AVG Anti Virus Free Edition -- Win9x, WinME, WinNT, Win2K, WinXP
This is probably the best freeware anti virus utility available, and amazingly, it is much better than most for-pay anti virus utils. I've had the chance to work with it on several computers for some time now, and I am very impressed. AVG Anti Virus Free Edition is certified for Win2K users and boasts a 100% detection rate. AVG sports some very advanced protection technologies such as an e-mail scanner which not only is very effective, it also uses no noticable resources. Additionally, it marks e-mails as scanned safe, both incoming and outgoing. AVG also updates it's virus databases as well as program features regularly. You shouldn't be without virus protection, and as you can see, this is at the top of the list. There's a very good reason for that. It's the best.
(Last updated: 5/2/04)
BitDefender -- MS-DOS, Linux, Palm OS, WinCE
SOFTWIN, maker of BitDefender security products, claims to be the first company in the world to foresee the explosion of Instant Messaging applications and the need to close the security loopholes left by these in the IT environment. Additionally, they produce freeware anti virus products for those long-forgotten MS-DOS users and for the Linux community. Read more...
(Last updated: 9/9/02)
ZoneAlarm -- Win9x, WinME, WinNTx, Win2K, WinXP
Getting a little paranoid about Trojans? You probably should be. ZoneAlarm is an Internet security utility, a firewall, that allows you to control how and when applications talk to the Internet. ZoneAlarm displays Internet activity visually, so you know which applications use the Internet and which try to act as a server (trust me, it is very important to know this). It also a has an e-mail protection feature which works better than many anti virus utilities at containing scripts that come to you as attachments. Regardless of the method you use to connect to the Internet, ZoneAlarm should be part of your security package. The most recent version has some advantages, but I still prefer version 2.6.362.
(Last updated: 5/26/03)
Agnitum Outpost Firewall -- Win9x, WinME, WinNT4, Win2K, WinXP
The final version of Outpost Personal Firewall was released earlier this year after extensive beta testing. While I tried Outpost during it's beta phase, I didn't feel comfortable recommending it until it went final. Do not try to use this in conjunction with any other firewall, something you can do with ZA and Tiny, listed above. Outpost allows the user a greater range of configuration options than ZoneAlarm.
(Last updated: 3/24/02)
SwatIt Trojan Scanner -- Win9x, WinME, WinNTx, Win2K, WinXP
SwatIt is a Completely free program that scans your files for Trojans, Worms, Bots and other Hacker programs. SwatIt can detect and remove over 3000 different Trojan programs plus variants. There are regular Trojan definitions updates available that can be downloaded and installed with the click of one button. This is an excellent simple freeware Trojan scanner and is a wise addition to your arsenal of security measures. Read more...
(Last updated: 3/21/04)
Trust Setter -- IE5+
Trust Setter is a dandy little addition to Windows EI5+ that allows you to quickly and easily move sites to IE's Trusted and Restricted Zones. You can use this to stop all sites (except the ones you want to allow) from displaying pop-up ads or writing cookies to your computer. You can remove sites from Zones by clicking Trust Setter button a second time if you change your mind. Read more...
(Last updated: 9/9/02)
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer -- WinNTx, Win2K, WinXP
Microsoft replaced the Personal Security Checker with a free downloadable tool (as opposed to the online Personal Security Checker) that searches for security flaws in your WinNT, 2K or XP operating system. Download it and use it often. Read more...
(Last updated: 4/15/02)
Trend Housecall Free Online Scan -- Win9x, WinME, WinNTx, Win2K, WinXP
As a supplement to any anti virus, you can thoroughly scan your system without installing any software. Trend Housecall's web scanner is kept more up to date than 99% of home computers. Go there and scan your system regularly -- it's free and it flat works.
