Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus software is a necessity in every home computer of today. An efficient and comprehensive anti-virus program may scan incoming emails for attached viruses, and monitors files as they are opened or saved to make sure they do not carry any harmful viruses. An anti-virus program may also allow you to make periodic and automated system scans of every file on your computer.Below are a few of the good anti-virus programs you can try out. Do note that as a rule of thumb, we usually only install one anti-virus software on one computer. This is to avoid potential conflicts and performance problems.
Anti-Spyware Software
You may or may not have heard of spyware. Spyware is often installed without the user's permission or knowledge. Anti-spyware software removes those programs and tools that monitor your Internet activities, track your browsing usage, etc.We have a few suggestions on the anti-spyware programs that you can download and install on your computer. Few conflicts have been reported when a user runs multiple anti-spyware programs simultaneously, but performance issues may still remain.
- AdAware 2007 Free
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition
- SUPERAntiSpyware Professional Edition
Firewall Software
A software firewall is a barrier to keep hackers, viruses and worms away from your computer. A software firewall may also allow you to control what goes in and what goes out of your computer, through the internet.You may like to read the PCHF Firewalls FAQ for more information about firewall software.
Miscellaneous Protection Software
- McAfee SiteAdvisor
McAfee SiteAdvisor warns you before you interact with a dangerous Web site. For example, when you search with Google, Yahoo! or MSN, SiteAdvisor's safety ratings appear next to search results. As you browse, a small button on your browser toolbar also changes color based on SiteAdvisor's safety results. There are also detailed test results available for just about any site.
- SpywareBlaster
SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted software. It blocks spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, and also restricts the actions of potentially unwanted sites in Internet Explorer. Unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in the background.