MotherBoard Monitor

1. Determine what computers should be scanned. As a general rule, any computer you use should be scanned for the presence of monitoring software. Certainly any computer that is used to store or transmit private information should be scanned.

2. Scan the computer using anti-virus software. If malicious monitoring software has been placed on your computer illegally, it was most often installed via a trojan or similar virus. It is important to clean the virus off of the computer before removing the monitoring software. Norton and McAfee are the two largest anti-virus products available. Links to each of these can be found in the Resources section.

3. Download and install software that will detect and remove monitoring software. "Spybot Search and Destroy" is a software program that searches specifically for monitoring software that should be removed. This product can be downloaded for free. Go to the Safer-Networking website and select your language. Once inside, you will see a link to "Spybot Search and Destroy" on the right side of the screen. Click this link to go to the download page. Upon downloading, you will be asked if you would like to "Run" or "Save" the file. Choose "Run" in order to automatically install the software.

4. Run the program. After installing the software, double click on the desktop icon for the software to open the program. Select the drive(s) you wish to scan. The "C" drive is the most common drive for programs to be stored on, but other drives may be worth scanning if they are present. If monitoring software is present, the Spybot application will detect the software and ask you how you wish to handle the situation.

Website developers stress-test sites to verify that visitors will be able to view the site correctly and with acceptable waits for it to load. Different aspects of the site and server are evaluated separately to determine what may be slowing down the site.

Function

A stress test typically consists of a large volume of requests to the server to view the website in a short period of time. This test ensures that the server will not crash under a high load. It also reveals what parts of the delivery process may form a bottleneck so performance can be improved.

Location

Access to the site is tested from a variety of locations. This determines if there is a network problem preventing or slowing connection to the site from one region or country.

Tools

Software tools monitor the server's central processing unit, database and network speed during stress testing. These tools alert the developer if any individual component is limiting the delivery of the site. Many companies offer different versions of these types of tools.

Time-monitoring software helps you measure time that you use to complete a task so that you can invoice customers if you work freelance and need to bill hours. The software is also useful for employers who track employee hours.

Grindstone

Grindstone is free Windows software for time monitoring. This software is useful for creating separate profiles for different tasks. It has a stopwatch function for tracking time for tasks. Grindstone can also produce invoices and time-sheets, export them as Microsoft Excel and PDF files, and breakdown time data into 3-D pie charts.

Hamster

Hamster is time-monitoring software for Ubuntu, a distribution of Linux. The software fulfills one function of time-monitoring software with simple time tracking and reports in HTML format. The software gives you weekly and monthly statistics as well as the ability to specify a date range. Hamster has a customizable pop-up to remind you that the time tracker is working.

Rachota

Rachota is a Java-based timer that can run on any operating system and run from a USB drive. The software can keep track of multiple tasks and has an analyzer that will inform you how much time you spend on tasks. However, Rachota does not split time between many tasks, track multiple employees or integrate with payroll or billing systems.

Keyboard monitoring software, usually called a key logger, tracks every single key stroke you make. Although key loggers may have legitimate uses, they are often used for illegal activity.

Function

Key loggers are generally programs small in size and not listed in the programs list to avoid detection. The key logger records keystrokes into a file and may have the ability to send the file to a remote location.

Considerations

People often download a key logger to monitor activity on their computer, such as when a parent is not home to see what kids do on the Web. More often, key loggers may come packaged with malicious software or a virus program.

Features

A premium key logger allows for the remote transfer of the key log file. Advanced key log programs can target specific key strokes, such as those in a password field.

Removal

To avoid a key logger, you must click on letters rather than typing using the on-screen keyboard found under "Accessories and then Accessibility." You also need to go to task manager and try to identify the name of the key logger.

Freeware software security programs can be downloaded from the internet for free. Such programs may help to protect computers from viruses, worms, Trojans, malicious spyware and advertising software.

Features

Most freeware antivirus and antispyware programs scan computers for malicious files or programs and remove them. They may also offer protection when the user is online, blocking potentially malicious websites. Some programs are only free to non-commerical users, depending upon their licence requirements.

Considerations

Free programs may not have the advanced features of commercial ones. They may not offer the same level of support if something goes wrong, the Internet Guide website notes.

Benefits

Freeware security software can be installed on multiple home computers. They offer free upgrades for the lifetime of the product. They may benefit people who do not usually visit websites, such as peer-to-peer networks, that may pose a security threat. Thus, free antivirus and antispyware software may by a solution for anyone who require a basic security package.

