Computer maintenance & protection - Useful Free software, and miscelaneous advice - (by PW)

Version 13/11/07

Going online without up-to-date anti-virus and firewall is madness.
Even with them, you may inadvertently acquire spyware.
I recommend all the software listed here.
It has been successfully used by me but I give no guarantees.
Read the suppliers material before deciding to use it.
There are free versions of all of them, though they are not always easy to find. If you cannot find them, let me know.
For independent reviews (& some of the free versions) see "ComputerActive"
THE REST OF THIS FILE MAY NEED UPDATING BUT THE CONCEPTS ARE SOUND!

Listed in order of importance
Type / Purpose of software	Name / Source If you find any broken links please tell me		Supplier's comment	PW comment
				Benefits	When to use it
Anti-Virus	Grisoft AVG Free edition Version 7.5, released 2/10/06		...join the millions of satisfied customers worldwide who ...now enjoy the benefits of AVG Anti-Virus Free.	Blocks incoming & outgoing viruses in emails. Scans drives for viruses. Frequent updates (1-2 days - Semi automatic)	Get the FREE version Running it at all times. Run a scan daily. Get frequent updates. Easy to use.
Firewall	ZoneAlarm	Here is the FREE version	Offers firewall protection and limited e-mail protection. (No more updates for Windows 98SE or earlier, but still works. PW)	Blocks malicious access. Updates every few weeks. Email notification / manual.	Get the FREE version Keep it running all the time. Easy to use.
Anti-spyware	Adaware		Ad-Aware SE Personal edition will comprehensively scan your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known Data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, selected Keyloggers, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components.	Seems to do what the supplier says. Updates about weekly - Manually	FREE. Run a scan once a week. Check for updates weekly. Easy to use.
Anti-spyware	Pest Patrol		"Protecting computers from hidden threats!"	Identifies pests. You then need to remove them manually, or with Adaware or Spybot/ Updates about weekly - Manually	Get the FREE version Run a scan once a week Check for updates weekly. Easy to use.
Anti-spyware	Spybot		"Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer"	Seems to do what the supplier says. Updates about weekly - Manually	FREE. Run a scan once a week Check for updates weekly. Easy to use.
Windows Registry maintenance	Registry Mechanic		Scan for problems in your Windows Registry and repair them	All registries become "cluttered". Improves deteriorated system performance. Updates about weekly - Manually	Sorry - This one is not free. About £25 = worth it Run a scan once a week Check for updates weekly. Easy to use.
Web browser	Mozilla Firefox Version 2, releared 24/10/06		Tabbed Browsing: Pop-up Window Controls: Cookie Manager: Download Manager: Image Manager	Like "MS Internet Explorer" but has several advantages, e.g.:- quicker, blocks pop-ups, less prone to virus/pest attack. (There are many other browsers)	FREE. Easy to use. Use it instead of MS Internet Explorer. A few websites don't run well on it.
Email	Thunderbird Email Version 1.5.0.8, updated 7/11/06		Enjoy safe, fast, and easy email, with intelligent spam filters, quick message search, and customizable views. Brought to you by Mozilla, Thunderbird makes email better.	There are better email “clients” (= software to handle your email) than Outlook, Hotmail, Googlemail, etc.	FREE. Easy to set up and use. Try it out alongside your existing email software.- You could become a convert!
Useful computer-related websites
Windows update	Windows Update Now replaced by "Microsoft Update" Microsoft		“...get updates for Windows, Office and other Microsoft applications all in one place. …..brings you all the features and benefits of Windows Update plus downloads for other Microsoft applications including Office. … Improve your computer’s health and security. … Every month, Microsoft releases new drivers and software that increase the performance and functionality of your Windows-based computer..”	You've got to patch up Microsoft's many security gaps and bugs. The updates are matched to your computer's current configuration	Monthly? Easy to use.
Drivers	DriverGuide		“Free … Provides an easy step-by-step process for finding and installing drivers.”	These are the programmes that let your computer "talk" to your hardware. Improves performance	6-monthly?
Web connection speed check	myspeed			Find out what your internet connection speed really is	If you suspect your connection is slow.
Clock	Timeticker			Want the Exact Time? Covers the Whole World	Just click it!
Other Regular Maintenance
Back-up	One day your irreplaceable files will be corrupted by a system or disk fault. Back-up to CDR/W, DVD, USB memory, or web-based storeage.Files are easier to back up than to replace. Avoid the tears & frustration.				Monthly? / Weekly? / Daily?
Disk Cleanup	Find it in "Start", Programmes, Accessories, System tools Improves deteriorated system performance.				Monthly?
Disk Defragmenter	Find it in "Start", Programmes, Accessories, System tools Improves deteriorated system performance.				Monthly?
What to do about SPAM
See	Spamhausand London Action Plan
	If you run a website see Spampoison - Fight Spam! - Click Here! - - A - B - C - D - R -

For other sites managed by PW click here