WinZip (http://www.winzip.com)
is
US$29
shareware that is perhaps the industry-standard for Windows
zipping/unzipping.
***Iceows
(http://www.iceows.com/HomePageUS.html)
is
free
zipping/unzipping software that works like the built-in feature
in Win ME/XP-- making zipped files work like folders.
***Startup
Control Panel
(http://www.mlin.net/)
lets users see what's loading automatically at system startup, allowing
them to safely disable them. (Win98/98SE/ME/XP users have msconfig
built in, offering similar features).
***Startup
Monitor
(http://www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml)
is
another
very nice freebie from the same source. It runs in the
background,
warning users if something tries to set itself to load automatically at
startup.
Startup Cop Pro (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1406616,00.asp)
is
an
inexpensive, but not free startup controller from PC Magazine--
it's
best feature is that it links to online sources for information about
startup
items.
Microsoft
Malicious
Software Removal Tool: "This tool checks your
computer for infection by specific, prevalent
malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to
remove the infection if it is found. Microsoft will release an updated
version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month."
***Mozilla
Thunderbird
(http://www.mozilla.org/)
is a free email program with antispam features, Windows, Linux, and Mac
OS X versions. It imports mail and settings from Eudora, Outlook
Express,
and other popular programs.
Blue Frog Anti
Spam (http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/win/58676)
will
analyze
spam reported by Blue Community members and reports sites
advertised by spam to the ISPs hosting them, to government agencies and
to other anti-spam groups.
Sygate Personal Firewall is no longer
being distributed by Sygate since that company was bought by Symantec, though copies may still be
found online (free for home/personal use).
***Kazaa
fans
could also replace that program with the spyware-free Kazaa Lite or
Kazaa++
versions. (Download sites change frequently, so check on Google or
other
search engine).
FileSharing Sentinel
(http://www.akidthaine.com/)
keeps users from installing popular file-sharing programs.
***Startup
Monitor
(http://www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml)
is
another
very nice freebie from the same source. It runs in the
background,
warning users if something tries to set itself to load automatically at
startup. Use it together with the Task List Page.
***Windows Defender is the new name
for what was Microsoft Antispyware- a good (and free) choice for XP and
Vista users.
*** Malwarebyte Anti-Malware
has a free version, which scans and removes spyware, but must be run
manually. The paid version works automatically in the background.
*** McAfee Site Advisor
adds notification to Google or Yahoo searches in Internet Explorer
or Firefox if your search results are unsafe: dangerous downloads,
misuse of personal information, etc. Other free McAfee tools are
available at that link as well, including online virus scan and removal
tools.
The free Sophos AntiRootkit finds and
removes any rootkit that is hidden on your computer. Or trytheGMERrootkit detector or Blacklight from F-Secure. Here's a
comprehensive list of free rootkits scanners.