There is a whole world of amazing software out there, which, in combination with your CPA Site Solutions website package, can help you be even more productive, efficient, and profitable (not to mention entertained). We are proud to have compiled a list of recommended software which we think will complement your Accounting Firm’s website perfectly. Enjoy!

Browser: #1 Recommendation – Mozilla Firefox

Firefox Browser

Do you ever find the internet a confusing, frustrating place where websites and applications don’t function the way you want them to, and unexplained popups and warning messages plague your browsing experience?

If you answered yes, check the upper lefthand corner of your browser window.  Is there a lower case “e” logo there? Yes? Take a deep breath. Help is on the way:  download Firefox

Internet Explorer used to be the accepted king of the browser jungle. Firefox offers faster browsing, a cleaner interface, better security, and an ever-growing list of incredibly useful add-on tools (enough to warrant another full blog post – check back soon). Firefox has 47.9% of the market share, versus the 39.4% split between all three commonly used versions of Internet Explorer.

CPA Site Solutions invites you to join the Firefox revolution, and start using the Internet as it was intended, today!

PC Organization/Accessibility:  RocketDock

Are you a PC user who has found yourself staring wistfully over the shoulder of a Mac user as they select files and applications on the fly from that neat little piece of eye-candy at the bottom of their screen?  You know, the one with all the icons that swell up like little balloons when they drag their mouse over, just taunting you from behind the window of their trendy coffee shop?

Are you feeling like a sucker every time you go Start –> My computer –> C: drive –> Users –> Downloads –> etc.? Don’t go trading in your PC yet – you can have the same thing without compromising your loyalty, or your wallet.

RocketDock can assemble all your most commonly accessed programs and directories all in one easy to access place. Between the drag-and-drop organization, and the ability to minimize open windows right to the dock, you’re going to love what this program does for your Accounting Firm’s productivity. Download RocketDock.

Security: Comodo Internet Security

Comodo Internet Security

You’ve probably tried it all. Norton, McAfee, maybe even AVG.  Assuming this is true, you’ve probably found yourself wondering, “I’m paying for this???” as your computer becomes more and more bogged down with endless checks, utilities running in the background, and “do you want to allow this?” messages.  At some point, you probably start to think you’d be better off with the viruses.

In steps Comodo, a free internet security suite offering both Firewall and AntiVirus.  Other than being free, the advantage of using Comodo is that it just does its job quietly and unobtrusively, without slowing your PC to a crawl.

Also nice is the one-stop-shopping aspect – usually firewall and antivirus are separate programs, leading to some ultra-frustrating conflicts. You’ll get none of that with Comodo, and even beginners should have no trouble keeping their computers running clean with this free download. Download Comodo.

Spyware/Malware Removal: Malware Bytes

Malwarebytes

Malware is malicious software designed either to degrade the performance of your computer, or to gather information from your computer for marketing, or even less reputable purposes. It is primarily transmitted through disreputable internet sites that prompt you to download something, though some don’t even necessarily need to do that, and some don’t even seem that disreputable.

Despite the fact that you honestly never ever browse the internet for anything not work-related, and you use internet security, and the latest-and-greatest firewall, there’s still a pretty good chance you’ve got some malware floating around on your hard drive. Don’t be embarrassed. It happens.

Make sure you’ve got Malwarebytes, a free download that will rid your computer of all this unwanted, undeserved evil. A $25.00 upgrade gets you real-time protection and scheduled scans and updates. Malwarebytes boasts some of the fastest scans, most complete malware indexes, and smallest amount of resource usage among its peers. Download Malware Bytes.

Website Bookmarking/Indexing: Delicious

Delicious Social Bookmarking

Ever come across a website you really thought the other partners in your Accounting Firm should see? What did you do? Did you bookmark it, and tie a string around your finger to remind you to bring it up in the next meeting? Did you copy the address, paste it in an email, and cc everyone?

You and the other members of your Accounting Firm can share an account, where you can bookmark that article on the new tax code with one click, and it is automatically added to everyone’s bookmarks. That’s what Delicious offers – shared bookmarking. Like your browser, you can organize bookmarks into categories, and have it appear as a toolbar. A great time saver! Start using Delicious.

File Compression: 7Zip

Sure, Windows comes stock with a utility that lets you zip files. But this baby zips them up to 30% smaller, and gives you a greater number of choices. You can also break up large files into pieces, and recompile them – a great feature if you rely heavily on email for sending files.  Want to save on space in your Secure File Exchange?  Zip up your large files with 7Zip, and see how much more efficiently you use your storage. Download 7Zip.

Password Management:  KeePass

You have too many passwords, don’t you? We all do these days. But you know better than to use one password for everything, right??? So how

KeePass protects your Accounting Firm's passwords

do you keep your Accounting Firm and Website secure without having to tattoo “email – Fluffy2007″ to your upper arm?

KeePass allows you to maintain a secure database of all your passwords, secured by just one password. That’s right, just one password you’ll ever have to remember again. Oh, and did we mention it’s free? Download KeePass.

At CPA Site Solutions, we are all about optimizing your website experience. We recommend all these programs based on usage and experience, and feel that they will enhance your Accounting Firm’s productivity.

If you have any questions about any of the applications recommended in this post, please email us at support@cpasitesolutions.com or call us at 1.800.896.4500.

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