You’re probably used to hearing the maxim, “you get what you pay for.” However, while it’s true in many areas of life, it doesn’t necessarily apply when it comes to maintaining your computer.
There are many free and inexpensive tools available to help you protect and maintain your system. It seems too good to be true, but there really are excellent tools that you can download free from trusted sites, including antivirus programs, spyware and bot removers, and several other tools to protect you from malware, or malicious software, such as Trojans, keyloggers, and browser hijackers.
If your computer runs slow, crashes, changes your homepage, or anything else that doesn’t feel right, your system is likely infected. It is imperative to keep your antivirus software updated and to scan your system regularly. Still, antivirus can’t always detect everything, so it makes sense to also run at least one spyware detection and removal tool. Actually, it is better if you run more than one, to pick up objects that other applications may have missed. A personal firewall is also a good idea.
Many products (including those below) can be downloaded free at Major Geeks, a very good site. Each one has been “geek tested” and you can check the ratings.
Check out these tools:
Ad Aware
This is a free program for personal use (there is also a pay version). Developed and maintained by Lavasoft, Ad Aware is a quality spyware removal tool. It is easy to use, offers frequent updates, and removes a variety of problems.
Spybot Search and Destroy
This is another easy to use product offered free of charge. Like Ad Aware, it removes a variety of problems, including tracking cookies. Run this with Ad Aware as the two tend to pick up different objects.
Zone Alarm
Developed by Zone Labs, Zone Alarm is free for personal use. There are other (paid) versions of Zone Labs firewalls available, including a professional version. To learn more, read Why You Need a PC Firewall.
Related:
Check out the Families.com Computer Blog for great information about your computer. There is a section on Computer Security.