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Anti-spyware
Microsoft® Malicious Software Removal Tool
Simple tool for removing malicious thingies, just download and run - no installation required. The web version checks for really common malicious stuff.
Web Version
Full Download Version

Ad-Aware Second Edition
A great, free Spy/Ad ware solution. Detects and deletes most Spy/Ad ware.
Free definition updates. Second Edition. Made by Lavasoft.
Download here.

Spy Sweeper
A great, free Spy/Ad ware solution. Detects and deletes most Spy/Adware.
You need to pay to get definition updates. Made by Webroot Software.
Download here.

Spybot - Search & Destroy
A great, free Spy/Ad ware solution. Detects and deletes most Spy/Ad ware.
Free definition updates. It finds the same as Ad-Aware, if not more. Made by Safer Networking.
Download here.

NOTE: I use all four of the above. So that if one program misses something, the other three are bound to pick it up (I use Spyware Blaster too). I recommend you use them all to, just to make sure nothing gets missed.


Spyware Blaster
This great program stops spyware and adware before it even hits. It protects you against malicious ActiveX programs, cookies and much more. Read here for more info. Made by Javacool Software.
Download here.

CWShredder
Think you’ve got the well known Trojan/spyware CoolWebSearch on your computer?
Well you can use this handy tool to get rid of it.
Download it here.

Anti-Virus
Online Virus Scanners
These online virus scanners can be useful to check if you have a virus, which your antivirus has missed.

* Trend Micro Nice online scan, can be used with almost any internet browser.
* Symantec Security Check Good, but you need to use Internet Explorer
* Jotti's Malware Scan Great scan, utilises many virus scanners to check if the file. Almost bound to find the virus. Can only check on file at a time, but this is very useful.

AntiVir
This free anti-virus program by AntiVir is one of the best free AV programs out there.
Download here.

avast! 4 Home Edition
Anti-virus program by alwil software is one of the most used free antivirus options. (The one I use)
Download here.

FireWalls

Zone Alarm
This free firewall is made by Zone Labs. It’s your decision whether you use Sygate Personal Firewall or this, both are very good free firewalls.
(The one I use)
Download here.

Update 28JUL2006
Realised I didnt put up sygate sweatdrop but for some reason their site is down so I'll wait to its back up again.

Big problem with norton is that you do have to pay for it and another thing it tends to slow the comp down. Not to mention it doesnt pick up everything in the world that it should but then again I've had bad history with it and so I shouldn't let it affect my judgement. If anything go with McAfee but that thing is a pain in the a** to get setup and it is also a dragger.