Welcome to our new PC Fitness Center where you can find
great tools to keep your computer safe, clean and running at peak performance.
And, the best part, they are all FREE. Now, we know that free doesn’t always
mean they are good or work (especially in the software world) but since all we
do is software we have learned a thing or two about what is good and what
works. Everything we recommend here has been TESTED and PROVEN not only by our
own staff but by the experts from CNet (download.com), PC Magazine, PC World,
Tucows.com and Consumer Reports.
BASIC PROTECTION
Protect Your PC Against Viruses
ANTIVIRUS
You probably already have anti-virus protection loaded on your computer but you have to renew your license every year to keep your protection current. Here is an option that is free from the start:
AVG Anti-Virus
Free Edition 7.5 from Grisoft AVG
This is a free Edition of the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy to use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements). Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.
Install Firewalls to Block Intruders
FIREWALL
Protect yourself from Hackers and unwanted Internet traffic.
Zone Alarm from Checkpoint Software
Zone Alarm is designed to protect your DSL- or cable-connected PC from hackers. This program includes four interlocking security services: a firewall, an application control, an Internet lock, and Zones. The firewall controls the door to your computer and allows only traffic you understand and initiate. The Internet lock blocks Internet traffic while your computer is unattended or while you're not using the Internet, and it can be activated automatically with your computer's screensaver or after a set period of inactivity. Zones monitor all activity on your computer and alert you when a new application attempts to access the Internet. Version 7.0.362 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
Prevent & Block Spyware
ANTI-SPYWARE
There is no one program that will completely protect your computer from adware, malware or spyware. The experts recommend you install and run 2 programs to ensure complete protection against spyware. Here is a free program to try:
Ad-Aware from Lavasoft
With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware can easily clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.Ad-Aware includes a redesigned engine, improved code sequence identification, incremental definition updates, one-click Web-history cleanup, multiple browser support, and other new features. Version 7.0.2.1 adds Windows Vista (32-bit) compatibility.
Simple System Cleaning
SYSTEM CLEANING
Don't let your system get bogged down when this free cleaner can help.
CCleaner
FREE with No Limitations! CCleaner is a system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It's fast (normally taking less that a second to run). It cleans: Internet Explorer (Temporary files, URL history, cookies, Autocomplete form history, index.dat); Firefox (Temporary files, URL history, cookies, download history); Windows (Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files, and Log files); Registry cleaner (Advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts. So comes with a comprehensive backup feature.)
ADVANCED SCREENING & DETECTION
Inspect Your Registry for Hijackers
REGISTRY CLEANING
Keeping your registry clear keeps your PC running smoothly.
HiJack This from Trend Micro
HijackThis lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and hard drive--areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, only the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites. As a result, false positives are imminent, and unless you're sure about what you're doing, you always should consult with knowledgeable folks before deleting anything.
Manage Programs Loading at Startup
TASK MANAGER
Try this free product to maximize efficiency.
AutoRuns from Microsoft
To find out what programs are loading on your PC at startup, you can run the Windows-resident system configuration utility called MSCONFIG. But there's another free utility called Autoruns that does the job better. MSCONFIG entries tend to be rather cryptic, for example, but Autoruns includes a line of description for each entry in plain English. Autoruns also lets you Hide Signed Microsoft Entries, which allows you to quickly narrow your focus to third-party programs. Disabling or deleting entries requires just one click (so you'll need to be careful!). This function really saved my sanity when my system was breached by a scrap of regenerative malware.
SAFE INTERNET TRAVEL
Cleanup after Browsing
REGISTRY CLEANING
Keeping your registry clear keeps your PC running smoothly. Wise Registry Cleaner from WiseCleaner
Wise Registry Cleaner is one of the safest Registry cleaning tools available in the market today. Its scanning engine is thorough, safe and fast. It is so easy to use, even the least experienced user can easily repair registry with this tool. It scans the Windows registry and finds incorrect or obsolete information in the registry. By fixing these obsolete information in Windows registry, your system will can work better and more quickly.
Check Website Security Ratings
WEB SECURITY RATING
Stay away from dangerous web sites!
SiteAdvisor from McAfee
McAfee Site Advisor warns you before you interact with a dangerous Web site. Traditional security products focus on trying to clean up problems after they occur. McAfee Site Advisor also complements and enhances your existing security software by detecting threats which traditional security products often miss, including spyware attacks, online scams, and sites that spam you.
Keep Transactions Safe & Private
MAKE TRANSACTIONS PRIVATE
Protect your privacy when shopping online.
Transaction Guard from Trend Micro
Protects you against spyware while performing sensitive online tasks like Internet banking or other financial transactions. It has two components: a spyware monitor that will notify you of any intrusions before they happen; and a password clipboard, an on-screen keyboard to hide your user names and passwords.