(Last updated: 11/23/01)
Panda Antivirus Free Online ActiveScan -- Win9x, WinME, WinNTx, Win2K, WinXP
Like Trend's Housecall free online virus scan, Panda's ActiveScan free on-line disinfection will help rid your computer of viruses. You don't need to install any programs, just connect to the Internet and simply use their java applet scanner to scan and if needed, clean your computer. It claims to eliminate viruses from all parts of your system, even compressed files and e-mail. Panda's online scanner is updated at least once daily.
(Last updated: 8/28/02)
Jason Levine's IRC Bot Detector -- Win9x, WinME, WinNT4, Win2K, WinXP
Recently, Steve Gibson's GRC.com was the subject of repeated Denial of Service attacks which brought down his web site. This chronicle of the events makes for fascinating reading. More importantly, your computer could be infected with one of the dreaded Zombies without your even knowing it. You can download a tool for detecting Zombie bots on your system, courtesy of Jason Levine.
If you find one of the IRC bots on your system, delete it and look into some of the security measures for your computer listed on this page. I would also recommend reviewing your safe computing practices.
(Last updated: 9/3/01)
AntiVir -- Win9x
There's no excuse. No one should be without good, quality virus protection. And now, for private use, you have more choices than ever. The fine folks at H+BEDV have made AntiVir for Win9x or NT available free of charge for personal, private use. This is a full featured anti virus program complete with regular updates available through an online wizard (like Norton's "Live Update") and free support via e-mail. The ideals of utopian philanthropy are alive and well on the internet folks. This is virtual proof.
(Last updated: 9/6/01)
F-PROT For DOS -- DOS
In formulating a complete security scheme, you may wish to consider a robust and effective anti virus utility which can be used in DOS. F-PROT can be used as a supplementary scanner and might come in perticularly handy if your Windows installation won't load for some reason. F-PROT also carries an excellent free script control tool on the same page. Read more...
(Last updated: 10/16/01)
iDecide -- Win9x, Win2K
iDecide is a plug in for you IE4 or 5 folks (a Netscape version is in the works) that allows you to find out who is tracking you with cookies, to block the trackers, and now, with the latest version of this beta software, you can delete specific tracking cookies. If you value your privacy, check out iDecide.
(Last updated: 6/2/00)
ZeroClick 2 -- Win9x, WinME, WinNTx, Win2K
If you occasionally get a wee bit paranoid about privacy, this freeware utility is just what you need. ZeroClick 2 is a tiny program which does only one thing, and does it well. It allows you to completely block that scourge of cookies, Doubleclick. This in turn prevents their banner ads, their cookies and their tracking of your activities. If you aren't familiar with Doubleclick, launch Windows Explorer and find your Cookies folder, usually in your Windows directory. Open it and look for a file with the word "doubleclick" in the name (or just press F3 and search your entire HDD for *doubleclick*.*). That's right, you're being tracked when you're on line. Block it with ZeroClick 2. It's very easy to use.
(Last updated: 12/3/00)
DNSKong -- Win9x, WinME, WinNTx, Win2K
If you prefer a utility similar to ZeroClick 2 above, but more configurable, have a look at DNSKong. It not only allows you to completely block the despised Doubleclick, you can also configure it to block other nosey cookies as well. DNSKong is worth a look.
(Last updated: 12/2/00)
AnalogX Script Defender v1.02 -- Win9x, Win2K
My good buddy Bob recently suggested a good alternative to Computer Associates' eTrust. AnalogX Script Defender will intercept any request to execute the most common scripting types used in e-mail virus attacks, such as Visual Basic Scripting (.VBS), Java Script (.JS), etc. It's very simple to use and helps to ensure that you do not inadvertently run a script no matter what email program you use. Updated version, v1.02 now available.
(Last updated: 9/6/01)
System Safety Monitor 1.0
System Safety Monitor is a system monitoring tool with additional application firewalling. You can keep a list of trusted applications and be alerted each time a program that is not on your trusted list is executed. The optional black-list allows you to specify programs that will be prevented from running. You can also have System Safety Monitor alert you whenever a new start-up key is added to the registry. This allows you to prevent software from installing itself as an auto-start item in the registry without your knowledge. Read more...
