The free version is the little brother of a-squared Anti-Malware and contains only the scanner to clean infected computers. It does not come with the following features: background guard, Auto-Update, scheduled scans or HiJackFree.
The disk scan checks all files on your system disks for Malware. The scanner scans for Spyware Traces. Currently there are more than 1.2 million different types of Malware that can be detected and removed.
Make your PC safer with this utility from Secunia, a company that tracks known vulnerabilities in software and operating systems.
This is one of the most useful and important free tools that you can have running on Windows XP SP2, Windows 2000 and Windows 2003.
This tool examines all of the program files on your PC for information on specific software builds installed and can identify missing Windows patches and outdated, insecure applications on your PC.
After examination, the data collected is sent to Secunia’s secure servers (https://psi.secunia.com/) and matched matched against their Signature Files which then determines the precise applications installed on your system.
Secunia state that they have more than 4,700 different programs in their File Signatures engine.
Once the scan is complete, which only takes a few minutes, Secunia PSI will categorize each program as “Up-To-Date”, “Insecure” or “End-of-Life”.
The results table presents the name and version number of your installed application. Clicking on the file name or the green information button will take you to a summary page with further information. If there is a blue button this will link directly to the file that will update or patch your software, if available.
On the summary page you will also receive a link to Secunia’s advisory about why your version is not safe, and explanations of the multiple versions of a program that you may see listed, as well as available updates and download locations.
Although Secunia PSI is not perfect, and it is still in Beta version, it is fairly useful at keeping your computer programs up-to-date, which also aids in your system security.
Secunia’s privacy statement states that they store information about your software for up to 12 months, but it does not collect any personal data beyond version numbers.
Note: The free Secunia PSI is available for Private/Home Users ONLY
As with any program installation, Backup or create a Restore Point before making any changes.
FreeFixer is a general purpose removal tool which will help you to delete potentially unwanted software, such as adware, spyware, trojans, viruses, and rootkits.
FreeFixer works by scanning a large number of locations where unwanted software has a known record of appearing or leaving traces.
The scan locations include the programs that run on your computer, the programs that start when you reboot your computer, your browser’s plug-ins, and your home page setting.
FreeFixer does not know which the bad files and settings are, so the scan result will contain items you want to keep and perhaps some that you want to remove.
To assist you when determining if anything should be removed you can find more information at FreeFixer’s Web site for each item in the scan result.
You can also save log file of your scan result and consult the FreeFixer helper forums.
There is also an in-depth user manual online here
FreeFixer is freeware and Windows 2000/XP/2003 compatible.
So you delete a file and it goes into your Recycle Bin, then you empty the Recycle Bin and it’s gone. You think so anyway. It isn’t. Windows simply removes the reference to the files, and with Recovery Software it is very easy to recover deleted items.
With these products you can safely shred confidential information. If you are replacing your PC or Hard Drive, would you leave any personal identification on it? Many people do, thinking that a reformat will wipe any sensitive data, yet most Recovery Software programs can easily recover these files. If it has been securely shredded it is almost impossible to recover depending upon the algorithm of the shredder.
File Shredder is a free program for Personal and Commercial use.It is a fast, safe and reliable utility.
You have the option to shred files or complete folders, along with 5 different algorithms:
Simple One Pass
Simple Two Pass
DoD 5520-22.M
Secure Erasing Algorithm with 7 Passes
Guttman Algorithm 35 Passes.
It has a Windows Shell Integration which means that you can right click any file or folder and select File Shredder which then gives you the option to Secure Delete, Remember to be deleted later or to Call Up the File Shredder which will open the program.
You will be asked for confirmation before shredding any items, they do NOT get shredded by adding them to File Shredder and you have the option to remove items before shredding is started.
You can also Shred Free Disk Space on your hard drive, which will shred unused or free space across the whole volume which includes previously deleted items. This option may take some time depending on which algorithm you choose and the speed of your PC.
The author of this program has issued it in the belief that everyone has the right to permanently remove private and confidential documents as a basic right to privacy.
File Shredder is compatible with Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 Server and Vista.
The download file is 1.2 mb and is available here.
There is another File Shredder from HandyBits, which is free for personal use only and again is compatible with Windows OS.
