Running and maintaining a computer can be expensive. So much so, that there are probably hundreds of thousands of home computers operating on minimum standards and running the risk of virus infection because their owners feel that they cannot afford to purchase the necessary software. Worse, some of the software that is available does not perform half as well as the open-source or free programs which can be downloaded here. I won't go into detail, but some of the top-name security software, much of it quite costly, does not perform half as well as open-source, or free, material. Below, you will find download links for some excellent anti-virus, anti-spyware programs plus several useful utilities and help forums. All free.
This web-site, incidentally, was constructed using a free web-authoring program, NVU, which easily out-performs similar programs costing up to £100.
If you discover that any of these programs has become shareware, ie. requires payment, please let me know, in order that details can be suitably amended.
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Avast!
Anti-virus Protection
Avast! anti-virus
is one of the better free protection programs available, with
regular automatic updates. I have personally used Avast! for about
2 years, now, and found it to be quite reliable. Although not
'open-source', the Home version is available free for personal use.
After downloading and installing Avast! you will be asked to register
the program, then in 60 days time you will be requested to register
again to complete the process. From then on, registration is every 14
months. You can download the program here. 
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Sygate
Personal Firewall. Another great
program, free
for personal use. Effective against hackers, malicious script, trojans
and DOS (denial of service) attacks. Again, a program which I have
been personally using for some years, now, and found to be totally
trouble-free. A good firewall is something no PC should be without.
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Spybot Search and Destroy. One
of the menaces
of modern net surfing is spyware. Some of this is benign, but much of
it is definitely not a good thing to have on your PC. Running Spybot
Search and Destroy will identify and remove any malicious bots that may
have been downloaded onto your computer while visiting sites. The
program has to be updated manually. I update mine about once a
fortnight. After downloading updates, click on the 'Immunize' buttons
to ensure full protection.
Download
Spybot here
.
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Spywareblaster.  An
excellent
addition to the PC armoury, preventing malicious spyware, including
keyloggers, from gaining access to your computer. It is prudent to
check
for updates at intervals of about 14 days. Downloading these only takes
a few minutes, but means that you are protected against the latest
threats. The program runs automatically each time your PC is
switched on, and it operates unobtrusively in the background.
Download Spywareblaster 3.5.1 here |
CW Shredder
 CoolWebSearch is a
particularly
nasty piece of spyware which can cause myriad problems and play havoc
with your browser. One of its habits is browser hijacking.The reliable
answer is CW Shredder, which will search your system for CoolWebSearch
and remove it. An essential tool and downloadable here
courtesy of Trend Micro.
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Malwarebytes This is a superb piece of
anti-malware kit. Very effective. Malware can create havoc on a PC, and
this program is the answer. Does a rapid scan of all directories and
reaches the parts that other programs don't.
Definitely highly recommended. Download Malwarebytes here |