Predictive dialer software is widely used in the telemarketing and sales industries. Producers of predictive dialing software claim it increases call volume, enhances productivity and increases the amount of time agents spend talking to prospective clients.

Automatic Dialing

One of the features of predictive dialing software is its ability to automatically place outgoing calls. Predictive dialing predicts the amount of time agents spend on each call, estimates when an agent will be available and paces the timing of outgoing calls based on that information.

Agent Calls

Predictive dialing software delivers automatically dialed calls to available agents only when a call is answered. The software also records and monitors each call and is capable of providing real-time information pertinent to the call center and its management.

Differences

While most predictive dialer software products provide the same basic capabilities, they differ in several key categories including system setup and integration, adaptation and customer support. When shopping for predictive dialer software, it is best to know the exact requirements and information regarding the call center that will use the software.

A cursory search for Internet usage monitoring software will produce hundreds of potential solutions. These programs provide users with Internet safety and monitoring features in the workplace and classroom, as well as in the home.

Function

Internet monitor software allows administrators to monitor the activity of other users. It may keep track of keys typed (keystrokes), websites visited, communications, searched phrases or how much time the user spends online. With some software, users may be able to restrict access to certain websites, games or other content, or limit how long the user can spend online.

Significance

Businesses, schools and parents may consider Internet usage monitoring software. Businesses use this type of software to improve productivity, disallow websites that are not safe for work and reserve resources (such as connection bandwidth) for work-related activities. Schools and parents may use monitoring software to ensure that minors are not visiting inappropriate websites or spending excessive time online.

Considerations

A variety of monitoring programs are available and the type of environment will influence which program is best for each consumer. Businesses, schools or multiple computer homes may require a different, and more expensive, license than single computer homes. In addition, administrators who want to install monitoring and filtering software across an entire network should seek software that allows this feature.

Productivity monitoring software is used to keep tabs on employee productivity in the workplace. With multiple methods available, productivity monitoring could potentially offer both advantages and disadvantages.

Types

There are two main types of productivity monitoring software. The first simply monitors employee computer use, sending the data to management. The other, filtering software, both monitors and filters content or websites deemed inappropriate for work by management.

Potential

Monitoring employee productivity can, in itself, increase productivity. Tech Republic affirms that employees simply knowing they're being watched is enough to keep them on-task. Productivity monitoring software can also help weed-out non-productive employees wasting company time.

Considerations

Monitoring employee activity takes time and effort. If you're going to implement productivity monitoring software, you should be ready to take the time required to actually monitor the software. Simply installing the software is not enough, it will require constant attention for maximum efficiency.

Log monitoring software allows you to record detailed information about activities occurring on your computer. You can use various types of log monitoring software to accomplish different tasks.

Software

Trace Log (free), LightLogger (5-day trial, $29.95 to buy), PC Activity Monitor Pro (time limit trial, $149.95 to buy), WinLog (30-day trial, $30 to buy) and NannySoft (10-day trial, $39.95 to buy) are all examples of log monitor software. (All prices listed apply as of September 2010.)

Unique Features

Each log monitoring software logs either a specific type of computer activity or multiple types of computer activity. As its name implies, NannySoft watches over, monitors and prevents certain activities on a computer. WinLog captures and records system log messages from devices such as routers, managed switches and hosts. PC Activity Monitor Pro is an all-encompassing software that logs data such as keystrokes, passwords, chat conversations, websites visited and applications. Much like PC Activity Monitor Pro, LightLogger logs a wide array of activities, while Trace Log specifically monitors server logs.

Download Details

With the exception of NannySoft (Windows 2000, XP and Vista) and LightLogger (Windows 7, Vista and XP only), the rest of the above mentioned software is available for all Windows operating systems. All programs come in a relatively small download package, ranging from 896 kilobytes (LightLogger) to 5.5 megabytes (Trace Log).

Web monitoring software verifies an end user's interaction with a website by analyzing traffic patterns via data reports or error alerts. Data reports and error alerts provide a detailed explanation of the response time that an end user receives during usage for activities such as purchasing and search requests.

Web Monitoring Software

Web monitoring programs are used to track any downtime that a website might experience. Because a website is a 24-hour business, response time and outages can be placed under constant watch. These programs track both internal and external features, such as network devices and hosting services.

Downtime Alerts

A website's administrator is notified via email alerts of the connection between the website and the Internet. Email alerts include weekly performance reports and a list of errors that the user experienced. Downtime alerts can be reported on a time-interval basis, such as every 15 or 30 minutes

Error Status

An error in a website connection is assigned a number. For example, a 301 error indicates that the URL has been removed, while a 404 error means that the server was not found. Error status can be tracked and reported by location, such as specific state or region.

