Free Software to Protect Windows and Keep it Safe from Viruses

I've said it before and I'll say it again: for safety and general adaptability, switch to Linux. No Windows viruses work on it, there are multiple versions of each type of software, etc. Ok, that's my two cents on that topic.

But, if you are like 96% of computer users, you use Windows. This article is a list of what's and how's on freeware (free software) for Windows. These suggestions can not only keep you safe from viruses and the like but may also be useful alternatives to Microsoft software.

Please don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Microsoft. Windows is a useful tool and I use it daily, although I use Linux more. This article is merely for those that may be looking for freeware alternatives and ideas.

An excellent site for all types of freeware is www.snapfiles.com. An excellent site for general Microsoft alternative suggestions is http://microsoft.toddverbeek.com/index.html.

In order of priority, here are some safety freeware suggestions. But a huge general comment is this: for the security software, UPDATE REGULARLY. With Windows, if you miss one virus update and one slips by unaware, you may be in for some serious cleaning time.

ZoneAlarm firewall. ZoneAlarm is a free firewall that monitors all the ports of entry to your computer and informs you if some type of malicious code is being used to access your system. By using ZoneAlarm as your freeware firewall you can set up a good initial front to keep intruders/viruses/tracking malware and spyware out of your system. Once this program is set up, it can run on it's own without your constant interaction.

AntiVirPE
antivirus scanner. This program has specific areas that can be set up to speed up the update process, it works well with ZoneAlarm, it can be set to scan at a certain time of day, etc. It has essentially all you might need from a high dollar virus scanner without the cost. Same as ZoneAlarm, it can be set to run without your daily input. However, it is recommended that you periodically do a thorough scan of your system.

CCleaner. CCleaner ("crap cleaner") takes care of all the little stuff and some of the big stuff. Quick and easy to run, I run it whenever I think about it, or I set it to scan when the system boots. CCleaner cleans off cookies, history, temporary files, etc. It essentially erases all traces that you were on the internet.

Adaware. Adaware by Lavasoft has been a long time staple for cleaning off tracking software. Let me explain: many times when you visit a site, tracking software can be attached to cookies/temp files that get downloaded to your computer. Windows has the unfortunate habit of running that software. Adaware, if updated regularly, can take care of software like this.

Spybot. Like Adaware, Spybot is a malware and adaware tracking software cleaner. I usually have Spybot and Adaware backing each other up as occasionally one will find items that the other won't.

When this safety freeware is run it can make your life much easier. I know it sounds like a lot, but all can be set to run automatically with a little delving into their preferences/options.

For the more "fun" type of freeware we turn to the world of OpenSource. Without getting too thoroughly into the definition of OpenSource (there are plenty of sites out there for that) I'll just stick to observations of the software. Even though I prefer OpenSource software to Microsoft, it's my opinion that although the OpenSource stuff is generally stronger and more complete, it is usually not as user friendly as Microsoft software. It is, however, almost always free software.

Gimp. Gimp is a phenomenal graphical tool. As you'll observe in one of my pictures, I'm using Gimp to show how Gimp can take screenshots, in this case a screenshot of Spybot. Whole books have been written on the subject of using Gimp for whole categories of photo manipulation, j'peg manipulation and all other type of picture manipulation. Gimp is truly a thorough piece of freeware.

OpenOffice. OpenOffice (OO) is an office suite similar to Microsoft Office. It can read almost any Microsoft Office document, but especially Word and Excel type documents. But OO is not merely a copycat of Microsoft; OO has a much more thorough set up than Microsoft. It should be said that OO does take a little learning. Fortunately, like most OpenSource freeware, there are multiple forums full of people willing to work with you to run your OO better.

Last, but absolutely not least, is Firefox web-browser. I love the adaptability of Firefox, the fact that it cleans and/or doesn't store cookies and temp files as readily as Internet Explorer, that it can be made to look better using skins, and many other adaptable traits. On every Windows computer and Linux computer I have, Firefox is a given.

Using these suggestions can open up a whole new world of free software for those that try it. Take some time, learn something new, and enjoy the adventures of freeware.