ubuntu Server can also become an integral part of an existing LDAP network, through simple-to-configure settings presented at installation. Windows machines require limited additional configuration work at install but Ubuntu Server Edition is a rock-solid print service provider from then on. A low foot-print operating system Ubuntu Server can also be configured with a low-footprint, creating the ideal base on which to build virtual machines. To simplify hardware maintenance and to enable dynamic capacity balancing, live migration of guests between servers only requires that they share a common storage system. Memory aggregation can maximise the number of virtual machines when hosting the same operating systems and applications on the same server. Amazon EC2 fits perfectly with Ubuntu Server Edition's modularity, virtualisation capabilities, range of applications and optimised performance. Ubuntu's security team works closely with their Debian and Linux counterparts to make sure that any vulnerabilities that emerge are recognised and dealt with swiftly. Ubuntu Server has no open ports by default, so there is no danger of services being initiated at install without an administrator's knowledge. Another feature that helps you remain secure is the ability to easily create an encrypted private directory on your home server where you can store critical passwords, user names and logins. Building out farms of servers to do the same or similar tasks is a common requirement when adding capacity to a system but configuring each machine can take many hours. With every release, Ubuntu automates the deployment of more services as standard, from the expected LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Python) stack to Java containers and cloud computing. Users can manage both physical and virtual machines on your network from a single web-based interface – either as a subscription service or deployed behind a firewall. With deployment, training and support services, along with systems management tool Landscape, Canonical helps organisations get the most out of their server infrastructures. Build flexible computing environments in your own infrastructure with Ubuntu Enterprise Cloud (UEC) or deploy to Amazon EC2 using Ubuntu Server Edition images.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Sorry I have been very busy.but I got it fast & now I must learn it.did the full install and for some reason first time though it did skip over the part .were you pick your server type & tools.and the GUI didn't load up right.after the pakadge was recognized & was downloading during first install.I hot swaped the drive to new one put CD back in.everything went without a hitch.and yes it has to do the first install as a bios & memory type install in order to get all downloads in your bois.I suggest you just let it run though first time on an old smaller drive.then switch driver & just reinstall with all w/downloads reconnized .and you INTERNET connection should be very fast.if you have a WiFi turn it off & only have computer plugged in to insure a clean fast download.you will enjoy this server it just should have been put on a flash drive."
"Just get a normal, general Ubuntu DVD instead, it includes EVERYTHING and server and desktop and all other components (including windows friendly parts)."
Best Web Site Hosting Server
At the heart of the Microsoft Cloud OS vision, Windows Server 2012 R2 brings Microsoft's experience delivering global-scale cloud services into your infrastructure with new features and enhancements in virtualization, management, storage, networking, virtual desktop infrastructure, access and information protection, the web and application platform, and more. WIN2012 ROK STD R2 ENGLISH.
Find Best Price at AmazonBest Firewalls
Norton Internet Security Suite 2008 is designed to keep your PC healthy. Norton Internet Security Suite 2008 scans your PC for potential pathogens, points them out, and helps eliminate them. Norton Identity Safe keeps your personal information and identity safe when you buy, bank and browse online.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Norton Internet Security 2008 requires Microsoft .Net 3.0 framework runtime, which they don't mention in their documentation, and don't do automatically (at least for me). Seaching through their Tech Support database finally showed that this error really means, 'please install .Net 3.0'."
"My other comment is that if you have a previous Norton subscription, don't install your new product until the very last day, because they'll never give you even a day's credit for your previous subscription, even though they start nagging you to renew at least a month in advance."
"Used too much memory after a while, clogged down my WinXP."
"Worked great."
"The first virus I acquired I couldn't. and Norton's customer service gave me. the run around."
Best Networking Security
Patented, US-made, military-grade keystroke encryption for PC or Mac.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Installed easily."
"Works well on my windows 10 to protect from keyloggers that anti virus often miss."
"Guarded ID is a must for protection against key logging., anti virus is out dated, excellent product, easy to install."
"For whatever reason, Firefox disallows that view on their web page, so what you'll notice is the Guardedid logo on your taskbar at the bottom right of your pc will blink on every keystroke."
"There are now often times where viruses are able to be snuck past your antivirus software hidden within applications or they're so new your antivirus just hasn't been updated to detect it. GuardedID prevents your information from being stolen when stuff gets past your antivirus. If you do any kind of banking, bill paying, or shopping online, you NEED GuardedID as well as a good antivirus program."
"CONS: -For whatever reason, with Windows 10 64bit Professional sometimes when I type the input is misinterpreted (i.e. -Cannot let this software run while gaming as in first-person shooters (for example) my character will just keep walking and walking without any input from me. A highly recommended purchase and arguably the best purchase towards anyone's rights and freedom on the Internet and electronics (I own their software for smartphones as well - also highly recommended)."
