hackers (not all hackers), viruses, and spyware are rampant when
online, and not taking precautions can mean lost data or even worse,
identity theft. Frankly, if your computer is unprotected, you are
rolling the dice every time you go online. Certainly many users already
know this and are already using trusted software, or have other
security measures in place to ensure safe surfing. This Killer Download
is for those who don't or anyone who has questions regarding their
safety online.
Here are my current Top 3 free applications I use at home.
Comodo Firewall Pro
offers solid protection against threats by learning your computing
habits and what applications you use. This way, if something out of the
ordinary occurs, you'll get a notification giving you the option to
block suspicious connections to your computer. The interface is easy to
understand and guides you through the setup process to make sure you're
protected. It's important to note that you will get a lot of
notifications in the beginning as Comodo Firewall learns your habits.
However, after awhile a window might pop-up which seems suspicious and
you'll be glad you have the ability to lock out a potential threat. As
an alternative, the free version of ZoneAlarm Firewall is another solid firewall.
Use the tabbed interface to get to all of this applications features.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Spyware Terminator
is my current favorite for antispyware applications. It has a slick
interface, performs relatively fast scans, and includes free real-time
protection. So many antispyware demos scan, but don't remove malware
before you pay the registration, or they do scan and remove,
but the real-time protection is locked. Spyware Terminator has all the
features of the paid applications, but it's absolutely free. One word
of caution: I'm not fully sold on the real-time protection in Spyware
Terminator because it seems to notify me a lot, even to the
point of repeat notifications. Whether you choose to have real-time
protection on or off, if you stick to a scan schedule, this application
will keep your system clean. Another great alternative is the ever
popular Ad-Aware 2007, but you won't get the real-time protection without paying.
Check this summary screen often to make sure you're up to date.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition
rounds out my Big Three with solid antivirus protection at no cost.
This reliable application quickly scans drives for every form of virus,
trojan, and worm, letting you delete or quarantine anything it finds.
It lets you focus your search to specific types of scans, and select
drives if you have a hunch about a particular problem. This application
also offers a real-time guard, so you can stop a virus before it takes
root. Like any antivirus program (or antispyware program for that
matter) AntiVir will only remain a contender if they keep updating
their virus definitions, and so far they are perfect. Your alternative
for the third slot of The Big Three is the well known AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition which is definitely worthy of any home computer security system.
If you don't have a program which fits each of these three security
types, download and install them now. Though no security system can be
foolproof, once you have the Big Three covered on your home computer,
you'll be able to surf much more safely.
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