(Last updated: 4/26/02)
Win2KXPdite -- WinXP
XPdite is a free utility for repairing a security hole in WinXP. According to Steve Gibson, without XPdite, or XP's Service Pack 1, clicking on a simple, but malicious, URL can delete the entire contents of your directories. Ever since its release, Windows XP has contained a critical flaw that could be trivially exploited at any time by any malicious hacker. By causing any Windows XP system to process a specially-formed URL (web-style link), the XP system would obediently delete all or most of the files within any specified directory. Read more...
(Last updated: 10/8/02)
LeakTest -- Win9x, WinME, WinNTx, Win2K
The biggest problem with highly technical products — like software firewalls — is that they are, complicated software. When viewed from a great distance they often seem pretty much alike. They all claim to be the latest state-of-the-art, most secure and amazing things ever to grace your hard drive, but few actually are. Many are simply junk. LeakTest will test your firewall to see if it really is doing what it claims to do.
(Last updated: 3/18/01)
SpyBlocker v4.7 -- Win9x, WinME, Win2K
SpyBlocker (look at item 12 on the page) blocks spyware from transmitting and receiving both banner advertisements and tracking information. SpyBlocker will work behind a firewall, but it does contain a built in server. The server replaces the advertising server and serves transparent GIFs instead of ads. If you have questions, check out the SpyBlocker Anti Spyware Software Forum here.
(Last updated: 2/22/05)
Cryptext -- Win9x, WinME, WinNT4, Win2K, WinXP
Cryptext is a fast, easy-to-use encryption program that makes files unreadable to those without the password. Cryptext is a public domain Windows shell extension that performs strong file encryption and runs on Windows 95 or later and NT4 or later.
(Last updated: 8/27/02)
PGP Freeware v6.5.8 -- Win9x, WinNT4, Win2K, MacOS
Do you have any reason to be concerned for the privacy of your e-mail messages? Remember PGP software? It was and is some of the very best, easy to use freeware (for private use) encryption software available. Now there's a new release for Win9x, WinNT and Win2K users. PGP Freeware v6.5.8 features PGPnet, which secures all TCP/IP communications between the local machine and any other machine running PGPnet. Also, you may now encrypt files or folders into Self-Decrypting Archives (SDAs) that can be used by users who do not even have PGP. The archives are completely independent of any application, compressed and protected by PGP's strong cryptography. Check it out.
(Last updated: 4/24/01)
Happy99.exe Cleaner -- Win9x
Some viruses and Trojans can be quite difficult to remove by even the best anti virus software. The Happy99.exe virus is such an example. Fortunately there is a free cleaner utility (scroll down to Anisoft AntiVirus - Happy99.exe Virus Remover) available from Anisoft.
(Last updated: 2/15/00)
BO Detect -- Win9x, Win2K
Trojans are a real problem. One of the most prevalent is the Back Orifice Trojan. Fortunately there is a free BO detector-cleaner available for download as well.
(Last updated: 2/15/00)
VBS.Stages.A Fix -- Win9x, WinNTx, Win2K
If you or someone you know has had problems with the latest e-mail virus worm VBS.Stages.A, this might interest you. Norton have a free removal tool for this virus. It's called the VBS.Stages.A Fix and it's effective and very easy to use.
(Last updated: 6/26/00)
PrettyParkCleaner -- Win9x
One of the most pernicious threats to your computer is known as Pretty Park. There is also cleaner available for this, so download it and be prepared.
(Last updated: 2/15/00)
Kill CIH Cleaner -- Win9x
Probably the nastiest, most insidious virus on the scene today is the dreaded Kill CIH abomination. Again, you have recourse. Download Symantec's tool for killing Kill_CIH now, before it's too late.
(Last updated: 2/15/00)
FIX-CIH -- DOS, Win3.x, Win9x, Win2K
This is a freeware util for repairing a computer infected by the CIH virus. From the makers of SpinRite 5.0, here is FIX-CIH data recovery tool for computers that have been infected and damaged by this deadly virus.
