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Free Security Software Programs Free Anti-virus Software AOL McAfee® VirusScan Plus – Special Edition from AOL
America Online have partnered with McAfee Associates to offer a comprehensive antivirus and firewall combination at no charge for anyone with an AOL email address.
McAfee® VirusScan Plus – Special Edition is available here.
AntiVir of Germany has moved to the frontline of security software. This free version excels in threat detection and removal, differing from the paid version only in features and updating frequency. The license expiration automatically extends as the program updates.
AntiVir Personal Edition Classic now features an Anti-Rootkit scanner and is available here.
This free anti-virus program is gaining popularity worldwide. Detection and removal performance is very good, it updates frequently, and runs very well with most computers.
One drawback is the need to complete a registration procedure within 60 days after installation. But this is not difficult. Follow the instructions below. Click the Registration link below to fill out the online paperwork (Name and email address) and click on How to Insert Activation Key to learn the rest. Registration is free and extends subscription an additional 12 months. Download avast! 4 Home Edition here.
AVG has been the least intrusive of any antivirus program up to now. But the latest version may change all of that. Word is that it is prone to cause problems with other security apps. So approach it with caution. Click here to get AVG. Anti-Spyware Programs
SpywareBlaster is compatible with all anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. To obtain SpywareBlaster 4.1, click here. Watch out for advertising that might lead to the wrong product. Make sure you are actually downloading SpywareBlaster 4.1 and be sure to Enable All Protection after installation and updating. Ad-Aware 2008
Ad-Aware was the first widely used anti-spyware application and remains one of the most popular.
Note: Ad-Aware SE Personal support and automatic updates have been terminated. Ad-Aware 2007/2008 is still fully supported. To update Ad-Aware, open the program and click on the "Check for Updates Now" link near the lower right hand corner. Follow the prompts to get the update. The latest program version is 7.0 and has been updated to be compatible with Windows Vista. During installation, click Cancel when given the option of a paid version and the free version will be installed. Download.com provides good download performance and may be accessed here. Be sure to keep Ad-Aware updated and periodically scan and remove detected threats. Full instructions may be found by clicking on the Help button on the left side of the main program screen. Ad-Aware 2008 now has most of the bugs out and works quite well. It is compatible with all anti-virus and other anti-spyware programs. Microsoft® Windows Defender An integral component of Windows® Vista™, Windows Defender is highly recommended for its active management of anti-spyware security and should be considered by all Windows XP Service Pack 2 users. Previous beta versions of Windows Defender are no longer supported and must be uninstalled. Windows Defender works best when used with only a standalone antivirus program and software firewall. Most full suites will automatically disable its real time browser settings monitor. It should not be reenabled unless the third party suite is uninstalled. Windows Defender is automatically updated and is free. Click here for further information.
An old standby that continues to be updated, Spybot Search & Destroy 2.0 is an excellent free addition to our trusted applications list. It combines the best of SpywareBlaster and Ad-Aware but with additional detection and high customization capabilities. Install and use Spybot Search & Destroy in basic mode or use the advanced settings and tools. It's your choice. Just be sure to read the included Help reference. Like any anti-spyware application, SS&D must be updated for it to work properly. Once updated, scan your system for unwanted nasties and quarantine them similar to Ad-Aware. SS&D has a feature called Immunization that works like SpywareBlaster by blocking installation of malware from known malicious websites. After fully updating the program, click the Immunize button on the left main menu then click Immunize (next to the green cross) to enable. Note: SS&D Immunization is not compatible with Trend Micro Internet Security. If using TMIS, be sure to disable SS&D Immunization. Another function called Tea Timer monitors browser changes and is useful for experienced users. However, Tea Timer should not be enabled in conjunction with SpySweeper or full security suites such as Kaspersky Internet Security, Norton 360, or McAfee Internet Security. Also, note that 2007/2008 Symantec/Norton products will not install if SS&D is present. Spybot Search & Destroy's databases are complementary to those used by Ad-Aware and SpywareBlaster. There is some overlap but the three together make a good combination for detection, removal, and prevention of many malware infections. Except as previously noted, Spybot Search & Destroy is fully compatible with all other anti-spyware programs and antivirus applications. Get Spybot Search & Destroy here. For a direct download from the PepiMarkII site, click here.
A recent addition to the trusted free applications list, SUPERAntiSpyware comes in free and paid versions. The difference is similar to Ad-Aware; the free version lacks real-time or active protection. But the free version can be updated and manual scans run. As a bonus, it is fully compatible with all other anti-spyware programs and antivirus applications. SUPERAntiSpyware is regarded by many security experts as the new king of the block. It is the only free comprehensive product that can remove complex malware such as WinFixer and the Trojan Horse programs behind WinAntiVirus Pro, a dangerous and deceptive piece of malware. Get SUPERAntiSpyware here. Web Browsers
Be sure to read the version 3.0.1 release notes.
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 Spybot Search & Destroy's Tea Timer and SD Helper functions should be disabled before upgrading to IE7. They may be reenabled after IE 7 installation. Ideally, anti-virus programs' real-time protection component should be disabled prior to installation. However, most users have been able to install IE7 without taking this step. Don't forget to re-enable anti-virus and anti-spyware real-time protection components! Last updated 7/20/2008 |