This shredder features simple drag&drop files or folders to the Desktop Icon, over writing data up to 15 times, Windows Shell Integration, Multi Language Support, Custom Backgrounds, a Drop Target Window which stays on top of other windows, Useful Tips and Online Help.
The download file is 1.55 MB and is available here
A word of caution.
Backup your system before making any changes.
Any files that are accidentally deleted to the Recycle Bin and subsequently deleted upon emptying the Recycle Bin can be recovered using a recovery program such as Recuva.
Once shredded using file shredders, they may well be beyond normal recovery methods.
Try this very simple and easy to use state-of-the-art encryption utility. Even for novice users this is the easiest and most reliable way to secure your data with strong encryption.
This product is multi-lingual, available in: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish languages. Just choose from the language list inside the program, and it will appear in the language preferred by you.
You can encrypt both standalone files and complete folders. The high level security is ensured by using the 128-bit key BlowFish algorithm.
You can build self-extracting encrypted and compressed archives and send them to others. The only thing a recipient needs to extract the encrypted files is the correct password.
You can add several files or folders to an encrypted EasyCrypto ZIP file. When you send this type of archive to someone, the recipient just needs to install EasyCrypto to extract the folders.
After you encrypt files, EasyCrypto automatically and securely wipes the originals.
You can encrypt and decrypt your files or folders from Windows Explorer integration. Simply select the files/folders you want to process, right click with your mouse and from the pop-up menu select encrypt or decrypt.
To avoid situations where you try to encrypt a file/folder already encrypted, or decrypt a file/folder which has not been encrypted, the program first checks the file/folder to check the status before processing.
Should your PC shut down or suffer power loss, your data remains intact. EasyCrypto copies the files before processing.
You can assign names for the passwords you use. For encrypting you just have to enter the assigned name rather than the password and confirmation each time. For decrypting, you will still need to enter the password.
Customize the program appearance to suit yourself, with a choice of 11 backgrounds.
Context sensitive tips are shown in the top section of the window. This will help you to use EasyCrypto in the simplest way.
In the Help menu you can get further support via the internet.
This program is Free for Personal use
FreeFixer is a general purpose removal tool which will help you to delete potentially unwanted software, such as adware, spyware, trojans, viruses, and rootkits.
FreeFixer works by scanning a large number of locations where unwanted software has a known record of appearing or leaving traces.
The scan locations include the programs that run on your computer, the programs that start when you reboot your computer, your browser’s plug-ins, and your home page setting.
FreeFixer does not know which the bad files and settings are, so the scan result will contain items you want to keep and perhaps some that you want to remove.
To assist you when determining if anything should be removed you can find more information at FreeFixer’s Web site for each item in the scan result.
You can also save log file of your scan result and consult the FreeFixer helper forums.
There is also an in-depth user manual online here
FreeFixer is freeware and Windows 2000/XP/2003 compatible.
So you delete a file and it goes into your Recycle Bin, then you empty the Recycle Bin and it’s gone. You think so anyway. It isn’t. Windows simply removes the reference to the files, and with Recovery Software it is very easy to recover deleted items.
With these products you can safely shred confidential information. If you are replacing your PC or Hard Drive, would you leave any personal identification on it? Many people do, thinking that a reformat will wipe any sensitive data, yet most Recovery Software programs can easily recover these files. If it has been securely shredded it is almost impossible to recover depending upon the algorithm of the shredder.
File Shredder is a free program for Personal and Commercial use.It is a fast, safe and reliable utility.
You have the option to shred files or complete folders, along with 5 different algorithms:
Simple One Pass
Simple Two Pass
DoD 5520-22.M
Secure Erasing Algorithm with 7 Passes
Guttman Algorithm 35 Passes.
It has a Windows Shell Integration which means that you can right click any file or folder and select File Shredder which then gives you the option to Secure Delete, Remember to be deleted later or to Call Up the File Shredder which will open the program.
You will be asked for confirmation before shredding any items, they do NOT get shredded by adding them to File Shredder and you have the option to remove items before shredding is started.
You can also Shred Free Disk Space on your hard drive, which will shred unused or free space across the whole volume which includes previously deleted items. This option may take some time depending on which algorithm you choose and the speed of your PC.
The author of this program has issued it in the belief that everyone has the right to permanently remove private and confidential documents as a basic right to privacy.