(Last updated: 9/6/01)
OptOut! Spyware Removal Tool -- Win9x, Win2K
Recent privacy concerns about how advertiser driven freeware was collecting information about users without their knowledge have prompted Gibson Research Corporation, makers of superb quality software, to introduce a solution. OptOut! Spyware Removal Tool is just that. It should help you keep control of any unwanted connections to or from your computer without your knowledge by advertisers. Special thanks to Zenwolf for bringing news of this release to our attention.
(Last updated: 3/19/00)
Ad-aware -- Win9x, WinME, WinNT4, Win2K, WinXP
Ad-aware, a free spyware detection and removal tool, will scan your system for known advertising systems and lets you remove them. Along with Steve Gibson's OptOut listed immediately above, you have the tools you need to verify your privacy. The new version removes more spyware. As always, make sure you use the latest signature files available, and update them as needed (Lavasoft provides a companion utility called Refupdate to help you keep your installation current).
(Last updated: 7/4/03)
GUIDClean -- Win9x, Win2K
I found this interesting. GUIDClean is a program to detect, display and modify the Global Unique Identifiers (GUID) that some MS Office products (Word and Excel) place in documents. Some consider GUID strings a breach of privacy which may be used to track documents and bind them to a particular user or machine.
(Last updated: 2/15/00)
Kill Docs -- Win9x, WinNT, Win2K, WinXP
If you are concerned about the contents of your Documents menu, Kill Docs provides a layer of security. You can set the program to automatically clear the Documents menu at a user-defined interval between 1 and 99 minutes or when you double click it's System Tray icon.
(Last updated: 3/18/04)
Backwork v2.12 -- Win9x, Win2K
I recently heard of a new freeware anti-trojan util. Backwork v2.12 also provides regular updates of their data files. To get started, you must download Backwork v2.12 and the latest data files.
(Last updated: 12/25/00)
NukeNabber -- Win9x, Win2K
If you ever go online ... er ... like now, you may want to consider running NukeNabber. If you worry the security of your PC against intrusion, it is just what you need. NukeNabber is a freeware port scanner that catches those nefarious attempts to snoop (or worse) your computer. Read all about it here.
(Last updated: 2/15/00)
Startdisk Ultimate Boot Disk -- Win9x
My good buddy Peter J sent word of a very useful util. The folks at Startdisk offer a great recover/boot disk util that features a virus scanner and more. Version 4.3 is now available for download.
(Last updated: 3/29/01)
Microsft Security -- Win9x, WinNT4, Win2K
I thought you security minded Windows users might appreciate this link to Microsft's Security page. There are several patches available for potential vulnerabilities.
(Last updated: 9/7/01)
Virus Removal Tools
This is one page that
everyone should have bookmarked. Symantec's SARC have developed tools to automatically conduct what would
often amount to extensive and tedious manual removal tasks. If your system has become infected, these tools
should aid you in repairing the damage. While you're there, check out their very useful online
scanner (you must have cookies enabled).
(Last updated: 9/7/01)
My Old Safe v2.1 -- Win9x, WinNT4, Win2K
Do more than one person ever access your computer? How about at work? Would you like to be able to keep some files private (like your resumé) even from the Systems Administrator? Do you ever wish you could easily encrypt certain files with a quick drag-and-drop? How would you like all this for free? OK. No problem. My Old Safe v2.1 offers reasonable security that's extremely easy to use.
(Last updated: 4/1/00)
Password Safe -- Win9x, Win2K
Do you have sixteen thousand, four hundred and sixty seven passwords you must remember? If you forget one of your passwords will civilization as we know it come to an abrupt end? Fortunately, a good buddy suggested the perfect solution. Safe and easy to use, utilizing the absolute security of Blowfish, Counterpane's Password Safe will store all your passwords in a single, encrypted file, easily accessible with one combination. At one time, only U.S. and Canada citizens could download PAssword Safe, but now anyone can.
(Last updated: 3/21/04)
