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Useful & recommended
Software
Here is a list of anti-virus and firewall programs you
should consider installing on your PC to keep it safe! Most are
freeware! Along with
links to some of the best help sites on the web.
All items are
either freeware or shareware. Note:
I do not own, nor am I affiliated with any of this software, or it's
developers, in anyway, unless noted otherwise.
NOTE: Always
turn off system restore, and reboot into safe mode when removing viruses
and spyware. This is the safest way to completely remove unwanted viruses
and spyware utilities installed on your pc.
STARTUP UTILITES:
Never
use MSConfig to disable startup programs no matter what others have
recommended. MSConfig was never meant to be a startup manager. Please
note the warning found on the Microsoft site concerning MSConfig. If you
use it and then run a program, you may cause problems that can only be
resolved with a repair install of your Operating system.
Free Anti-Virus
These are Free!
Avast Free Edition
Avast!
Antivirus software is based on the ALWIL Software Virus, Worm and Trojan horse
scanning technology since 1988. The Avast! Antivirus portfolio includes a
number of products, providing effective protection at all levels - from
PDAs to large networks.
AntiVir Personal
The
new AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium provides more security for viruses,
worms and Trojan: The comprehensive security of the cost-free version is
supplemented with useful features in security and comfort by the Premium
Version of the known and popular AntiVir software:
Avira AntiVir PE Classic
Avira
AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic is a reliable antivirus solution, that
constantly and rapidly scans your computer for malicious programs (such
as viruses, Trojans, backdoor programs, hoaxes, worms, dialers etc.)
ClamWin Antivirus
ClamWin
is a Free Antivirus for Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003. It provides
a graphical user interface to the Clam AntiVirus engine.
AVG Free Edition
New
- AVG Free Edition is now available for all single home users worldwide!
This is a full package, includes
background scanning and updates!
Panda - Free Online Virus
Scan.
Try
the Panda solution that best suits your needs, free of charge.
Stop Sign
Stop Sign is eAnthology's Anti-Virus Service. Get a Free
Virus Scan to determine if you are infected!
Norton
The
world's leading antivirus software - Use only the best to keep your pc
protected.
Trend - Free online scan
Ease
your mind and scan your PC for viruses NOW!
McAfee
FreeScan
detects the presence of viruses on your computer.
Sygate
Sygate
is the market leader in endpoint security. Our flagship solution, Sygate
Secure Enterprise, protects corporate networks from damage and loss with
centrally managed security agents on network endpoints and network access
points.
Zone Labs - Free online scan
Simply
surfing the Internet exposes your browsing habits to others. Files can be
placed on your computer to track your activity online and report back to
questionable parties. These tracking devices are unwanted files that
invade your Internet privacy.
FREE FIREWALLS
These
are Free!
Ashampoo Firewall
Heavy-duty
Protection for Everyone; Small and efficient instead of big and confusing
Comodo Personal Firewall
FREE
Comodo Personal Firewall - Secure your system against internal attacks
such as Trojan viruses / malicious software and external attacks by
hackers. With a user-friendly single click interface you can allow or
block access to the Internet offering complete immunity to attacks and
total protection of your personal information.
Filseclab Firewall
Filseclab
Personal Firewall is a personal firewall that allows you to control which
programs can access the Internet and at what times. It offers an
automated rules wizard that will prompt you for action whenever an
incoming or outgoing connection is detected, that does not match any of
the existing rule sets. You can then choose to grant or deny access, and
automatically create a rule for it.
Jetico Firewall
The
software offers detailed, configurable event logs, reports, plus the
option to view and edit the firewall configuration. The modular
architecture is as open as possible to assist with easier evaluation of
the security.
Omniquad Firewall
Omniquad Personal Firewall is a personal security system to
protect your computers from unauthorized access over the LAN and /
Internet.
R-Firewall
R-Firewall
is an effective and easy-to-use solution to secure your on-line activity.
It protects a computer connected to a local network and/or to the
Internet against any intrusions, attacks, Trojans, spyware, and other
external and internal threats. R-Firewall also filters out inappropriate
Internet pages content and blocks dangerous active components you may get
while browsing over the Internet or receiving e-mail massages.
SafeZone
SafeZone
locks a computer system to external connections by analysis and routing
of network traffic. SafeZone can be customized to isolate, record and
warn the user of all hacking attempts.
SensiveGuard
SensiveGuard
checks every inbound and outbound network access for policy compliance,
suspends and warns on every access in real-time that is not allowed or
denied explicitly by policies.
SoftPerfect Firewall
SoftPerfect
Personal Firewall is a free network firewall designed to protect your PC
against attacks from the Internet or via a local area network.
SoftPerfect Personal Firewall offers customizable security using
user-defined rules for packet filtering.
Xeon Personal Firewall
Xeon
Personal Firewall is one of the most powerful firewalls available on the
internet. You are able to control which applications can access the
internet, and what security setting you would like on your computer.