File Shredder is compatible with Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 Server and Vista.
The download file is 1.2 mb and is available here.
There is another File Shredder from HandyBits, which is free for personal use only and again is compatible with Windows OS.
This shredder features simple drag&drop files or folders to the Desktop Icon, over writing data up to 15 times, Windows Shell Integration, Multi Language Support, Custom Backgrounds, a Drop Target Window which stays on top of other windows, Useful Tips and Online Help.
The download file is 1.55 MB and is available here
A word of caution.
Backup your system before making any changes.
Any files that are accidentally deleted to the Recycle Bin and subsequently deleted upon emptying the Recycle Bin can be recovered using a recovery program such as Recuva.
Once shredded using file shredders, they may well be beyond normal recovery methods.
This is a very nasty and insidious spyware/malware program. Spyware experts are now saying that the makers are borrowing code from other malicious programs to install rootkit like features on infected machines.
More recent versions of CWS spyware now have features similar to rootkits which allow the program writers to hide their files on Windows operating systems.
These new variants can hide their settings in the registry and also hide rootkit files in alternate data streams.
The software is usually installed on a machine by visits to malicious websites or emails using various ploys to get users to download and install the script.
Once installed, CoolWebSearch will hijack browsers and redirect users to some of the several bookmarks it imports. When you attempt to change your homepage back again it constantly overwrites it, it slows down general performance and causes Windows to freeze, crash or reboot, and can also make you victin to a Denial of Service (DOS) attack.
Getting rid of it is now much easier. TrendMicro have a free CoolWebSearch removal program
Use this utility to get rid of CoolWebSearch and it’s related programs.
Also download Spybot S&D and use its TeaTimer protection, which runs in the background and alerts you to any attempted registry changes.
If you are running Windows, also use Advanced Windows Care. Both of these programs will add a large number of changes to your Registry. This is nothing to be concerned about as the changes are necessary to stop any nasties from attching themselves to your pc and making changes you really don’t want.
Keep your anti-spyware up to date and if you click on any links that prompt you to download, read the EULA first.
Check for rootkits on your machine.
As with all programs, regular updates is essential to offer you greater protection.
OpenDNS is a safer, faster, smarter and more reliable way to navigate the Internet.
Based in San Francisco, OpenDNS operates a large distributed network that powers a new kind of Domain Name System service that provides all Internet users increased security, reliability and performance.
Features:
CacheCheck
Custom Image
Custom Message
Network Management
Network Shortcuts
Typo Corrections
Stats and Logs
Whitelist
Block Adult Sites
Block Phishing sites
Block Domains
Compatible with:
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows ME
Windows 98
Windows Mobile 5
Mac OS X
Mac OS 9
Linux/Unix
Mobile: Palm OS 5, Win Mobile 5 (Smartphone & PocketPC), Nokia S60
Nintendo Wii
Network Forwarding
If you connect through a DSL, Cable or WiFi Router, you can change your router settings instead of your PC so everyone on your network can benefit from this.
Eusing Free Registry Cleaner is a free registry repair software that allows you to safely clean and repair registry problems with a few simple mouse clicks. It offers a simple, user-friendly interface with which you can safely repair invalid entries in your Windows Registry.
Grisoft has developed quite a following with its free (for personal, non-commercial use) security applications, and for good reason.
Now there’s an anti-rootkit utility in AVG’s free software stable, too, and for users seeking a minimum of interaction, AVG Anti-Rootkit Free may very well be the Right Tool for the Job.
Grisoft makes its free AVG Anti-Rootkit application available for download. Users download the avgarkt.exe setup file, which features simple installation.
You may download a free version of AVG Anti-Rootkit here.
In keeping with the goal to make AVG Anti-Rootkit a very simple tool, the file features a simple .exe install file that triggers a setup wizard.
Users can select between a normal interface (which Grisoft recommends and sets as the default) or a low graphics interface (which is optimized for visually impaired users who rely on screen-reading programs).
Users must accept the AVG Anti-Rootkit Free license agreement before they can use the program to check their Windows system for stealth rootkit programs.
Next, users must specify the location of the AVG Anti-Rootkit Free installation files.
As with most software programs, users must specify the name of the Start Menu Folder. This is the name the AVG Anti-Rootkit application receives on the user’s Start menu.
