AVG Anti-Virus

Download AVG Free Edition and keep your PC healthy - as it's completely FREE with regular updates, there's no excuse not to have protection!

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Avast Anti-Virus

avast! 4 Home Edition is a full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users and non-commercial use.

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It's now more important than ever to have anti-virus software on your PC - but just as important to keep it updated against new threats! Both AVG and Avast! are excellent free products that will meet the needs of most users. However, they do have limitations and will not be updated as quickly against new threats. So for maximum security, they can't compete with the commercial products on the market such as:

McAfee VirusScan
Proven security that protects against viruses and spyware, McAfee VirusScan detects, blocks, and removes viruses and spyware, that may result in the loss of your irreplaceable documents, such as digital photos, family movies, and financial spreadsheets, identity theft and slower PC performance.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus

BitDefender 9 Professional Plus
The new and improved BitDefender scanning engines will scan and disinfect infected files on access, minimizing data loss. Infected documents can now be recovered, instead of being deleted.

F-Secure Anti-Virus
F-Secure home user solutions provide maintenance-free, easy-to-use protection against viruses and hackers.

Norton Anti-virus
Blocks online identity theft, Detects and eliminates spyware, Removes viruses and Internet worms, Protects against hackers.

CyberScrub AntiVirus Lifetime Edition
CyberScrub AntiVirus provides not only award winning technology, but security for the life of your PC! Why purchase antivirus each year? You will receive a five year update subscription at a low one year price. This antivirus is easy to use, yet fast and efficient. CyberScrub effectively stops viruses, worms, Trojans and more.

Sunbelt Kerio

the free and paid versions are the same. If you don't buy the product some advanced features are automatically turned off after 30 days.

The product will also nag you every time you start it, which you may find annoying however, its security is excellent & FREE.

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Comodo Firewall

The Award-Winning Comodo Firewall. It's Free. Forever. No Catch. No Kidding.

PC Magazine Online's Editor's Choice. Secures against internal and external attacks. Blocks internet access to malicious Trojan programs. Safeguards your Personal data against theft.

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Zone Alarm Firewall

You don't have to pay to increase your security when you can install Zone Labs award winning Zone Alarm for NOTHING!

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Jetico Personal Firewall

The Jetico Personal Firewall enables you to protect your computer against hackers and malicious software when networked or connected to the internet.

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If you have Windows XP, you have a basic firewall which has been slightly beefed up in Service Pack 2. The Windows XP firewall gives many people a false sense of security. Unlike stand-alone firewall software, the XP firewall does not block information going out of your PC. The bottom line: Your credit card numbers, passwords, account information and more could be sent from your PC to a hacker, without the XP firewall even detecting the breach. Researchers at David Matousec's matousec.com carried out tests on 21 leading products using 26 assessment programs known as "leak" testers. At the very bottom of the list, in 21st place & scoring a resounding zero, came Microsoft's own firewall.

To test your firewall, visit the Firewall Leak Tester

Commercial products include:

Ashampoo® FireWall PRO
The Pro version includes all the strong features of the regular version  monitoring of incoming and outgoing Internet traffic, one-click protection and more  but it also gives you a whole range of powerful additional features.

McAfee Personal Firewall Plus
On broadband or dial-up, McAfee Personal Firewall Plus provides a secure, always-on barrier between your computer's hard drive and hostile Internet threats.

Norton Personal Firewall™
With NortonT Personal Firewall 2006, you control what comes in and what goes out. A powerful firewall, it's your primary line of defense against hackers, automatically locking out intruders and protecting your identity and data while you're on the Internet.

ZoneAlarm® PRO
Delivers proactive firewall protection with multiple layers of security that stop inbound, outbound, and program attacks while remaining completely invisible to hackers.

Internet Security - updated on 23/02/07

CyberDefenderFREE 2.0

The All-Free Internet Security Suite. Effective against Spyware, Viruses, Malware, Trojan virus, Adware, Phishing scams, Spam, and Backdoors.

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This product does contain small ads - if you don't want the ads, you can pay a fee to remove them, or purchase one of the commersial offerings shown below.

This is the only FREE Internet Security Suite we're aware of (although it uses the standard Windows firewall rather than its own); if you require a complete package of protection, there are a large number of commercial packages available:

eTrust Internet Security Suite

eTrust TM Internet Security Suite provides comprehensive protection against viruses, hackers, identity thieves, spyware, spam and other online threats that can jeopardize your privacy, your data, and your PC's performance. It combines easy-to-use, business-strength technology with preconfigured settings and automatic updates that take the guesswork out of PC security.

Panda Internet Security 2007

The most complete protection so you can use the Internet with absolute peace of mind. It prevents data theft (login details, credit card numbers, etc.) and protects you from other Internet threats, such as viruses, spyware, hackers and online fraud. And now, for each Panda Internet Security 2007 product purchase, you will obtain protection for up to 3 PC’s!

Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0

Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0 processes all incoming and outgoing data on your computer, including email, Internet traffic and network interaction, without the need for additional security applications.

BitDefender Internet Security v10

BitDefender Internet Security v10 integrates ANTIVIRUS, ANTISPYWARE, FIREWALL, ANTISPAM and PARENTAL CONTROL modules into one comprehensive security package that protects all the security needs of an Internet connected family.

ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite

With ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite You Get: Network and Program Firewall, Operating System Firewall, Integrated Anti-Spyware and Antivirus, SmartDefense™ Service, Identity Theft Protection, Email Security, Anti-Spam and Anti-Phishing, IM Protection and Parental Control, Automatic Wireless Security.

McAfee Internet Security

Offers 10 in 1 Protection and complete online and PC security for your entire family. Stops Wireless Intruders, Identity Thieves, Spammers, and Predators. Protects your PC from viruses, hackers and spyware. Backs Up and Restores your photos, music and important files. Safeguards your identity and online experience so you can surf the Web, shop, bank, e-mail and instant message safely. Keeps your PC healthy and secure.

Ad-Aware

is designed to provide advanced protection from known Data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components.

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AVG Anti-Spyware Free

is a free anti-spyware protection tool developed by GRISOFT for home use.

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Spybot - Search & Destroy

can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm in trying to see if something snooped into your computer too.

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Windows Defender

is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.

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Spyware, adware and related applications have become some of the biggest problems faced by PC owners. Not only can your private data be transmitted to unknown companies, but many PC's taken for repair have nothing more than spyware slowing them down. Anti-virus software will NOT detect spyware! It is suggested to use more than one of these products to ensure thorough detection. The best anti-spyware programs,  WebRoot SpySweeper and  Spyware Doctor are both commercial products

Commercial offerings include:

Ad-Aware SE Professional & Plus
Ad-Aware SE Professional is designed to provide you with the highest level of protection against malicious spyware and malware including keyloggers, hijackers and downloaders.

Ashampoo® AntiSpyWare
Ashampoo AntiSpyWare protects you comprehensively against the full spectrum of new malware (malicious software) threats that you are exposed to on the Internet.

AVG Anti-Malware
Included: Virus and spyware protection for home and office.

McAfee Anti-Spyware
Proven security that helps prevent spyware McAfee AntiSpyware detects potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), such as spyware, adware, dialers, tracking cookies, and other unwelcome marketing programs before they compromise your personnal information, invade your privacy, or slow the performance of your PC.

Spyware Doctor (trial version) 5*
Spyware Doctor continues to be awarded the highest honors by many of the worlds leading PC publications such as PC Pro, PC Plus, PC Authority, PC Utilities, PC Advisor, PC Choice, Microdatorn, PC Answers Magazine plus number of reputable 5-star ratings including CNET's Download.com and Tucows.

WebRoot SpySweeper 5*
Spy Sweeper detects and successfully removes vicious programs like CoolWebSearch. For advanced protection, Active Shields defend your browser and operating system from attempted spyware installations. Enhanced Internet Explorer shields block changes to your browser settings. Several operating system shields reinforce its ability to catch spyware when it attempts to download, install or run on a user's PC.

The Internet impacts a child's world-view, and our ability to parent, more than any invention in modern times. Every family with children should have some form of Internet filtering and controls to protect their kids. Parental Control software provides today's Internet Parent with essential tools for this critical challenge.

The Internet is a fascinating place, full of rich and interesting information. But as a gigantic virtual community, it has "good neighbourhoods", "questionable neighbourhoods", and "downright bad neighbourhoods".

K9 Web Protection

As a parent (or simply as a concerned citizen of this virtual community), you might want a good set of guidelines about where to go in this gigantic place. Think of K9 Web Protection as part "guide dog" and part "watch dog", keeping those in your care away from the wrong parts of town.

With K9, you can decide which neighbourhoods are OK to visit, and which ones aren't. That ability makes a big difference when you're trying to provide a safe environment for children. K9 makes it easier to let your children explore and learn on the Internet, while you do what you can to keep them safe.

K9 Web Protection is a free Internet filtering and control solution for the home. K9 puts YOU in control of the Internet so you can protect your kids. Get K9 Web Protection...Free for home use!

Blue Coat is offering K9 Web Protection FREE for home use. Get K9 Now!

RadarSync's PC update suite

RadarSync's PC update suite makes it quick and easy to find updates for your PC's software applications and hardware (device drivers). Keep your system working safer, longer, and better by making sure it's fully updated; your PC is like a car - if you don't keep it tuned up you may see computer problems such as crashes, security holes and bugs, components and peripherals that don't work properly, and a slow computer.

