BOOT CAMP 540 (02/09/08)
Freeware Top Tens part 4, Privacy and Security
The big problem
with this important category of freeware is that there are so many good
programs around and whittling the list down to just ten or so items proved to
be a near impossible task, so I gave up. Rather than leave out some really
worthwhile utilities that can help protect you and your PC, I decided to split
this section into two, so without more ado let’s get started with this week’s selection.
I am sure that I
don’t need to remind you -- but I will anyway, for the benefit of any newcomers
-- please note that you use this software entirely at your own risk. We cannot
answer any technical queries and if you like what you see, please show your
appreciation by making a small donation to the author or publisher, or pay the
licence fee.
Ad-Aware, XP &
Vista, 18.5Mb
It is one of the
oldest but still one of the best malware scanners, just be careful that you
download the real thing! There are numerous similar-sounding fakes and phoneys
out there, some of them carrying malicious payloads. Run it once or twice a week, preferably with one of the other
free scanners, to keep your PC free of web-borne nasties.
AntiVir, XP & Vista, 24Mb
http://tinyurl.com/kshl
Whilst AntiVir may lack some of
the bells and whistles of its more sophisticated cousins it still does a
bang-up job of protecting your PC from viruses. As an added bonus it can also
detect and remove Rootkits, which is a comparatively rare feature, even on the
big name commercial scanners. Just the job for light web users and those still
using dial-up connections.
AntiVir,
XP & Vista, 24Mb
http://tinyurl.com/kshl
Whilst
AntiVir may lack some of the bells and whistles of its more sophisticated
cousins it still does a bang-up job of protecting your PC from viruses. As an
added bonus it can also detect and remove Rootkits, which is a comparatively
rare feature, even on the big name commercial scanners. Just the job for light
web users and those still using dial-up connections.
A-Squared
Free, XP & Vista, 26Mb, http://tinyurl.com/2woy5u
Like
most malware cleaners A-Squared Free zaps any infections it finds but you also
have the option to quarantine anything you are not sure about, just in case it
turns out to be legitimate. Use it once or twice a week, in conjunction with at
least one other cleaner for the best results
Avast!
Free Home Edition, XP & Vista, 25.1Mb, http://tinyurl.com/56jes
Providing
the same kind of protection as most commercial programs, Avast! has real-time
email and network monitoring and signature files are updated on a daily basis.
Very easy to set up and use, and few, if any compatibility problems or
conflicts with other programs.
AVG
Free Edition 8.0, XP & Vista, 46.7Mb, http://free.avg.com
The
latest version of AVG Free has been well hidden as Grisoft pushes hard to persuade
users to upgrade to its paid-for anti-virus software. It is worth seeking out,
though, as it is still the best and most popular free AV program, better even
than some paid-for programs. It has everything you need, including daily
signature file up dates and incoming and outgoing email scanning.
BtProx, XP
& Vista, 18Mb
http://tinyurl.com/6xv7ga
Here’s a simple
way to protect your Bluetooth-enabled PC or laptop from prying eyes. BtProx
works in conjunction with your cellphone or organiser and as soon as it moves
out of range – let’s say you need to pop to the loo -- it automatically locks
Windows so no one else can use your computer.
CCleaner, XP
& Vista, 2.8Mb
http://tinyurl.com/3yeav
Did you know
that Windows stores details of every website you have ever visited, from the
day you first switched it on, in a hidden and protected file? For those who
know where to look your computer contains a treasure trove of information about
what you get up to, seriously compromising your privacy and security. Crap
Cleaner gets rid of it all in one brief operation; easy to use and essential
for your piece of mind.
CleanAfterMe, XP
& Vista, 35Mb
http://tinyurl.com/57xrcy
Like CCleaner
(see above) CleanAfterMe removes the files and entries created during normal
use that could reveal personal and private data. However, what makes it
unusual, and really useful, is that it’s a ‘portable’ application. It doesn’t
need to be installed, which means it can be run from a USB Flash drive, so you
can take it with you, and if you have to use someone else’s computer, or an
Internet café, you’ll leave nothing behind.
Darik’s Boot and
Nuke, XP & Vista, 2.0Mb, http://tinyurl.com/6hxqlw
Sooner or later
you are going to sell or dispose of your PC, but unless you wipe the drive you
could be passing on a lot of personal and private information that could be
used to steal your identity, or worse. Darik’s Boot and Nuke does exactly what
it says. Copy the program to a CD, USB drive or floppy, use it to boot the
computer and it will quickly destroy every bit of data on the drive; also ideal
for bulk or emergency data destruction.
EAV Antivirus Suite
Free Edition, XP & Vista, 1.65Mb, http://tinyurl.com/27txx2
Don’t be misled, although tiny in comparison with most
other anti-virus programs, EAV does a really good job of detecting and
destroying the infections that target the inner workings of Windows. It’s not a
substitute for a full-blown AV scanner but it’s perfect for carrying on USB
flash drives, for checking out public and other people’s PCs, before you use
them.
Next Week – Freeware Top Tens part 5, Privacy and Security
continued…
JARGON FILTER
BLUETOOTH
Short-range
(5 to 10 metres) wireless data communications system used to link electronic
devices such as cell phones with hands-free headsets, PCs, printers and
peripherals
MALWARE
Malicious or intrusive software, including spyware, adware,
trojans, premium rate diallers etc., usually inadvertently downloaded from
infected websites or by clicking on pop-up boxes
ROOTKIT
A set of tools, used by
virus writers, to create a stealthy container or wrapper for concealing
malicious software
TOP TIP -- BONUS UTILITY
Click&Clean, XP &
Vista, 400kb, http://tinyurl.com/5jpy82
Click and Clean is a
browser add-on that works with CCleaner (see above), so you must have this
installed on you PC as well. Once installed you will see a new toilet roll icon
on your Firefox or Internet Explorer toolbar. With one click it launches
CCleaner and then, without any further prompts, sets about removing all of the
recently viewed web addresses and private data from your computer.
Don't forget, there's a
full archive of previous Boot Camp Top Tips at www.pctoptips.co.uk
---end---
© R. Maybury 2008, 0608
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