A Toolkit
for the security of your computer - all free!




The only two recommendations I make on this page - NEVER underestimate the technical savvy of scumbag endeavour!   And complacency is NEVER enough!.

The rest?   Well, it's for information purposes only, and I can make no guarantees; all I can say is that I use them (happily and safely!) myself.


  • Free Anti-Virus protection - AVG or avast! 4 Home edition
    • We all know now that an anti-virus programme is essential protection, BUT it only does what it says it does!   It will prevent or remove viruses (and only viruses, and only if you update regularly!)
  • Firewall protection - Zone Alarm
    • Prevents hackers gaining access to your computer while you are online; they can damage your computer - or use your computer to damage others.
  • Spyware killers - Ad-Aware, AND Spybot Search and Destroy
    • There are all sorts of "malware".   Unscrupulous b*st*rds add hidden bits of code to websites, or to "free software" (see below).
      • Some track your internet usage, for advertisers.
      • Some "hijack" your browser.
      • They use the internet connection you are paying for - so your internet use is significantly slower (and may become virtually impossible).
    • Neither programme can catch all the malware - they can only be one step behind the b*st*rds.   Use both, and one catches what the other misses.   As with anti-virus programmes, use and update regulalry.
  • Pop-up killer for Internet Explorer - Google Toolbar
    • Pop-ups can now carry viruses; close them, and you download a virus which can track your internet banking.

  • A lot of this stuff exploits weaknesses in Internet Explorer - you could try much better browsers (without the security problems).   My own favourite is Opera, or you can also try Firefox/Mozilla.   Both are miles better, faster, safer, and friendlier than Internet Explorer.

  • "Free" software - I know of "free firewalls" which deliberately leave your computer open to certain kinds of abuse; of "free spyware killers", which actually hijack your browser; etc, etc, etc.   Never underestimate the technical savvy of scumbag endeavour!   For what it's worth, I have had no problems with ANY of the free programmes I've listed.

  • PC Hell - useful resources for removing viruses and malware.