Because I specialise in solutions for people on a budget, I often get asked about inexpensive security software.
Here is a set of links to solutions and related information that I and many of my clients have been using successfully for many years now. Just click on the links and follow the provider's instructions to download and install the software.
(NOTE: Trying to run more than one anti-virus program at the same time can cause problems. If you have a subscription-based anti-virus program already installed, and you wish to change to a free one, then I recommend that you uninstall the old program before installing the new one. Similarly with Spyware protection - don't try to have more than one anti-spyware solution installed simultaneously.)
This excellent anti-virus protection is free to downloAd and use, and updates are automatic and free also. AVG Free Edition is for private, non-commercial, single-home computer use only. Use of AVG Free Edition within any organization or for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.
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. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware.
Free to try, donations are invited if you use it and like it.
Pop-Up Stopper Free Edition - Panicware's Free PopUp Blocker, is a power ad blocker. This pop-up blocker features a powerful, yet easy to use, interface which allows quick access to its wide variety of features. Pop-Up Stopper Free supports Internet Explorer, Netscape & Mozilla only.
The Internet's quickest, most popular, reliable and trusted, free Internet security checkup and information service. And now in its Port Authority Edition, it's also the most powerful and complete. Check your system here, and begin learning about using the Internet safely.
NOT SURE IF THE EMAIL YOU RECEIVED IS A SCAM / HOAX?
If you receive a "chain-letter" type email warning you to watch out for some attachment that is going to destroy your computer, or that a product in the supermarket will make your hair turn green, check this site first.