It seems like not a month goes by without some sort of virus scare or Windows security update hitting the news. The Web can be a very scary place for the inexperienced computer user. And maintaining up-to-date security software can be relatively expensive. Companies like Symantec, McAfee, and now Microsoft all offer anti-virus programs, firewalls, and adware removers, but they don’t come cheap. More importantly, in order to keep those programs up to date on your computer, you have to have constant updates from the software providers, which usually requires a paid subscription.
In this article, I have profiled a few basic security programs you can download for free. It’s important to remember that free programs usually aren’t as comprehensive as paid subscription services. They often require more effort on your part to keep your software updated. (For an audio discussion of the limitations of free security software, click here.) But if you currently don’t have anti-virus or adware software on your computer, these free programs will go a long way to making your Internet experience more secure.
Anti-virus Software
I know of two free anti-virus programs you can download. The AOL Safety and Security Center is free if you are registered with AOL. I haven’t used this program, but it purports to keep you up to date on virus risks. The other free software that has been around for several years is Grisoft’s AVG Anti-Virus Free. I have used this on my home PC in the past, and I currently use it to protect my grandparents’ computer. You have to keep AVG Free up to date yourself most of the time, but it seems to do a decent job at protecting from viruses. And anything is better than nothing.
Firewall
If you use Windows XP as your operating system, you already have a built-in firewall. But like all Microsoft products, this can be vulnerable to attacks by hackers because so many people use it. For an added level of protection, you can download a free edition of the Zone Alarm firewall software. This software lets you set the level of protection you want and designate which programs you want to allow access to the Internet. You’d be surprised how many programs access your network while running. At first you have to okay a lot of programs, but Zone Alarm can remember which programs you have already designated safe. The software also updates itself periodically in order to stay current with new threats. Many experts highly recommend using this program.
Adware and Spyware Removal Software
Similar to viruses, adware and spyware are software installed on your computer by a third party during Web browsing. If you use Internet Explorer, adware and spyware are very difficult to avoid. They can hijack your browser to other Web sites, track your Internet activity, or even search for passwords or bank account numbers. There are two major free spyware programs you can currently download. The first and most popular is Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware SE, which is free for personal use. This software is easy to use and prompts you to update its database every so often.
A somewhat more technical but more powerful spyware removal program is Spybot Search & Destroy. This program helps make Internet Explorer safer, as well as immunizing your computer from malicious programs it has already identified. Spybot can often detect spyware that even Ad-Aware misses.
Common Sense
Finally, the most important way to keep your computer safe from viruses, hackers, and spyware is to use your head. Don’t click on email attachments from people you don’t know. Don’t open spam emails. If your browser prompts you to download something you can’t identify, don’t do it. When possible, use a browser other than Internet Explorer (such as Firefox or Opera). Download and install Windows Security Updates (with the exception of Windows Genuine Advantage Notification). Using a little bit of common sense will go a long way to keeping your computer safe and secure.
