To Home Users: Do you want free security programs that really works?
There are security programs available on the net but you are not sure which will really protect you or do what it claimed to do. Some programs worth $ but you aren't satisfied because the next time you turn on your PC, you are greeted by some sort of spyware. Maybe because the program that you recently installed is bundled with spyware or not recommended? See Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites. Below are the list of programs that are free for personal use and recommended to use by security conscious users like you.
Anti-Spyware scanners/prevention (the following can be installed altogether):
Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (enable real-time protection)
Ad-aware SE
Spybot Search & Destroy (immunized the browser)
SpywareBlaster (enable all protection)
SpywareGuard (enable all protection)
WinPatrol (enable monitoring)
Anti-Virus (choose 1 only. It is not recommended to use more than 1 AV real-time proctection):
AVG
Antivir
Avast
Anti-Trojan scanner (Not all antivirus can detect malware! Use any or both):
a-squared
ewido security suite
Anti-script (Not all antivirus can defend from malicious scripts! Install one only):
Script Defender
Script Sentry
Ad-blocking (both or any):
hpHOSTS File or MVPS HOSTS
IE-SPYADS
Firewall (Choose 1 only. Installing more than 1 firewall software is not recommended. If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows Firewall is turned on by default. See Understanding Windows Firewall. Note: Windows Firewall will monitor incoming traffic only.):
ZoneAlarm
Kerio
Sygate
Outpost
Privacy:
X-cleaner
Browser:
Firefox or Mozilla
Anti-Spam:
Frontgate MX
Mailwasher
0-day protection (If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Data Execution Protection (DEP) is enabled by default. DEP performs additional checks on memory to help protect against malicious code exploits. See: Memory Protection Technologies.):
PrevX Home Edition
Anti-Phishing:
Netcraft Toolbar for IE and Firefox
Phishguard
SpoofStick for IE and Firefox
FraudEliminator for IE and Firefox
Others:
BHODemon
System Safety Monitor
CWShredder
CCleaner or Index.dat Suite
BigFix
PGP Freeware
Using the above programs will help to protect your home PC. Don't forget to check for your Windows and Office update by visiting Windows Update or Office Updates web sites. If you are using Windows 2000 or Windows XP, you might want to visit http://www.pedestalsoftware.com/products/se/downloads/webscan/ to find out if you are missing security patches or install Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
You should always keep those programs up-to-date and run a scan after each update to make sure that no malware slips-in. Visit Calendar of Updates everyday to keep your security software current. Last but not the least, create back-ups.
Important Tools to use in case a virus will intercept REGEDIT, MSCONFIG & Task Manager from running, keep xp_emegencyutil (this will save those important utility in windows). Also keep a copy of these:
LSPFix and WinsockFix - this will restore your internet connection in case a malware damaged it.
More free security programs and tools here. Of course, there are paid software that works but the above list is for home users that want to save up some ca$h.
Happy Safe Computing!