Top 10 Free Ways to Protect your PC

Written by Darren Hewer

Download great free software to keep your computer safe!

How well would you cope if all of the data on your computer was suddenly inaccessible?

Or what if your credit card numbers were stolen online?

Unfortunately these are ever-present dangers. But there is free software available that will allow you to safely protect your computer.

In the past, running anti-virus software was enough to keep you protected. But nowadays, there are at least three components you’ll need for proper PC security:

• Anti-virus
• Anti-spyware
• Firewall

None of these programs will guarantee that your computer is safe, but here are 10 free software applications you can use to help protect your personal data from harm. (Note also that many of these programs are intended for personal/home use only.)

Spyware

Probably the largest threat to your computer is spyware. Spyware can add annoyances to your web browsing like extra popups or redirecting you to inappropriate websites. Most dangerously, it can allow unscrupulous individuals to steal your personal information including credit card numbers or banking data.

Windows Defender
Windows Defender from Microsoft won’t interfere with other spyware apps, so it’s a good idea to have it running even though it is not the most effective anti-spyware tool available. If you have Vista, make sure it’s turned on by going to Start > All Programs > Windows Defender, then Tools > Options, and under Administrator options, select or clear the Use Windows Defender checkbox. If you have XP, you can download Windows Defender for free from Microsoft’s website.

Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free
Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware was the original free spyware protection application and it remains today one of the best overall choices. It claims to “keep you safe from password stealers, keyloggers, spyware, trojans, and other potential identity thieves.” It does not run constantly so you have to remember to run it to scan your system regularly.

Spybot Search & Destroy
Spybot S&D is lightweight and frequently updated. It scans your computer quickly compared to many other anti-spyware applications, and includes optional real-time (constant) protection. However it can be confusing to use, so you’ll have to take a little time to learn how to use it.

Anti-virus

Viruses used to be the most common computer threat. Today viruses are less common than spyware, but it is still necessary to run anti-virus software to keep your computer protected. Most anti-virus software continually scans your computer as you work so that you will immediately be alerted to potential threats.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
AVG was one of the first free anti-virus applications and is a reliable standard. Its newest version includes some new features and a new interface but has been criticized for slowing down your computer a bit more than previous releases, so it’s best for reasonably fast/recent computers.

Avast! Anti-Virus
Avast! is oddly named but it doesn’t take up a lot of system resources and includes “anti-rootkit” protection. (Rootkits are programs hackers use to access systems.) Free registration on the Avast! website is required to obtain a license key to use this software.

Avira AntiVir
A third option for virus protection is Avira AntiVir, which requires no registration to download and use. It does not scan incoming or outgoing email, but it is usually fast when doing full-computer scans and runs constantly to keep you protected.

Another notable (but not free) option is ESET’s NOD32 Antivirus, which is simple to use, efficiently auto-updates, and will not likely slow down your computer.

Firewall

A firewall moderates the data that is allowed in and out of your computer. Hardware firewalls (such as a router) prevents data (except the types that you choose) from entering or leaving your computer. Software firewalls can also monitor which programs are sending and receiving data and allow you to prevent individual applications from doing so.

Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall is included with Windows XP SP2 and Vista. Since you likely already have it, you might as well use it, even though it is less effective than other free solutions. To make sure it’s running, in XP go to Start > Control Panel > Windows Firewall … in Vista, go to Start > Control Panel > Security > Windows Firewall.

Comodo Firewall Pro
Comodo Firewall Pro is the highest rated free firewall program as judged by an independent security organization.^[1] It also includes some basic virus protection and spyware protection, but it should not be used as a replacement for those programs. Comodo is a good choice if you’re looking for a full featured free firewall solution.

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall is another widely used software firewall, and one that has been around for quite awhile. The personal version is now available for free. It did not perform as well as Comodo in independent testing on some tests. Some users report that ZoneAlarm uses less system resources than Comodo, while others report more, so you’ll have to try for yourself.

Final advice

The final software recommendation to keep you safe is Firefox. Firefox is a web browser which includes built-in security features to try to keep you safe from “phishing” sites (fake sites that try to trick you into entering personal information) and is not vulnerable to certain types of attacks that Internet Explorer is.

Of course the very best way to avoid spyware, viruses, and hacker attacks in the first place is to be cautious! Carefully choose which websites you visit, don’t click links in email or instant messages, and don’t install any software without researching it first. If you keep these guidelines in mind, you’ll be on the right track to keeping your personal computer and your data safe!

Related Readings:
Learn better email etiquette
Why do “good” people do bad things

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Disclaimer: All programs listed above should be considered “caveat emptor”: Use them at your own risk. No software or program will be entirely free from error or work properly in every situation. We disclaim all warranties, expressed or implied, including, and without limitation to, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose stated by any program or website mentioned or linked to. Furthermore, we will assume no liability for damages of ANY kind (direct or consequential) which may result from the use of any program or resource listed.

[1] Matousec Transperent Security, “Firewall Challenge: Results & Comments” n.p. Cited 22 July 2008. Online: http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php

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