"I called customer support who were able to walk me through the installation/setup process on my PC and mobile phone within 10 minutes!!!!"
"when i did the install it says "invalid license activation key"."
Best VPN
Private Internet Access unblocks content for our users and allows them to encrypt their network traffic, change their IP address, and connect anonymously to blocked websites and apps. DOWNLOAD the Private Internet Access VPN app and enjoy: High speeds, unlimited bandwidth, connect with 5 devices simultaneously (smartphones, tablets, computers), no traffic logs, and 24/7 professional, native English speaking customer support. With WPA and WPA2 now kracked, you need a VPN to protect your WiFi everywhere - not just in hotspots, coffee shops, cafes, hotels, and airports.-Data Encryption. Here at PIA, we not only provide a great VPN service at a low price, but we also support organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, FightForTheFuture, Creative Commons, Open Rights Group, Index on Censorship, freenode, Wireguard, Arch Linux, and many others.-We respect your privacy and anonymity. With 4.5 stars, Private Internet Access sets the bar high and is truly the Editors' Choice, trumping all our previous favorites." Check latency for best VPN connection.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Worth the buy, especially if you're looking to travel a lot and use unsecure hotel wi-fi connections for Internet access.User-friendly but it's a challenge to navigate through for the first-time user.However, if you seek help from the PIA website, you get a prompt reply and resolution to most problems.I would recommend this great VPN to others."
"Pros: -Provides privacy as expected, especially when away from home. Cons: -Expected delay can be reduced by not rerouting too far from home. -Sites that require confirmation by device will need to resubmit each login."
"Having had a bad experience with a hotel wireless connection in Europe that was supposedly secure, we decided we would not hook up to any Internet without a virtual internet network connection."
"Best protection online that your money can buy."
"Make sure you use the redemption code shown in your software library to activate once you've downloaded it."
"I have been using PIA for 3+ years now and I love this VPN service!"
"Easy install, As described."
"After 17 days and it does not work."
Best LAN
Manage Your Entire Network from One Screen. The Network Map discovers new devices on your network, displays their connectivity status, and provides detailed information like IP and Mac addresses, for all components on your network. Protect Your Network from Intruders--At Home and Away. Keep intruders off your home network and help protect your laptop when you use a public network, including wireless hotspots. Easily Share Files and Printers Across Your Home Network. Network Magics SmartShare technology lets you experience file and printer sharing the way it should be--quick, painless, and intuitive. Exclusive Advanced Features for Power Networkers. Network Magics Dynamic File Directory Service automatically creates a central directory of all shared files on your network and dynamically updates it when new folders are shared. Automatic printer sharing One-click file sharing Network map Network activity log One-click network repair Home network remote access--Net2Go Wireless intruder detection WIFI hotspot protection Dynamic file directory service SmartTrust service Instant device discovery Compatible with all major routers*. Automatic printer sharing; instant device discovery; WIFI hotspot protection.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This does not work with Windows 7 or 8."
"and you can't beat the price for as little money you can't get software that will fix your connection like this software does Thank You."
"So I broke out the Dell laptop, installed the software, turned on the internal WiFi for the laptop. I broke out the older Dell W2K laptop with a PCMCIA wireless card (the card is a new D-Link DWL-G650M Wireless 108G MIMO CardBus Adapter that goes with the router). I have read several times where people had difficulties setting up their new router and software. My router and one wireless card is all new along with the Network Magic software."
"This map is all you need to manage your entire network. It mapped devices Windows XP couldn't even see to map!"
"This software is outdated at lease 5 years and cost me $10.00 this to sent back this outdated software and not made anymore and you can download a free version ver."
"I purchased this to make it easier to make a wireless home network between my old compaq desktop, my old HP laptop and my new compaq laptop."
"Printer sharing never worked well, the status of computers is sometimes inacurate, and Net2Go? Even when I got it working, it required a fair bit of configuration, so unless you know what "UPnP" and "Port Forwarding" are or how to open a port on your software firewall (I suspect many of the people who buy this product aren't highly tech savy) then this product is one to pass up."
Best Network & Enterprise Management
Data Management and Business Intelligence Software Enables departments and small to midsize organizations to manage data and run applications with minimal IT assistance. Simple database functionality with limited scale, basic security features, and data integration.
Find Best Price at AmazonBest Client Access Licenses
Sony PS Vita Cradle (PS Vita): * Diverse viewing angles * Connect powered speakers or headphones * Ideal for desk, workstation or night stand.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"After losing my official Sony cable, I bought a third-party cable, which broke less than a month into light use."
"the default cable has some big teeth on it so it was mildly annoying to plug the vita in every night, so I got this dock and it works great!"
"Works great and makes charging easier for my son."
"Does what it should turned my vita into a clock lols."
"works wonders for when I want to plug my Vita in for just a few minutes."
"The cradle was everything I expected it to be."
"Holds my Vita while charging it."