Zone Alarm
Basic PC protection for the home user. Millions of
users have selected ZoneAlarm as their basic Internet security solution.
The award-winning personal firewall blocks dangerous Internet threats,
guarding your PC from many of the tactics used by hackers and data
thieves. For more complete protection from all threats from email-borne
viruses to privacy-violating cookies and web bugs.
SPYWARE And ADWARE
These are Free!
Ewido
Complement your existing protection system
today!
We offer you real-time
protection against over 61.000 threats of the newest generation:
A2 Squared
In
the past, the classic virus, which attached itself to other programs, was
the only major concern. In today's Internet environment, a new kind of
menace which is especially made for attacks on the Internet are much more
dangerous. Every computer on the web is vulnerable. Two categories of
harmful code have become more important in the last two years: Worms and
Trojan Horses. Such harmful tools are called Malware. The term was
created by a combination of "malicious" and "software
".
Ad-Aware
DOWNLOAD
Ad-aware Standard
Edition is THE award winning, free*, multicomponent detection and removal
utility that consistently leads the industry in safety, user
satisfaction, support and reliability.
Spybot S&D
DOWNLOAD
Application
to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software.
Hijack This
HijackThis
examines certain key areas of the Registry and Hard Drive and lists their
contents. These are areas, which are used by both legitimate programmers
and hijackers.
Hijack This Tutorial
Hijack
This by Merijn is a great tool for detecting and removing browser
Hijacks. A browser hijack is when spyware takes over your internet
settings.
Adware, Spyware and how to
remove them
Go
here for programs that detect and remove malware files.
Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner
DOWNLOAD
Free
- Detect a multitude of spyware, adware, trojan, keylogger and trackware
components; sources of irritation that antirus software does not deal
with.
1st Privacy
Tool for Windows
1st
Privacy Tool is a powerful security utility that allows you to restrict
access to Windows important resources.
IESPYAD
IE-SPYAD
is a Registry file (IE-ADS.REG) that adds a long list of sites and
domains associated with known advertisers, marketers, and crapware
pushers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer.
SpywareBlaster
Prevent
spyware from installing in the first place!
Browser
Hijack Blaster
Running
silently in the background, Browser Hijack Blaster only springs into
action when an attempt is made. It watches and protects the following
items:
IE Homepage, IE Default Page, IE Search
Page, BHOs.
Spy sweeper Detect and remove spyware and adware
Download
free spy sweeper software, use spysweeper to uninstall detect and remove
spyware and adware.
WinPatrol is a FREE a multi-function tool
Scotty
the Windows Watch Dog will sniff out malicious, nasty
"mysteryware" that may attack your computer. WinPatrol puts you
back in control of your computer with no need for constant updates.
CWShredder
CWShredder
finds and destroys traces of CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a name given
to a wide range of different browser hijackers.
XP Anti-spy
Keeps
Spys Away!
1-2-3 Spyware Free
Protecting
from spyware and adware can be easy and effective! 1-2-3 Spyware Free is
the award winning solution that will comprehensively scan your PC for
unwanted components and will suggest their removal. The Update Option
enables you to get an up-to-date version on a regular basis. Use 1-2-3
Spyware Free and be safe!
KazaaBegone
1.01
KazaaBegone
is a Kazaa uninstaller, which scans and removes all elements of all Kazaa
versions, as well as all of the bundled software that comes with it. You
have the option to just search for the components or to search and
destroy.
TROJAN DETECTION/REMOVAL
Trojan Scan-online scan
Trojan horses are
a huge security threat. A Trojan is a program that enters your computer
undetected, giving the attacker who planted the Trojan unrestricted
access to the data stored on your computer.
a2 Free - Anti-Trojan
a² is a
complementary product to antivirus software which is specialized in
protection against harmful software. Antivirus software often features an
inadequate protection against Trojans, Dialers and Spyware. a² fills this
gap.
PestControl
Odds
are your PC has spyware on it right now. When you receive e-mail, visit
websites, or download files, these digital Peeping Toms can sneak into
your PC and reveal your deepest secrets to unscrupulous hackers and
relentless spammers.
SwatIt.-FREE
SwatIt Anti Trojan and Bot Scanner and Remover
Now with Advanced
Heuristic Detection!
MOHERBOARD MONITORS
Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (version
6.1)(Freeware)
CPU-Z
is a freeware detection program base on the Panopsys hardware detection
engine.
It allows getting some information on your
system.
Sandra Standard
SiSoftware Sandra (the System ANalyser, Diagnostic
and Reporting Assistant) is an information & diagnostic
utility. It should provide most of the information (including
undocumented) you need to know about your hardware, software and other
devices whether hardware or software.
Hot CPU Tester Pro is a system health and stability tester
Hot
CPU Tester Pro - Hot CPU Tester is a system stability tester. It tests
CPU, and virtually all parts of motherboard units for errors.
Power supply Calculator
Have
you ever wondered if you're buying the proper sized power
supply? - If you've ever looked, the information
isn't that easy to find. Here's the solution....
