Free Stuff

'Free' Packages

Zone Alarm, AVG and other internet security package providers offer free versions of their anti-virus/anti-spyware packages. They do this partly out of some sense of civic duty - some protection is better than none at all. But none of these outfits are going to give away the store. the 'free' versions of their packages are what you might characterize as 'dumbed-down' or limited capability editions of their flagship products. In short, they lack both the convenience and the capability of their for-sale cousins. So they're basically an incentive for you to upgrade to the full version of the package.

Our advice - DON'T go cheap when it comes to protecting your personal and confidential business data. This is the cheapest insurance that you'll ever buy. Get the full version of whatever you choose to use.

Microsoft Windows Defender

This package is built into Windows Vista and is free-for-the-download for Win XP users. It's one of the better stand-alone anti-spyware packages and it's certainly better than nothing at all. Windows Defender is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding over fifty (50) different ways spyware can enter your PC.

Participants in the worldwide SpyNet™ community play a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your PC so you stay up to date. Download this product from Microsoft.com. It's free for now, but Microsoft may at some point charge something for this product.

SpyBot Search and Destroy

This free-for-the-download package is also highly effective, but not quite as aggressive, fast or as automated as the Microsoft offering. Still highly recommended, though, and far better than nothing. SpyBot Search and Destroy