Internet Security

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Firewalls

• Zonelabs' ZoneAlarm

Great free firewall

Homepage

Download here

• Sygate Personal Firewall

Free alternative to ZoneAlarm

Homepage

Download here

• Kerio Personal Firewall

Another solid free firewall

Homepage

Download here

Antivirus

• Grisoft's AVG Antivirus

Very popular free AV software

Homepage

Download here

• Antivir

Common alternative to AVG

Homepage

Download here

Online virus scans

These free scans can be used to identify and eradicate viruses, however they cannot provide ongoing protection like AVG or Antivir.

• Housecall from www.TrendMicro.com • Scan here
  
  
• ActiveScan from www.PandaSoftware.com • Scan here
  
  
• Security Check from www.Symantec.com • Scan here
  
  
• FreeScan from www.Mcafee.com • Scan here

These scans are great to use in conjunction with your current AV software. Some software or online scans will not detect all cases of a virus on your system, so trying out a couple different scans will increase your chances of finding a virus on your sytem.



Anti-Spyware / Adware software

• Lavasoft's Ad-aware

The most popular free anti-spyware software on the net!

Homepage

Download here

• Spybot

Stops spyware before it gets on your pc

Homepage

Download here

• Javacool's SpywareBlaster

Alternative to Ad-aware and Spybot

Homepage

Download here

The Yahoo toolbar also has built-in anti-spyware software.

• Yahoo Toolbar

PopUp Ad Blockers

• South Bay Software's NoAds • Download from the homepage
  
  
• Bayden Systems' Pop-Up Popper • Download from the homepage
  
  
• EndPopUps • Download from the homepage

The Yahoo and Google toolbars also have built-in popup blocking software.

• Yahoo Toolbar
  
  
• Google Toolbar

Instant Messenger protection

Although most antivirus software includes IM protection, you may want a dedicated IM protection program.

• Zonelabs' IM Secure

Download from the homepage