If you use Microsoft Explorer as your browser check the Windows product update for new critical updates. These patches help protect your computer from viruses, but you need more protection than that. One sick computer programmer can crash your computer permanently.
Both AVG and Avast are ICSA Certified. ICSA Labs is the security industry's central anti-virus product testing and certification facility.
AVG Anti Virus program is highly recommended by many freeware websites.
Avast! An alternate highly rated free virus protection for home non-commercial use. Requires users to re-register it yearly. Offers a spyware guard that either stands alone or combines with Avast Anti-virus.
For a anti virus program to work you must ensure that you update the signature files they use to detect threats. AVG does it automatically if you are connected to the Internet via cable. If you use a dial-up connection update it manually. It's easy-- just a matter of rembering to do it.
AnalogX Script Defender a good alternative to Computer Associates' eTrust. Intercepts requests to execute the most common scripting types used in e-mail virus attacks, such as Visual Basic Scripting (.VBS), and Java Script (.JS).
ThreatFire easy to use malware blocker. Extends your anti-virus protection. If you never update your anti-virus program then uninstall it and use this program instead.
Stinger by McAfee AVERT is a stand alone free utility to detect and remove popular viruses. Don't scrap your current anti-virus program. None of them can prevent and disable all of the viruses all of the time. This program may help if one slips through. Works slower than a normal anti virus scan.
Smatterings: Spyware If you use Internet Explorer to view the Internet then you need to know about spyware. Spyware wrecks havoc with you system. Freeware helps regain control over your computer.
Network Advertising Initative cookies to opt out of major internet advertiser's cookies.
IE Cookie View freeware that helps manage cookies with Internet Explorer. Lets you keep the ones you want and delete the rest of them. Configurable as a stand alone program or an IE button.
When I ran Windows 98, I used Tiny Personal Firewall until it went shareware, so I switched to Kerio Personal Firewall which ran with more zip. When I upgraded to a system that ran Windows XP I thought I no longer needed a personal firewall because MS Windows XP comes with one. According an article in PC Magazine October 18, 2005 edition the firewall in Windows XP only blocks incoming hack attacts, where third party freeware programs offer stealth which renders your system invisible.
PC Magazine does more than run the program on their computer. They have tools to preform actual valid tests on software like does it really protect an operating system like you hoped it would. Like the firewall, the anti-virus, and spyware selections on this site are also based on tests made by CNET, PC World, Consumer Search, and PC Tools and was last updated February 2008.
Comodo free firewall for Windows XP and Vista. Won awards from both PC Magazine and CNET in 2008. Start out by running Scan for known application found under the SECURITY tab.
Zone Alarm's free version is recommended for Windows 95, 98, and Win ME. Not anywhere near the professional version which has won awards from both PC Magazine and CNET but performs better than most other freeware firewalls.
Pop Up Stopper freeware that puts a end to most of those annoying pop-up windows that constantly appear every time you surf the Internet with Windows 95 and 98. It is easy to turn off when you are at websites who use pop-up windows to give information like the Microsoft Upgrade site.
If this is the first program that you have ever downloaded, you need an zip file utility to open this file, once it is on your hard drive. A link to download my favorite unzipping utility is located on the top of my Download Aid Freeware page.
