Free Ways to Protect yourself (windows)

Thursday, July 31st, 2008
by Michael Sherlock

Everyday personal computers are hacked, sensitive data is stolen, and spyware is unknowingly installed. Protecting yourself is a huge issue with different types and costs for being ’safe’. You are never actually safe but programs can help to keep you with the strongest defense. In this case, security, can be obtained for no cost. Please note these solutions are for computers running windows.

1. SpywareBlaster-
   Spywareblaster is a strong piece of freeware that helps to protect your machine from spyware before it is installed. The way spywareblaster works is by limiting and disallowing the installation of activeX pieces of spyware and adware. This helps to keep non-infected machines safe and to minimize an increase of damage on an already infected machine. Definitions are updated frequently to keep your machine one step ahead of the game.
   Download SpywareBlaster.
2. Spybot search and destroy-
   Ok, so you have an infected machine. You don’t want to wipe the hard drive clean, the safest and most difficult option, but you can’t use it to the fullest knowing your information is being transmitted to god knows who. That’s what Spybot search and destroy is for. If the name didn’t tell you, spybot is a great quick program used to scan your machine to find malware, trojans, spyware and much more. Then is gives you the option to delete or quarantine the infected files to protect your data. Plus, it’s available in 54 languages so they are bound to have the language for you.
   Download Spybot search and destroy
3. ZoneAlarm Free-
   This free version of ZoneAlarm is a great firewall to have running on your machine. It’s very simple to use and system resources take a minimal hit. By far a must run application and the easiest way to protect your information from hackers. There are other version of the software besides this free version that offer additional features.
   Download ZoneAlarm Free version
4. AVG Anti-Virus free-
   This awarding winning piece of software is right now the number one download for free virus protection. Again, AVG offers different version of their software with additional features
   Download AVG anti-Virus Free edition

All these applications can be used alone, together, or mixed with others to protect you. These four are just my personal favorites for my windows machine. If you use all the free programs I mentioned above the lack of features in one program is covered by a feature in another. If you only want to run one program, you should be looking for a paid solution. For that, I suggest Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus.

I should also mention that these programs have all been tested on my personal windows xp machine. Past windows xp I’m pretty sure they will work with Vista but I can not vouch for that. Furthermore, Mac or Linux users, I would like to reiterate that these programs are not for you. In fact, your probably don’t even need any of these types of programs. Personally on my mac I don’t use any extra protection and have yet to have any problems.