Secure your PC and your data with these 15 free downloads and services.
Protect your PC and back up your files
When it comes to locking down your PC and ensuring both the machine and your data on it are secure, you may think that its going to be a costly exerice, one which your wallet won't forget in a hurry.
However, you can do it all for free with the help of these 15 downloads and services.
Lock down your PC
Passwords play a prominent role not just in computing but also in everyday life. Download KeePass to organise and protect all manner of important data, from you credit card PIN to web passwords.
You need remember only a single password - this download remembers the rest.
OpenDNS promises to protect your kids from online violence, pornography, phishing and more. Guess what? It works.
Even better, there's nothing to install. Simply sign up and point your PCs or router to the OpenDNS servers, and presto: bulletproof protection.
Its name is a bit over the top, but SuperAntiSpyware is a robust, legitimate malware fighter. This download runs in the background and staves off and removes even the nastiest attacks.
Clicking any link that you find on the web - even one at the top of a Google search page - can lead to a spyware infestation.
The free browser plug-in Web of Trust vets the links you click. Green means good, red means bad. Simple.
PC Advisor tested: free antivirus programs
We've also rounded up four of the best free security suites, which were tested by ourselves too.
- Pro: Capable malware detection
- Con: Confusing interface
- Bottom line: Solid antimalware protection.
- Pro: Good PC disinfection
- Con: Slow on-demand scans
- Bottom line: Useful blocking of web-based attacks.
- Pro: Excellent detection, disinfection process
- Con: Interface not novice-friendly
- Bottom line: Thorough protection and top-notch scan speed.
- Pro: Nearly perfect in disabling infections
- Con: Somewhat slow
- Bottom line: An effective utility.
NEXT PAGE: Workhorse programs to keep your data safe
- Protect your PC and back-up your files
- Workhorse programs to keep your data safe
Comments
Rosemary Hattersley said: You wont have been able to install a second antivirus program - they treat each other as malware and quarantine each other You need a two-way firewall and a spyware detector as well as antivirus software to ensure your PC is kept secure Ensure you are using a secure web browser too Internet Explorer 6 is an absolute no
mark said: We recently bought a new netbook for my partner After carefully checking several review sites PC Advisor included we decided to try Microsoft Security Essentials as it was getting good press Within 2 weeks the netbook had caught a nasty virus the specific trojan name eludes me right now MSE utterly missed it amp worse didnt notice the OS was being mauled by the minute No other AV would now install on the netbook to stop the infestation Finally I installed malwarebytes via USB stick which did find amp destroy it Even then the OS was trashed basically and we had to re-install completely Having tested other AVs many times some pretty bad this is the first time I have one so utterly useless
RichyN said: I agree with you on Avira the GUI isnt the easiest for a novice to discern there are numerous forums that can assist with the aforementioned but the sspeed amp detection rate are second to noneNB BFW the MS-MSE package phones home without option which put me off this product immediately
Bourne said: According to Matouseccom Avast and McAfee score only 3 in their newest 148 test security challenge Norton just 40 giving a rating of very poor Kapersky however tops all 3 with 86 pass rate
Phil said: v50462 of Avast puts paid to the old argument of a confusing interface If the author has in fact used this version and still finds it difficult then he shouldnt be using computers I do agree that the old interface left a lot to be desired but the newer format is very clear and a delight to see when compared to the old Avast in an excellent product
Matt Egan - editor said: Ron Graves thanks for your comment although I know some lab testers who would disagree with you re Norton - bitly9nhsue Id be interested to know why you think it is so bad As for Avast it has long been a favourite of PC Advisor but I think it would be stretching a point to describe is as consumer friendly Oh and for the record we dont review products without using them Ever
Ron Graves said: Almost anything is superior to Norton and McAfee Though I think the best AV - by some margin - is avast and yes I have used the othersDescribing the interface as confusing is absurd - clearly the reviewer has never used it other than to just have a quick look at it if that Ive recommended it toinstalled avast for several chronic technophobes and they have no problems with it And for me at least - Ive used it for years and Im online about 16 hours a day - it works so well theres rarely any need to get involved with the interface
CYteck said: Replying to Oshy there is little or no difference between these programs because they both do the same task They are both designed to detect Virus infections on your system amp both are free amp both have free signature updates The only difference would be in the ability to detect a large number of infections and so you would need to find a lab test which compared these x2 programs one against the other to truly know the actual differences Personally I like AVG Free its a very high quality program amp is definitely superior to both Norton AV amp McAfee AV and of course AVG is FREE too I can also recommend Microsoft security essentials too
oshy said: just wanted to know which is better avira or avg antivirus
Peter said: Big thumbs up to SD explorer Id almost given up on using Skydrive due to the clunky web interface but not now