These are three free programs that I have found absolutely essential
in maintaining a web-connecting Windows computer.
Startup Control Panel:
=================
http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml
The startup control panel gives you complete control over what does
and does not startup with windows. Includes all the hidden ways of
starting programs, so it's also handy for defeating spyware.
This utility is indispensible. It's one of those things you try and go
"Why the $^#% didn't Microsoft make this part of Windows?"
Ad-Aware Spy-ware Fighter
=====================
http://www.lavasoft.de/index.html
Ad-aware finds and [optionally] removes spy-ware from your computer.
Spy-ware refers to programs that sneak their way onto your computers
and secretly "hack" you, sending out information on everything from
your web-surfing tendencies to private financial information you may
have stored on your computer.
A lot of this stuff gets install just by surfing the net - you aren't
safe even if you never download anything. Try it. You won't BELIEVE
how much stuff sneaks it's way onto your computer.
Zone Alarm
=========
http://www.zonelabs.com/
Click on Downloads and scroll down to find the free version.
Zone Alarm is a "firewall". It prevents people hacking into your
computer. Even more important, it prevents virus and Spy-ware programs
that have gotten onto your system from hacking OUT.