Once users have specified all setup information, the free anti-rootkit utility installs itself.
Due to the way most anti-rootkit applications operate, it’s necessary to reboot Windows to enable proper operation. AVG’s free anti-rootkit application is no different. AVG’s setup utility gives users the option of rebooting immediately automatically or manually rebooting later.
AVG purposefully keeps its anti-rootkit interface simple. There are very few options for users to choose, thereby helping simplify the already confusing and complex world of rootkits.
AVG includes concise educational information aimed at helping regular (non-IT professionals) better understand the threat stealth rootkit programs present.
The Learn More tab lists information on what rootkits are and how users can protect their PCs from the stealth threats. There’s also a link to Grisoft’s site where additional computer security information is made available.
Users can check for AVG Anti-Rootkit Free updates using the third tab (About & Update). Clicking the About & Update tab also reveals the current version users have installed.
An interesting note, Grisoft informs users on this third tab why the AVG Anti-Rootkit uses random window titles. The reason is that AVG’s programmers wanted intentionally to change the name of the window the free anti-rootkit application uses to help thwart detection efforts rootkit hackers might program into their malware.
If users click the Check For New Version button found on the third About & Update tab, they are directed to Grisoft’s Web site. Here users will see whether the version they are using is current or whether updates must be downloaded.
The Search For Rootkits tab is the meat of the program and the reason users will download it in the first place.
Clicking the Search For Rootkits button triggers a search of stealth rootkit programs. The free AVG application tracks its progress in the progress bar at the menu’s bottom.
By default, the Search For Rootkits button only searches critical Windows directories on the root drive.
When no rootkits are found, AVG presents a congratulations window.
When rootkits are found, AVG displays those that are found (with information on the rootkit path and type). Users can then highlight the rootkit items in question and click the Remove Selected Items button to eliminate the offending files from their Windows systems.
With the In-Depth Search, however, AVG Anti-Rootkit searches for stealth rootkit files on all the hard drives and partitions within a system.
Just as with the simple rootkit search, the AVG Anti-Rootkit Free application tracks its progress as it works. Should users wish, they can terminate the search using the provided Stop button.
These are all the options a user can select when working with AVG’s free anti-rootkit program. By purposefully keeping the application easy to use, AVG engineers have created a free malware detection utility that’s the Right Tool for regular (personal) users seeking to check their systems for unwanted stealth software.
A real-time protection solution against spyware!
SpywareGuard provides a real-time protection solution
against spyware that is a great addition to
SpywareBlaster’s protection method.
An anti-virus program scans files before you open them and
prevents execution if a virus is detected - SpywareGuard
does the same thing, but for spyware! And you can easily
have an anti-virus program running alongside SpywareGuard.
SpywareGuard now also features Download Protection and
Browser Hijacking Protection!
Features Listing:
Fast Real-Time Scanning engine - catch and block spyware
before it is executed (EXE and CAB files supported) with
signature-based scanning for known spyware and
heuristic/generic detection capabilities to catch
new/mutated spyware
Download Protection
Prevent spyware from being download in Internet Explorer
Browser Hijacking Protection
Stop browser hijacking activity in real-time
SG LiveUpdate
Provides an easy updating solution
Small size
With a small size and small definition sizes, download and
updates are quick
Report Capabilities
Keep a detailed log of all spyware detected
Spyware files are blocked before being opened or run -
they are not simply shut down after they are loaded in
memory (and after they have performed their tasks)
It’s a free download and is freeware
Get it here:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3045.html
SpywareGuard is compatible with: Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP
SpywareBlaster can help keep your system spyware-free and
secure, without interfering with the “good side” of the web.
Spyware, adware, browser hijackers, and dialers are some
of the fastest-growing threats on the Internet today.
By simply browsing to a web page, you could find your
computer to be the brand-new host of one of these unwanted
fiends!
The most important step you can take is to secure your
system.
SpywareBlaster is the most powerful protection program
available.
Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware,
browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted
software.
Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and
Mozilla/Firefox.
Restrict the actions of potentially unwanted sites in
Internet Explorer.
SpywareBlaster can help keep your system spyware-free and
secure, without interfering with the “good side” of the web.
