Most new computers come pre-installed with trial or subscription versions of software to keep you home computing and internet experience safe and clean from hackers, viruses, spyware and other malicious attacks. The problem is these applications are either very limited in functionality - tempting you to purchase the "Pro" version, expire after a limited trial period, or force you into an ongoing subscription to keep the software up to date.
None of these options are necessary, there are plenty of alternative tools available that free for home and personal use, and are often (in my opinion) superior to their costly competitor. So save your $$$, uninstall that beast of a "Security Suite" that came with your computer and try out the applications listed below. In addition I've also listed a number of additional utilities and system tool replacements to keep your computer running safe, clean and health state.
Anti Virus
Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
I've been using AVG for many years now as a free alternative to Norton or Symantec AntiVirus. Every time I've got a new computer this is the the first thing to go on. I leave the main protection to the resident shield. I very rarely run a full virus scan.
Anti Spyware
SpyBot Search and Destroy
Spybot S&D has been another long standing favorite of mine. Spybot has three main functions, a spyware scanner which will detect and remove any malicious software, an Immunize function that pro-actively blocks against know spyware, and the latest version now includes a resident shield called Tea Timer which will provides real-time protection.
One downside, there is no auto-update so you have to remember to update and re-Immunize on a regular basis. I usually do this about once every month or two.
Disk and Registry Cleaner
CCleaner
CCleaner is a tool I use to keep Windows running smoothly by removing unnecessary temporary files from the hard disk and cleaning up garbage from the Windows Registry. CCleaner could be viewed as a replacement for Windows XP "Disk Cleanup", the advantage is that CCleaner is aware of the temporary files used by a number of common applications, and in addition the registry cleaning function clears out unused entries in the Windows Registry. The windows registry grows as applications use it to store information, and in many cases when an application is uninstalled these registry entries are left behind. As the registry grows, Windows can begin to slow down. I run CCleaner on a regular basis, every one to two weeks. When using the registry cleaner, repeat the scan multiple times until no new issues are found.
Disk and Registry Defragmentation
AusLogic Disk Defrag and Registry Defrag
Two similar applications here. Defragmenting the disk and registry help keep Windows performing a little better. I find the AusLogic disk defrag tool faster than the standard Windows XP Defragmentation Tool. The Registry Defrag can really help boost system performance, particularly after running CCleaner. I run these Defrag tools about once a month.
Process Management
Sysinternals Process Explorer and AutoRuns
Knowing what processes and applications are running can be very useful to maintaining a healthy PC. A lot of applications install background applications and services that automatically startup when you login. Some of these are useful and some just waste startup time and system resources. Process Explorer provides an alternative to Window Task Manager that makes it easy to identify running processing. AutoRuns will scan all known startup locations and enable you to turn off any utilities and services that you don't need.
Firewall
Personally I don't bother with a separate firewall application. My home network router provides the main network firewall protection, and I'm quite happy with Windows Firewall for desktop protection. However if your PC is directly connected to the internet I strongly recommend you Google search for "free firewall" to view your options.
None of these options are necessary, there are plenty of alternative tools available that free for home and personal use, and are often (in my opinion) superior to their costly competitor. So save your $$$, uninstall that beast of a "Security Suite" that came with your computer and try out the applications listed below. In addition I've also listed a number of additional utilities and system tool replacements to keep your computer running safe, clean and health state.
Anti VirusGrisoft AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
I've been using AVG for many years now as a free alternative to Norton or Symantec AntiVirus. Every time I've got a new computer this is the the first thing to go on. I leave the main protection to the resident shield. I very rarely run a full virus scan.
Anti SpywareSpyBot Search and Destroy
Spybot S&D has been another long standing favorite of mine. Spybot has three main functions, a spyware scanner which will detect and remove any malicious software, an Immunize function that pro-actively blocks against know spyware, and the latest version now includes a resident shield called Tea Timer which will provides real-time protection.
One downside, there is no auto-update so you have to remember to update and re-Immunize on a regular basis. I usually do this about once every month or two.
Disk and Registry CleanerCCleaner
CCleaner is a tool I use to keep Windows running smoothly by removing unnecessary temporary files from the hard disk and cleaning up garbage from the Windows Registry. CCleaner could be viewed as a replacement for Windows XP "Disk Cleanup", the advantage is that CCleaner is aware of the temporary files used by a number of common applications, and in addition the registry cleaning function clears out unused entries in the Windows Registry. The windows registry grows as applications use it to store information, and in many cases when an application is uninstalled these registry entries are left behind. As the registry grows, Windows can begin to slow down. I run CCleaner on a regular basis, every one to two weeks. When using the registry cleaner, repeat the scan multiple times until no new issues are found.
Disk and Registry DefragmentationAusLogic Disk Defrag and Registry Defrag
Two similar applications here. Defragmenting the disk and registry help keep Windows performing a little better. I find the AusLogic disk defrag tool faster than the standard Windows XP Defragmentation Tool. The Registry Defrag can really help boost system performance, particularly after running CCleaner. I run these Defrag tools about once a month.
Process ManagementSysinternals Process Explorer and AutoRuns
Knowing what processes and applications are running can be very useful to maintaining a healthy PC. A lot of applications install background applications and services that automatically startup when you login. Some of these are useful and some just waste startup time and system resources. Process Explorer provides an alternative to Window Task Manager that makes it easy to identify running processing. AutoRuns will scan all known startup locations and enable you to turn off any utilities and services that you don't need.
Firewall
Personally I don't bother with a separate firewall application. My home network router provides the main network firewall protection, and I'm quite happy with Windows Firewall for desktop protection. However if your PC is directly connected to the internet I strongly recommend you Google search for "free firewall" to view your options.
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