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Just
remember that all programs are downloaded and installed at your
own risk Original listing compiled by Rick Maybury for the Daily
Telegraph Connect column.
Part 1 :- Internet Security and Privacy
AVG Anti-Virus FREE Edition
freeware, 6.8Mb, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP,
free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/
Everybody should own a decent anti virus detection program especially
if you are connected to the Internet. All file downloads and emails
should be checked and regular system scans are not a bad idea.
AVG provides similar features as many commercial products and
offers regular updates to its signature (virus detect) files.
Agnitum Outpost Free
freeware, 2.6Mb, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP,
www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/
ZoneAlarm free firewall
freeware, 5.7Mb, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP,
www.zonealarm.com
Since the introduction of broadband Internet connections to the
masses, it has become even more necessary to protect your computer
from hackers and other unwanted attempts to access your computer
files. The two programs above are free versions of commercial
packages and are powerful enough to stop remote accessing of your
files. They will even prevent malicious programs on your PC making
unauthorised use of your internet connection to send out personal
or private information. Only install one of these programs as
they may not work correctly together.
Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition
Freeware, 2.5Mb, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP,
www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Spybot Search & Destroy
4.3Mb, freeware, 2.5Mb, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP,
www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Even with a sophisticated firewall and a good anti virus software
package, you can still be caught out with spyware and adware –
little programs embedded in downloaded software. These two packages
are just the business to clear out these nuisance files along
with other infections such as worms and Trojans. It is very important
that you type in the web addresses correctly as other similar
sounding sites offer commercial packages that may not be as good
and could have their own adware embedded. You can run both programs
on your system to get a really good wash and brush up.
TUGZip
Freeware, 3.7Mb, Windows 95, 9x/NT/2000/XP,
www.tugzip.com
Decompression utilities are essential if you are downloading files
from the website. Perhaps the most famous is WinZip but another
rather excellent program that can handle most compression types
is TUGZip. The program will also compress and encrypt files for
you to export. Beware the download can be quite slow due to the
authors resources but your patience should be well rewarded.
Tweak UI (UI stands for 'User Interface')
WindowXP
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
Windows9X www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/downloads/PowerToys/Networking/NTTweakUI.asp
A useful utility that is part of the Microsoft PowerToys suite
and is a nice package that allows you to customise the way your
own PC works without having to delve into the Registry folder.
The package is free, not supported by Microsoft but completely
safe to use. Be sure to read the instructions for Windows 9X versions,
as the installation is a bit peculiar.
CCleaner
Freeware, 296kb, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP
www.ccleaner.com
Windows keeps track of all your website visits and stores them
in a file called index.dat and is hidden deep in your directory.
CCleaner will erase the data in this file along with a lot of
other information you may not wish to be stored on your computer.
Ideal for those who want to keep their surfing private.
Cookie Monster
Freeware, 400kb, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP
http://ampsoft.freeservers.com/english/Utilities.html#
Cookies are those very small files that get stored on your computer
by lots of websites that you may visit. The idea is that they
speed up the loading of their specific site and they can also
personal preference information about the surfer. Their folder
also tends to get larger and larger. They need keeping in check
and this program does the job admirably by letting you keep the
ones you want (if any) and clearing out the rest.
Hijack This
Freeware, 157kb, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP
www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/index.html
Now and again, even the most careful web user picks up the odd
undesirable add-on, the most common being the homepage hijackers
and advertising add-ons. This little program will scan your browser
and Windows registry folders and lists them in a log file. Any
unwanted items can then be highlighted for deletion. The log can
be a powerful tool for an expert to identify browser problems
and other nasty add-ons hiding on your computer.
Dave Robb |
