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by CIO Staff

Alternatives to Microsoft’s Vista

News
Jul 15, 2006 1 min
Enterprise Applications

Microsoft Windows Live Safety Center

(http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm)

Provides online virus and spyware scanning; can enhance PC performance by removing junk files and optimizing your hard drive. A related service, Windows Defender, continuously monitors your computer for spyware. Both are betas. Cost: Free.

Kensington PCKey

(http://us.kensington.com/html/6331.html)

Software-and-hardware product protects hard drive with 128-bit AES encryption. Unlocked only by USB key and password. Cost: $70.

Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet

(www.microsoft.com/downloads)

Art geeks will appreciate Vista’s color management tools. Marketing department can’t wait that long? Give them this color-management utility for Windows XP. Cost: Free.

Axantum Software AxCrypt

(http://axcrypt.axantum.com)

Freeware utility integrates into Explorer and lets you encrypt any file folder with 128-bit AES encryption just by right-clicking. Cost: Free.

Microsoft Alt-Tab Replacement

Stardock WindowBlinds

(www.windowblinds.net)

Makes Windows XP “skinnable,” so you can redecorate your interface with any of several thousand downloadable themes—including some very Vista-like looks. Cost: $20; site offers a 60-day free trial.