RadarSync checks your PC against a database of over 90,000 files and provides you with a detailed and personalized list of updates YOUR computer needs. The database is updated weekly and frequent checks are you first line of defense against computer problems. Premium Service includes Direct links to downloads so you get the updates instantly and our Oops! Protection update "rollback" feature so you can update safely and with confidence.

Take the guesswork out of keeping your computer up-to-date -- try RadarSync's PC update suite today! Suite includes RadarSync ToolBox, RadarSync 2007, and RadarSync Toolbar.

Experts recommend updating your computer drivers and software applications as the best line of offense against computer problems. The fact is, computers aren't like televisions - you can't just plug them in and expect them to run for years without maintenance. If you want your computer to continue to work well, for several years, and deliver at its optimal level, you need to update your hardware and software frequently. If you've ever had a system crash, a dim screen, an overall sluggish or slow response to your commands, or a security breach, you've probably felt the effects of outdated drivers and software.

RadarSync ToolBox RadarSync's PC update plugin quickly tells you which of your computer's drivers and software applications need updating. Search the web to find these updates yourself, or join our Premium Service and get Direct Download links from your browser that give you instant access to the updates and Oops! Protection for safer updating. See RadarSync Online in PC Magazine: "New Utilities for a Happy, Healthy PC"

RadarSync Toolbar - Our toolbar lets you check for updates directly from your browser.

RadarSync 2007 PC update software. This version of RadarSync uses the same engine as our popular ToolBox, but delivers it as an application for non-IE users with additional features that help you more easily manage and install your updates.

PC INSPECTOR™ File Recovery 4.x

is a data recovery program that supports the FAT 12/16/32 and NTFS file systems.

Here are some of the new features in PC INSPECTOR™ File Recovery 4.x

• Finds partitions automatically, even if the boot sector or FAT has been erased or damaged

• Recovers files with the original time and date stamp

• Supports the saving of recovered files on network drives

• Recovers files, even when a header entry is no longer available. Competition products cannot recover such files.

PC INSPECTOR™ File Recovery 4.x is so-called FREEWARE. This means that the software does not cost you a single penny.

All you have to do is go to our download area to download the latest version of PC INSPECTOR™ File Recovery 4.x.

PC INSPECTOR™ File Recovery 4.x cannot help if you have mechanical problems with the disk drive. If the hard disk is no longer recognised by the BIOS or is making unusual noises, you should contact specialists such as Ontrack

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PC INSPECTOR™ smart recovery

is the new data recovery program from CONVAR for Flash Card™, Smart Media™, SONY Memory Stick™, IBM™ Micro Drive, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital Card or any other data carrier for digital cameras.

If you have unintentionally deleted or formatted pictures, videos or sound files on your data carrier or have pulled it out during a write operation, no matter - PC INSPECTOR™ smart recovery can easily, quickly and absolutely reliably reconstruct the lost data.

Using the software is child's play. PC INSPECTOR™ smart recovery runs on all Win 9x, ME, NT 4.0, XP and Windows™ 2000 systems.

PC INSPECTOR™ smart recovery the software with which you can recover your holiday pictures in seconds after unintentional deletion or a system error.

PC INSPECTOR™ smart recovery is also available bundled with many high-quality digital cameras - ask your salesperson.

* PC INSPECTOR™ smart recovery supports the following picture formats: .jpg, .amr, .tif, .bmp, .gif, Canon .crw , Fuji .raf , RICOH .raw, Olympus .orf (E-XX), Olympus .orf (C5050), Nokia 3gp, Kodak .dcr, Minolta .mrw, Nikon .nef (D1H/D1X), Nikon .nef (D2H/D2X), Nikon .nef (E5000/E5700), Sigma - Foveon .x3f, mp4, QuickTime .mov (Konica Minolta). Video files in .avi, QuickTime .mov format and audio files in .wav, .dss format can also be recovered.

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Open Office

Don't spend £00's on expensive office suites when Open Office is FREE & does everything a more expensive package can. Download ver 2 now and give it a try. OpenOffice.org is a free productivity suite compatible with all major office suites.

Open Office is the free, open source version of Sun's commercial Star Office, and has not only a word processor (Word), but also presentation software (akin to Powerpoint), spreadsheet (similar to Excel), database (like Access), drawing software, web editor, formula editor, etc. It can handle numerous Microsoft Word formats, the RTF format, its own compressed format, etc. The software is available on numerous platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and Solaris. You can also export your file in the PDF format.

Plus - Portable Open Office - A fully functional edition of OpenOffice.org optimized for use on an external USB drive. More specifically, you can connect the USB drive to another computer (which does not have Open Office installed), and run it directly from the USB drive without needing to install Open Office on that computer.

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With Google Docs & Spreadsheets, use our online editor to format documents, spell-check and more.

