Free Internet Security Software

Patches, Updates & Service Packs

• Microsoft Update -- Go here using Internet Explorer
• Patch Auditor -- Try Securia Software Inspector, KC Softwares SUMo & RadarSync

Hard Disk Backup

• Back Up Files Online -- Try Mozy Online Backup, get 2GB Free; go to their MozyHome page and click on the free option in the left column.
• Virtual PC -- Try MojoPac to carry files and applications on a USB storage device or iPod.

Anti-Malware

• Bots -- Try Trend MicroTM RUBotted (Beta)
• Google Pack -- Includes Norton Security Scan for viruses & worms and PC Tools Spyware Doctor (lite) for spyware, adware, trojans & keyloggers; go here to download.
• Intrusion Prevention and Detection -- Try PC Tools ThreatFire Free [formerly Novatix CyberHawk].
• Phishing -- Try Earthlink ToolBar or the Netcraft Toolbar.
• Rootkit -- Try Panda Anti-Rootkit
• Spyware -- Try avast! antivirus Home Edition including anti-spyware & anti-rootkit. After cleaning, use SpywareBlaster to block new spyware from loading onto your computer.
• Trojan -- Try the online TrojanScan or download a2 free or AVG Antispyware (formerly Ewido Anti-Trojan).
• Virus -- Try AVG AntiVirus, avast! 4 Home Edition, or AntiVir Personal Edition [no email scanner].
  

Internet

• Ad Blocker -- For MS Internet Explorer 7, try IE7Pro. For Firefox, try Adblock Plus.
• Anonymous Surfing Service -- Try JAP or Tor Bad Websites -- Try McAfee SiteAdvisor, it rates millions of websites as safe, caution or warning.
• Browsers -- Try Firefox or Opera as an alternative to Internet Explorer.
• Browser Protection -- Try Sandboxie
• Content Filters -- Try OpenDNS or K9 Web Protection
• Firefox Extension -- Try NoScript to manage website javascript, Java, Flash, anti-XSS...
• Password Managers -- Try RoboForm, AccountLogon, KeePass, or KeyWallet
• Wireless Hot Spot Protection -- Try AnchorFree Hot Spot Shield, AirDefense Personal Lite or WiFi Guardian.

Communication

• Email Client -- Try Thunderbird with anti-spam and anti-phishing as an alternative to Outlook Express.
• Email Encryption -- Try the Hush Mail email service.
• Instant Messaging Security -- Try IMSecure at
• Spam Stoppers -- Try MailWasher, SpamBayes or Ella for Spam Control.
• Zip + Encryption -- Try SecureZIP Sandard Edition for Windows Desktop 12.1

Cleaners

• Privacy Cleaner -- Try IE Privacy Keeper, CCleaner or CleanUp!
• Registry Cleaner -- Try EasyCleaner or Eusing Registry Cleaner
• Secure Erase Utility -- Try Eraser or Simple File Shredder

Website & Software Terms & Conditions

• Anti-EULA -- Try EULAlyzer [say what?], it checks an "end user license agreement" (EULA) before you install software to check for amazing provisions like it's ok to spy on you or to swamp you with ads
  See Jumping Through EULA Hoops, Dan Costa, PC Magazine, January 1, 2008, for more information about this important issue.