The computer world has become a dangerous place for the innocent
computer user - threats lurk around every corner, intending to
collect your information, damage your network, impersonate you and
generally cause chaos. Luckily there are several excellent software
programs which can help you defend yourself against these perils.
Even better, these programs are free, so you can get straight to
work!

Anti-virus protection is the first essential program you need.
There are many expensive and popular alternatives, which however
tend to slow down the performance of the computer and require an
annual subscription fee. Experience shows that the virus protection
provided by freeware alternatives is just as good. A good
recommendation is Grisoft’s  AVG Free Edition. Though the program
does not boast every single feature provided by the commercially
available programs, it provides excellent protection by performing
the most important task of keeping the system free of viruses,
Trojans and worms.

The second weapon in your arsenal should be the firewall. This is
necessary for preventing others from entering you machine. Hackers
try to infiltrate systems in order to steal data or damage the
system, or else they may try to take advantage of a computer by
using it remotely for sending spam email (known as a “spam
zombie”).  A firewall is vital for protecting the system against
these threats. If you are using Windows XP, you may already be
acquainted with the built-in version (available on both Home or
Professional Editions). However there are also many other options,
of which Zone Alarm Free Firewall offers the best alternative.

Equipped with anti-virus and firewall protection, the next issue is
one which is generating a lot of confusion - what can be done to
better manage passwords? The program CyberScrub KeyChain is an
excellent new program that offers a solution for this confusing
issue. KeyChain is distributed free, and stores all your user names
and passwords, as well as you credit card details and addresses.
All of this sensitive information is stored with one single
“master” password, which eliminates the need to remember the
multitude of access combinations you use. Whenever you enter a
password protected website, you highlight and click a small toolbar
in the browser and KeyChain automatically fills in your log-in
details and submits them. This application makes shopping on the
Internet much more simple and quick, and means you don’t have to
type in all your addresses and credit card information. A strong
encryption algorithm is used to make sure your sensitive
information is kept safe.

This overview would be incomplete without discussing the pestilent
spyware. It can be just as dangerous as viruses, and sypwares are
multiplying at a frightening rate, driven by creative schemes of
the mastermind hackers that invent them. Spyware is so powerful
that it can even control your CD drive, it can aid browser ads,
take control of your homepage and steal your passwords and much
more. To combat this hazard, you should take action, for example by
using Ad-Aware SE Personal, a very good program from Lavasoft.
This list should serve as a starting point, providing the
fundamental tools to protect you system and information. Take
action now, or you may well regret it!