Five of the Best Free Internet Security/Privacy Utilities

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Five of the Best Free Internet Security/Privacy Utilities

Soham Raninga, Apr 11, 2004 0000 hrs IST

Five of the best freeware that provide adequate security and protection without the extra bells and whistles that come with the paid versions.

Expert Review

With almost every second home PC having Internet access, security and privacy are major concerns these days. Internet viruses are constantly lurking over the Web, hunting for vulnerable machines to attack. And if that was not enough, you have these malicious spyware and other nuisances to watch out for. There was a time when Anti-virus software was considered adequate to protect PCs from virus threats over the Internet. Today, with broadband and cable connections providing the Internet access, the issue of privacy is always around the corner and the average home user needs more than just a virus guard to protect his computer.

Software developers are certainly up to the task and are churning out powerful tools and utilities to ensure protection. Most of these utilities promise comprehensive security but carry a hefty price tag, which the common user cannot afford. There are few utilities, which provide basic security and virus protection for free. We have hand picked five of the best freeware that provide adequate security and protection without the extra bells and whistles that come with the paid versions. These might not be recommended for corporate use, but home users can certainly take advantage of them and protect their computers for free.

Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.2
The Spybot S&D is arguably the best free spyware and adware blocker available today. It has a comprehensive scanning feature, which scans your computer for spyware and adware that are silently operating in the background, leaking information from your PC. Spybot can also clean programmes and Web usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer with other users. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. And for advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware or malicious programme installations. The handy online update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listing of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.

The current version includes a handy "immunize" feature; it prepares a list of all the latest spyware floating on the Web and immunizes the system from future attacks. The utility offers two modes to the user - "default" and "advanced" modes. Interface wise this utility is pretty basic. An integrated "update" feature ensures that the user can keep the utility updated regularly without having to download any updates. As one can see in the above screen shot, the Spybot detected a spyware on my PC and it gave me detailed information on it.

Download Link: http://users.pandora.be/related/spybot/spybot-downloading.htm