Day traders must rely on computer software to monitor stocks, bonds and futures trading prices so they know how to anticipate the market and make profitable trades. There is a wide variety of software tools which allow day traders to efficiently monitor what is happening in the financial world, every second of every business day.

Floor Trader Tools 8.1

This piece of software was developed for those who work on a stock market's trading floor so they can communicate with their investment or brokerage firm and even receive updates on the computers or phones they carry with them. The software detects when a stock tops or bottoms for a set period of time and creates updates for the day trader, advising him to buy or sell. This software can be set up to be fully automated, and includes charts which illustrate timing, trading power and past accuracy of the Floor Trader Tools software. This software works with any market.

Ninja Trader

Ninja Trader is an end-to-end trading platform for day traders who are trading futures, equities and foreign currency exchange (forex) markets. This software is used by over 100 major brokerage firms and numerous day traders around the world. It is considered one of the top educational trading software tools for people trying to learn the complexities of many different financial markets. The Ninja Trader platform is also free to use for those who are trying to chart how different stocks and futures have behaved over a period of time, as well as documenting analytics, system development and trade simulation.

Wave 59 Technologies

Wave 59 trading software is an advanced, yet user-friendly trading platform that can help their customers take their profits to the next level. They have a support team available by phone and email for any glitches or questions users have about the software, allowing those who work at Wave 59 to educate their customers on how to use their day trading software most effectively. Wave 59 has also embraced a social networking aspect in their software by creating a community forum through which other traders can interact and learn tips and advice from each other, helping the entire investment system to run more efficiently.

Temperature monitoring software is intended to monitor continually the temperature of computer hardware, such as Central Processing Units (CPUs) and video cards. Some computer users "overclock" their hardware, which runs it more quickly for higher performance but accompanied by higher temperatures. If a computer component runs too hot, it may fail.

SpeedFan

SpeedFan, by Alfredo Milani Comparetti, a temperature monitoring software for the Windows operating system, is available for free online. This program monitors temperatures, voltages and fan speeds in the appropriate hardware and can automatically change fan speeds to reduce a computer's level of fan noise.

Temperature Monitor

Temperature Monitor, by Marcel Bresink Software-Systeme, a temperature monitoring software for the Mac OS X operating system, also is available for free online. Temperature Monitor gauges hardware temperature and allows different display options, including visual graphs and speech announcements.

Lm-sensors

Lm-sensors is open source temperature monitoring software for the Linux operating system. Open source software is non-proprietary software with the source code made visible to all, and also is available free online. Lm-sensors also monitors voltages, fan speeds and rotational speeds, and alerts users when hardware components are close to failing.

Everyone loves a help desk when they get what they want in a timely manner. But problems do ensue and clear constructs and rules should be developed to run a help desk for proper support. Issues from what products to support to hours of operation and monitoring progress are all part and parcel of any help desk support activities.

Scope of Support

The scope of support that any help desk can offer is a major issue. A help desk should be able to support specific software and hardware and make repairs within a relatively appropriate amount of time. A help desk should have a clear, well-defined range of products and services that they can support. When new products become available, notice should be given to the public or at least to product consumers of when support for an older product will end.

Help Desk Support Levels

Help desk support staff at larger institutions and companies like IBM range from level one to level three. Incoming calls or walk-ins are routed to a first level support person who gets their contact information and a general description of the problem. Product warranty is also checked at this time, if applicable. Calls then get routed to appropriate departments for level two product support. These staff either are familiar with their products or are competent at searching in-house databases for problem resolution. It is on to level three support for the most difficult or unusual problems.

Problem Escalation

When problems become too complicated for entry level staff to solve, a mechanism should be in place to hand off the problem to a more skilled work group, or a higher level of technical support. Problem escalation is an important issue that can quickly get out of hand when dealing with agitated and anxious customers. At the same time more qualified staff are trying to solve the problem, a duty manager should keep customers abreast of their progress. A plan should be implemented to call on outside consultants when in-house personnel cannot fix problems.

Metrics

Whether the help desk is newly developed or is well-established, periodic assessment should be made to determine if customer needs are being met and that enough employees are available to support products and services. Metrics are the statistical data that the support business keeps to show how they manage their resources and services. Computer databases can be designed to log the number of incoming calls, walk-in customers, and customer complaints. They can also log product names and services and the time it took for help desk personnel to resolve problems. Supervisors can run metric reports that show which products and services customers request most frequently. Metrics can also assist help desk support managers determine how to better utilize their resources.