ANTI-VIRUS, ANTI-MALWARE & ANTI-SPYWARE PROGRAMS 
These are programs that we believe to be absolutely essential for maintaining a computer free from viruses, spyware and malware. Programs alone can't do it, of course. The end user must use a little common sense as well. The main sources of malware and spyware are surfing pornographic websites, installing unknown ActiveX components from unknown websites, installing unknown programs, and not reading the Agreement License (EULA) before installing a program. Always practice SAFE COMPUTING!
 
We like these programs because we have used them for years, they work, and, best of all, they're free! All of these recommendations are Windows XP, Vista and 7 compatible. Click on the links to open the websites in a new window (close the window to return to this page):
 
ANTI-VIRUS
 
AVAST! (essential) NOTE: This program is free to use, but it is necessary to register it before the end of the initial 60 day trial period. A valid e-mail address is required to register because the company will send the free license key via e-mail. The license key is valid for a period of one year and the program must be registered yearly (also free). The registration process is very easy, and will only take a couple of minutes.
 
ANTI-MALWARE SCANNER
 
Malware (also called "scareware" or "ransomware") is a worm that infects a computer by installing programs that change the behavior of your computer. They are very difficult to remove, but not impossible. These programs are called scareware because they exploit a person's fear of online viruses and security threats. Programs that take your computer hostage to force you to pay money in order for your computer to operate properly again are known as ransomware. These are most commonly found in rogue anti-spyware programs, such as Antivirus 2010.
 
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (essential) The scan and remove feature is free. Purchasing the program will activate realtime protection, scheduled scanning, and scheduled updating.
 
ANTI-SPYWARE SCANNERS
 
Anti-spyware scanners work much like anti-virus applications, except that instead of scanning your PC for viruses, trojans, and worms, they scan your computer for spyware, adware, and dialers. We recommend using at least two anti-spyware scanners regularly, as one will often pick up items that the other misses. Even after installing an anti-spyware scanner, be sure to keep it updated because new spyware and adware appears almost daily.
 
Spybot Search&Destroy (essential)
 
Ad-Aware (essential)
 
Microsoft's Windows Defender (good to have)
 
SUPERAntiSpyware (good to have)
 
FIREWALL
 
This is a software program. A properly configured router that is part of a network will work as an effective hardware firewall to protect from incoming threats. ZoneAlarm protects from incoming threats as well, but what is more important, it controls which applications on your computer can access the Internet (outgoing).
 
ZoneAlarm (essential)
 
NOTE: Use only one anti-virus program or one software firewall program at a time. Using two anti-virus programs at the same time, or two [software] firewall programs at the same time, could cause system instability and/or computer crashes.
 
If you want to know how effective your firewall is, go to ShieldsUP to run a completely safe scan to see just how protected you really are.
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