And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to
remain running in the background.
Get yours from:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/SpywareBlaster_d2859.html
SpywareBlaster is freeware for personal and educational use.
Lavasoft believe that every individual, regardless of
economic status or geographic location, should have the
power to control their individual privacy and security.
Lavasoft is the original anti-spyware company, and they are
still delivering the best protection today. After all, over
300 million computer users around the world can’t be wrong!
With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives,
and external storage devices for known data-mining,
advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware 2007 easily
can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher
degree of privacy while you surf the Web.
Ad-Aware 2007 includes a redesigned engine, improved code
sequence identification, incremental definition updates,
one-click Web-history cleanup, multiple browser support,
and other new features.
One of the first applications built to find and remove
adware and spyware, Ad-Aware 2007 maintains Lavasoft’s
excellent reputation.
The interface features two skins and six tabs in the. The
first two, Status and Scan, initiate file scans for adware.
After scanning is complete, the program presents a results
summary, followed by a line-item list from which you can
select which components to remove. There is also an option
to create a system restore point. Right-clicking an
individual entry gives some information about suspected
adware.
The third button offers real-time defenses but only in the
paid version. Web Update, the next button, controls
definition file updates. The fifth button, Tools and Plug-
ins, shows you which plug-ins are installed and controls
TrackSweep, the new browsing tracks cleaner. TrackSweep is
the only free function here. Smoothly integrated into the
application, it wipes the cache, cookies, and history, and
other traces left by browsing.
Settings is last, and provides access to auto-scans,
browsers, scanning, the interface, and log files. The
application does an excellent job of removing most malware
components. Despite the restrictions on the free edition,
this is a fully functional adware remover, and Ad-Aware
2007 should be part of your defence system.
More Key Features
User-Controlled Spyware Removal - Decide for yourself what
to delete from your system and what to keep.
Extensive Detection Database - Stay protected with regular
updates from the extensive library of identified and
analyzed spyware.
System Restore Point - Easily revert back to your clean
system to recover from a spyware attack.
Surf the Internet with peace of mind and let Ad-Aware
shield you from dangerous intruders and prying eyes.
Preserve your computer investment with regular scans to
identify and remove malicious applications that eat up
memory and steal bandwidth so your computer runs as
smoothly as the day you bought it.
At present it is not compatible with Windows Vista, which
can install the program, but it sometimes crashes or hangs
during scans. A Vista-compatible edition will be released
in August 2007.
Download it free from here:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
Note: Ad-Aware 2007 Free is free of charge for personal
home use only. Commercial use is prohibited. For real-time
protection and advanced options, paid versions are
available from Lavasoft at www.lavasoft.com.
One thing that is often overlooked is defragmenting your
hard drive(s).
This program eliminates that. Once installed, it will sit
in your System Tray and when your CPU drops to 20% or less
it will automatically start to defragment and optimise your
drive(s). You can also use the manual Defrag and set to to
Comprehensive.
It runs efficiently in the background with very little
processor usage.
The Most Efficient Defragmenter
The main cause of slow/unstable PC performance is disk
fragmentation. IObit SmartDefrag helps defrag your hard
drive most efficiently. With “Install it and forget it”
feature, it works automatically and quietly in the
background on your PC, keeping your hard disk running at
its speediest. Slow down, freeze-ups and crashes will be a
thing of the past. IObit SmartDefrag is 100% FREE for
personal, home and small business, and 100% safe from any
spyware, adware and virus. IObit SmartDefrag is designed
for Windows Vista, XP and 2000.
Simple to use
Install it and forget it.
The intuitive interface makes IObit SmartDefrag the ideal
utility even for complete dummies.
Efficient Defragment.
No more long time waiting. IObit SmartDefrag has the
fastest defragment engine in the world, especially designed
for modern large hard drives.
Optimize File System
It isn’t just a simple defragment, it also streamlines
your file system and makes your computer run at higher
speeds with more stability.
Always-on Working
IObit SmartDefrag works automatically and quietly in the
background, constantly keeps your computer fragment-free.
Free
IObit SmartDefrag is 100% freeware. You can get it and
update it at no cost whatsoever.
Download it here:
http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html#
Any problems, try the Forum, FAQ or Contact Me.
Safe surfing everone
cotojo
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