6 Security Tools to Protect your Computer

Home computers are vulnerable to viruses, spyware, hacker attacks and other security threats. Security software can be expensive, especially if you choose one of the top brands, but there are several free programs available to rival even the most expensive paid-for security suites. Protect your home computer from hackers, viruses, spyware and other security threats with these 6 must-have free security tools.

AVG

AVG is an antivirus and internet security package, which includes protection against viruses and spyware. AVG provides real-time protection, and also scans emails, files, programs and whole computer drives, either at set times or on demand, to check for threats to your home computer. AVG is free for home users. A paid upgrade is available if you want to access additional features.

 

ZoneAlarm

ZoneAlarm is an award-winning firewall that protects your home computer against hacker attacks and spyware. ZoneAlarm is easy to install, set up and customize, and comes with a free security toolbar, which provides security information about the websites you use. ZoneAlarm firewall is free for home users. If you want to purchase the full ZoneAlarm security suite, a paid upgrade is available.

 

 

Ad-Aware

Ad-Aware is a free antivirus and anti-spyware program that detects and removes security threats, such as viruses, spyware, Trojans, adware and malware. Ad-Aware performs thorough system scans at regular intervals to check for security threats to your home computer. It also offers real-time protection against new threats. A paid upgrade is available for those requiring extra features.

 

 

Spybot Search and Destroy

Spybot Search and Destroy is a spyware and adware detection and removal program. It is used as a scanner to search for, and remove, spyware, adware, malware, keyloggers, Trojans and other security threats. Spybot Search and Destroy scans the whole computer, including the RAM (random-access memory), for malicious software and applications, and then attempts to remove the offending programs and repair the registry, if necessary. Spybot Search and Destroy is completely free for home users.

 

HijackThis

HijackThis is a free tool for diagnosing problems related to browser hijacking, particularly on systems with recurring or persistent spyware. HijackThis scans the computer and creates a log file of the findings. Users can then analyze the log file to identify security issues and prevent the installation of malware. HijackThis is suitable for advanced users. If you have limited experience of working with log files, you should find a HijackThis tutorial before using the software.

 

Microsoft Safety Scanner

Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free security tool for the detection and removal of viruses, spyware and malware. It is used as a secondary scanner, in addition to your regular antivirus software. The Microsoft Safety Scanner expires within a few days of downloading and, therefore, must be downloaded again each time you wish to use it.

 

Free software is not necessarily inferior to paid-for software. In most cases, these free software programs can be used to replace paid-for versions. Keep your home computer safe, and save yourself some money, with these 6 free security tools.

We always recommend seeing a professional if you think or know you have a virus on your PC Computer or Laptop. Although virus removal can be done by yourself , viruses are designed to be crafty; there could be hidden remnants of your computer virus even though you think you have removed it.