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Google Toolbar from Google |
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One-click download link |
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If you
use Internet Explorer 5.0 or above, you can use Google to search from any
Web site location without returning to the Google home page. Internet
Explorer 5.5 or above users can take advantage of its great pop-up blocker!
Cost: Free |
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ZoneAlarm from Zone Labs,
Inc. |
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One-click download link
This is my
favorite firewall. Made by Zone Labs, it will render your computer invisible
to hackers’ probes. Hackers run scanning programs over the Internet, looking
for computers with electronic openings, called ports. A good firewall such
as ZoneAlarm makes your computer invisible to the scanners.
The goal of these intruders is to place a Trojan horse on your computer. The
rogue program uses the open port previously identified by a scanner.
However, ZoneAlarm blocks those transmissions. They can only go through if
you agree. Always say no, unless you recognize the program.
Cost: Free for personal use |
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AVG Antivirus from Grisoft |
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Download link |
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This antivirus program not only
protects your computer against viruses, worms and malicious code - it's
free! AVG AntiVirus allows you to scan on demand or at scheduled times. It
also features an e-mail scanner that supports most e-mail programs such as
Outlook Express and Eudora.
Cost: Free |
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Belarc Advisor from Belarc,
Inc. |
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One-click download link |
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This little gem will tell you
exactly what you’ve got on your computer. It takes seconds to run and
produces a window of easy-to-read information. Belarc displays information
on hardware and software.
Cost: Free for personal use |
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Ad-aware from Lavasoft |
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Download link |
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This program finds spyware, also
known as adware. These are little programs that advertising companies place
on our computers. They report back on our browsing habits. Run Ad-aware
weekly, and get this garbage off your hard drive.
Cost: Free |
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Spybot Search and Destroy
from PepiMK |
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Download link |
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This
program finds spyware, also known as adware. These are little programs that
advertising companies place on our computers. They report back on our
browsing habits. It allows you to fix registry inconsistencies related to
adware.
Cost: Free |
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Cloudmark SpamNet 2.1 |
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Download Now |
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Cloudmark SpamNet saves you time
by protecting you from spam automatically. The service is worry-free, so you
just install it in minutes and forget about it. Don't just protect yourself,
protect your friends, family, and the world from spam by joining the first
and largest spamfighting community.
SpamNet keeps over 95% of spam out of your inbox automatically, so spam
doesn't steal time from your day. If a spam message does slip thru into your
inbox, you just click the Block button and you and the hundreds of thousands
of community members don't get that spam ever again.
Don't let spam change the way you do e-mail like other anti-spam products
require. SpamNet just works instantly with no changes to your e-mail and it
gets better every second with the growth of the community.
Cost: Free $4 to buy |
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