Power supply Calculator
You
may not know it but your power supply is crucial to your system. Not
having enough power may cause system freezes or crashes. This
interactivity will determine if you have sufficient power. Configuration
based on a average PC.
CPUID
PC
WIZARD 2004 is a powerful utility designed especially for detection of
hardware, but also some more analysis. It's able to identify a large
scale of system components and supports the latest technologies and
standards. This tool is periodically updated (usually once per month) in
order to provide most accurate results.
INTERNET
ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS AND OTHER SYMBOLS GLOSSARY
To help assist
those new to WWW message boards or USENET newsgroups on just what all
those acronyms mean.
Motherboard Monitor 5.3.5.1
Motherboard
Monitor will access one or more of the following chips: LM75, LM78,
LM78-j, LM79, LM80, WinBond W83781D, WinBond W83782D, WinBond W83783S,
WinBond W83627HF, Asus AS99127F, GL518SM, GL520SM, ADM9240, ADM1021,
ADM1020, MAX1016, MAX1016a, FMS2701, VIA686A, THMC10 and THMC50 on your
motherboard and provide you with information about your motherboard’s
temperature, voltages, fan speeds ,CPU temperature and more. It's a nice
tool.
ERROR BEEPS
POST
Error Beeps and Codes
Hot CPU Tester Pro - Beep
Codes
The
computer POST (Power On Self Test) that tests the computer insuring that
it meets the necessary system requirements before booting up. If the computer
fails the POST the computer then returns a beep code indicating what is
causing the computer not to post the POST.
Registry
Edits for Windows XP
Registry
Edits for Windows XP. "Tweaks and Tips"
POP-UP
BLOCKERS
All in One Secretmaker Spam block & popup killer
software
All
in One Secretmaker is optimized for the needs of most Windows users. All
in One Secretmaker follows the zero configuration technology, which means
that you do not have to change any settings to use All in One
Secretmaker. All in One Secretmaker is easily understandable and does
exactly what you expect, fast, quickly and smoothly. With All in One
Secretmaker your privacy is protected and surfing is easier. All in One
Secretmaker is freeware, without advertising, and doesn't require
registration.
Kill Ad
As
you may have noticed, many Internet sites love to open additional browser
windows (so called "popups") with advertising contents. KillAd
assists you to close all undesirable popups automatically. Being fairly
sophisticated software full of features, it is highly customizable, small
in size, undemanding to system resources, fast, and (I hope) reliable.
Google Toolbar
This
is one very good pop-up stopper, a must have for pop-up free web surfing!
POP STOP-POPUP KILLER
Free
Pop Stop from BestToolbars.net can block 100% annoying pop-up and
pop-under ads automatically while never interferes with your navigation.
It is small, freeware and easy to install. Unlike most pop-up killers,
there's no need to designate particular websites or keywords - it works
without human intervention; - it only blocks unsolicited pop-up windows
while does not in any way interfere with opening new windows!
The Woosh Blog
The
Whoos Blog, is filled with many Spyware help and support article to help
with your computer needs.
KEY LOGGERS
Keep
track of what goes on, when others are using your computer! Want
to know where the kids are browsing? These are the programs
for you.
Keyboard Spectator Lite is
absolutely free
Keyboard
Spectator is a multifunctional keyboard tracking software (a.k.a. keylogger)
that is widely used by both regular users and IT security specialists.
SpyArsenal.com: invisible keylogger-Home Keylogger v1.70 -
easy to use keystroke recorder(FREEWARE)
Family
Keylogger - is your best choice, if you want to know what other users are
typing on your machine
WinSpy
With
@WinSpy, You can find out what the others have done on your
computer.
007 Spy Software 3.10
007
Spy Software is a stealthy monitoring program which allows you to
secretly track all activities of computer
Spytech SpyAgent
Need
to track employees and monitor workstations at all times?
Ever need to keep tabs on your child or
spouse while they use the PC?
SpyAnytime PC Spy
SpyAnytime
is extremely powerful and easy to use keylogger spy software. It allows
you to secretly monitor and record user's activities on computer.
PC WATCH Personal
PC
Watch is an easy to use tool for basic PC activity monitoring.
LINKS
FOR XP REPAIRS
Key Finder -
Windows activation key
The
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a freeware utility that retrieves your
Product Key (cd key) used to install windows from your registry. It has
the options to copy the key to clipboard, save it to a text file, or
print it for safekeeping.
XP Repair
Following
are experiences with repairing XP. I will not assume any responsibility
for problems that may occur to your system from using any of these
suggestions.
Boot Disks
WINDOWS
AND DOS BOOT DISKS.
Internet Explorer Repair Tools
Problems?
Here is the site for you
Creat Bootable CD-Roms
A
bootable CD-Rom is a CD from which you boot the PC. This means putting
the CD in your CD-Rom drive and power-on or reboot your system. The PC
will load a boot image from the CD-Rom and control is given.
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