Upload Word documents, OpenOffice, RTF, HTML or text.
Download documents to your desktop as Word, PDF and more.
View your documents' revision history and roll back to any version.

Visit Google D&S

Zoho

offers a suite of online web applications that help increases your productivity. Zoho's diversified product line includes a word processor, spreadsheet application, database application, presentation application, a CRM, Collaboration Groupware & more!

• Zoho Plugin for Microsoft Office Edit your docs, spreadsheets both online & offline
• Zoho QuickRead View office files available online directly. Supported formats:doc, xls, ppt, odt, rtf, sxw, sxc, sxi, pps.
• Zoho API Build widget / applications quickly.

Visit Zoho

Firefox

is now available for download. Available in Windows, MacOS X and Linux versions, Firefox is safer, quicker and more stable than Internet Explorer. Why not give it a try, epecially as it's FREE?!

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NEW & Improved Internet Explorer 7!

A redesigned, streamlined interface, open multiple websites in one Internet Explorer window with tabbed browsing, automatically shrinks text for improved printing,

Robust new Internet Explorer 7 architecture and improved security features help protect you against malicious software, and help to keep your personal data safe from fraudulent websites and online phishing scams.

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It's a fast, fun and easy way to browse the Web. Opera 9 comes loaded with the tools to keep you productive and safe. Try it today, it's absolutely free!

Opera Mini™ is a fast and easy alternative to Opera's mobile browser, allowing users to access the Web on mobile phones that would normally be incapable of running a Web browser. This includes the vast majority of today's WAP-enabled phones.

Opera is the fastest, most secure browser available for S60 and Windows mobile handsets. Go to the mobile download page to see if your phone is supported. Learn more about Opera for Symbian S60, Windows Mobile, Smartphone and Windows Mobile, Pocket PC.

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If you have automatic update settings enabled in Windows, you will have probably updated your browser to Internet Explorer 7 (IE7), which has much improved security over the previous version. Furthermore, the introduction of add-ons & tabbed browsing is a major nod to the usability found in other browsers. However, Microsoft software has been/is a focus for security attacks and there is little to suggest this will change in the future.

With this in mind, there are several excellent alternatives with Mozilla Firefox 2 my choice. It's safer than IE, browses slightly faster than IE, is very stable and is more W3C standards compliant. It comes with abbed browsing and over 1000 free extensions (add-ons) that allow you to customize your browsers look & feel. Firefox is now my everyday browser though I still leave IE on my PC for the occasional web site that's designed around IE's non-standard features & quirks.

Another choice is Opera. It's a very fast browser, full featured, standards compliant and safe. Opera's features can be enhanced using Widgets, though there are not nearly as many of these available as Firefox extensions. Then again, it doesn't need as many extensions as a lot of the features added by Firefox add-ins are already available built into the standard Opera browser. There are also two versions of Opera for mobile devices too: Opera mobile & Opera mini, not to mention Opera 9 for Devices which brings the Web to set-top boxes, portable media players and other devices!

CCleaner

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware! :)

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Thunderbird e-mail client

The perfect companion to Firefox is Thunderbird - the Mozilla e-mail client. Thunderbird makes emailing safer, faster, and easier than ever before with the industry's best implementations of features such as intelligent spam filters, a built-in spell checker, extension support, and much more.

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Picasa

is a free software download from Google that helps you locate and organise all the photos on your computer, edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks, share your photos with others through email, prints and on the web: it’s fast, easy and free.

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GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed piece of software suitable for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. Many people find it extremely useful in creating logos and other graphics for web pages. The GIMP has many of the tools and filters you would expect to find in similar commercial offerings, and some interesting extras as well.

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A complete Web Authoring System to rival programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver.

Nvu makes managing a web site a snap. Now anyone can create web pages and manage a website with no technical expertise, or knowledge of HTML.

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Commercial offerings:

Mailwasher Pro

McAfee Anti-Spamkiller

Windows' basic search feature is old, slow & not very good. These free desktop search engines allow you to instantly search files, emails, and email attachments stored anywhere on your PC hard drive.

Fast – Easily search your entire hard drive in less than a second to pinpoint the right file, email, music or picture.
Fresh – New and updated files and new emails are indexed the instant they arrive on your hard drive.
Ultra-Light – Utilizes CPU, memory, and disk space efficiently to ensure continued high levels of system performance.
Easy to Use – Simply type words into the deskbar, and CDS finds all relevant documents in an instant.
Rock Solid – Fault-tolerant technology ensures that your PC is searchable at all times.

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PagePlus is so versatile and simple to use that even a desktop publishing novice will be up and running in minutes. With a whole host of preset document layouts, automated templates, fantastic color schemes and artistic effects, this free download enables anyone to produce professional looking results

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