 Best Rated Free Anti-Virus
Antivirus software is a must have. This link should give you the top rated free ones. AVG Free is my personal favorite. Download via link above or go direct to their homepage: AVG Free Personal Edition |
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ZoneAlarm Free Basic Firewall
A firewall is a must have. If you install this you can turn off the built-in Windows Firewall. This gives you control over applications and access. PC Tools Plus Free Edition Firewall is another highly rated firewall. |
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Anti-Malware & Anti-Spyware
Malware Bytes (Free for personal use) Ad-Aware Anti-Malware (Free for personal use) Spyware, malware, and forced advertisements are things you don't want on your computer. Technically these are not viruses, but can do more damage by mining your personal information, passwords, and identity. |
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AnyPassword
(Free Download)
AnyPassword from Roman Lab Software is an excellent security tool to keep your many passwords safe. I never trust Windows auto-complete and never let Windows remember ANY of my passwords. Keep them in this encrypted database instead! |
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Free Registry Cleaner
Eusing has a number of FREE tools to keep you PC tuned up. Cleaning the Windows Registry can improve PC speed dramatically. Run this tool at least once every three months. |
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Advanced System Care Free
PC Maintenance for Dummies! If this is all too confusing and you just want a simple all-in-one tool for registry cleanup, defragmentation, and spyware avoidance, try Advanced System Care Free. You'll still need anti-virus and firewall software. |
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Manual Maintenance
Remember to run Windows Defragmenter and a Registry Cleaner at least once a month. I suggest setting Internet Explorer to dump all temporary internet files when you are done on the Internet. To set this up: Click menus TOOLS -- Internet Options -- Advanced, then enable "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed" button, then click OK. |
Read and understand software licensing restrictions. These solutions are my personal
recommendations since I have successful experience with them. However, I make no promises that your
PC won't melt down, go up in smoke, or simply go to the dark side and never return. - Guy
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