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Suggested Free Security Tools and Apps for Windows


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I suggest the following free security tools and apps for Windows:

Lavasoft's Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition

With the ability to scan your RAM, registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-aware SE easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.

Ad-aware SE Personal Edition boasts a number of improvements. Extended memory scanning now scans all modules loaded by a process. Scanning uses the all- new CSI (Code Sequence Identification) technology to identify new and unknown variants of known targets. Extended registry scanning now scans registry branches of multiple-user accounts and performs additional smart checks to detect dynamically created references. Scanning speed is noticeably faster, and this version offers an Extended Scanning mode for known and unknown/possible browser hijackers.

New in version 1.06: Disk-scan is approximately 30% faster. CSI scan is now more efficient. Added "Scan for low-risk threats" option, to scan for targets with low TAC index. Ad-Watch CSI engine performance highly improved; using less CPU and Memory as well as having a smaller footprint. GUI adapted to use the new TAC.

German developer's site: http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/

Download Page: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/

Latest version: 1.06r1

Date added to download.com: May 27, 2005

Size: 2.72MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Person...ubj=dl&tag=top5

Direct Download URL: ftp://ftp.download.com/pub/win95/utilities/aawsepersonal.exe

PepiMK Software's SpyBot Search&Destroy by Patrick M. Kolla

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.

Version 1.4 has the first native multi-installation scanner, is noticeably faster than version 1.3 during scans, and has improved the tools and updated the interface.

Download Page: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Mirrors Page: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html

Latest version: 1.4

Date added to download.com: June 1, 2005

Size: 4.8MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Dest...tml?tag=lst-0-1

Direct Download URL: http://dw.com.com/redir?pid=10401314&merid...psid%3d10122137 or http://fileforum.betanews.com/sendfile/104.../spybotsd14.exe (among others)

Network Associates' McAfee AVERT Stinger

Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system. Stinger utilizes next generation scan engine technology, including process scanning, digitally signed DAT files, and scan performance optimizations.
Latest version: 2.5.4

Size: 1.05MB

As of: May 2, 2005

Download Page: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

Direct Download URL: http://download.nai.com/products/mcafee-av...t-i-n-g-e-r.exe

Microsoft Wndows Update

Get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware.

Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you.

Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX.

Microsoft Office Update

Check for free updates that improve Office's stability and security.
Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX.

Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

AVG Free Edition is 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.
Download Page: scroll to the bottom.

Latest version: avg70free_338a597.exe Version 7.338

Size: 11.7MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Fre...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old Version 7.289 from December 2, 2004)

Direct Download URL: http://free.grisoft.com/softw/70free/setup...ree_338a597.exe

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding more than 50 ways spyware can enter your PC. Participants in the worldwide SpyNet™ community play a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your PC so you stay up to date.
Download: Click "Download the beta of our new anti-spyware software today" on that page.

Version: Beta

Date Published: 6/24/2005

Language: English (YMMV)

Download Size: 6.5MB

Zone Labs' FREE ZoneAlarm

ZoneAlarm 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 application control allows you to decide which applications can and cannot use the Internet. 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.
Download Page: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/comp...reeDownload.jsp

Latest version: 6.0.631.002

Date added to download.com: July, 2005

Size: 6.65MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm/3000-104...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old version 5.5.094 from May 2, 2005)

Direct Download URL: http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1012..._60_631_002.exe

InterMute's Trend Micro™ CWShredder™

Trend Micro™ CWShredder™ Version 2.15 is the latest defense against the new Cool Web Search variants, and it is included in the new Trend Micro Anti-Spyware 3.0

CWShredder™ finds and destroys traces of CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a name given to a wide range of different browser hijackers. Though the code is very different between variants, they are all used to redirect users to coolwebsearch.com and other sites affiliated with its operators.

Latest version: 2.15

Released: May 2005

Size: 0.47MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/CWShredder/3000-80...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old version 2.1 from December 21, 2004)

Direct Download URL: http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/onl.../cwshredder.exe

Javacool Software's SpywareBlaster

SpywareBlaster doesn't scan for and clean spyware - it prevents it from being installed in the first place. SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs. It can also block spyware/tracking cookies in IE and Mozilla/Firefox, and restrict the actions of spyware/ad/tracking sites. With the built-in Check for Updates feature, you can help ensure your protection is up-to-date. SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature, which lets you take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert, undoing many changes made by spyware and browser hijackers.
Download Page: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html

Latest version: 3.4

Date added to download.com: May 18, 2005

Size: 2.44MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/300...tml?tag=lst-0-1

Direct Download URL: http://ct7support.com/downloads/javacool/z...stersetup34.exe or http://www.javacoolsoftware.net.nyud.net:8...stersetup34.exe

  • 2 months later...
Posted

THIS IS A DRAFT OF THE NEXT VERSION - PLEASE SEE THE PRODUCTION VERSION ABOVE. THANKS!

Suggested Free Security Tools and Apps for Windows

http://forum.spamcop.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=4514

Given that "In 2004, nine out of ten PCs connected to the Internet were infected with spyware." ("Surveillance Tech." Episode (aired 2005/10/10 13:48:20-32 EDT -0400), Modern Marvels Series), I suggest the following free security tools and apps for Windows:

InterMute's Trend Micro™ CWShredder™ (run this first due to the difficulty of removing CoolWebSearch with any other tool

Trend Micro™ CWShredder™ Version 2.15 is the latest defense against the new Cool Web Search variants, and it is included in the new Trend Micro Anti-Spyware 3.0

CWShredder™ finds and destroys traces of CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a name given to a wide range of different browser hijackers. Though the code is very different between variants, they are all used to redirect users to coolwebsearch.com and other sites affiliated with its operators.

Latest version: 2.15

Released: May 2005

Size: 0.47MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/CWShredder/3000-80...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old version 2.1 from December 21, 2004)

Direct Download URL: http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/onl.../cwshredder.exe

Limitation(s) in Free Version: No automatic protection or updates - for those features, download a 30-day evaluation copy of Trend Micro Anti-Spyware 3.0 (personal license US$29.95; formerly SpySubtract PRO) via http://www.trendmicro.com/en/products/desk...te/overview.htm

Update Path: Visit URL again

Microsoft® Update

Keep your computer up to date

Check to see if you need updates for Windows, your programs, your hardware or your devices.

Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX. This is an upgrade from Microsoft® Windows Update below. It does not update Microsoft Office 2000 in my experience - please use Microsoft® Office Update for that.

Size: 0.001MB (an ActiveX Class, not a .exe)

Limitation(s) in Free Version: can be slower than CDs for large updates via slow connections, like OS Service Packs.

Update Path: Visit URL again or use Automatic Updates

Microsoft® Windows Update

Get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware.

Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you.

Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX. This is for older systems that do not support

Size: 0.001MB (an ActiveX Class, not a .exe)

Limitation(s) in Free Version: can be slower than CDs for large updates via slow connections, like OS Service Packs.

Update Path: Visit URL again or use Automatic Updates

Microsoft® Office Update

Check for free updates that improve Office's stability and security.
Requires trust of multiple Microsoft sites and allowing them to run java scri_pt and ActiveX.

Limitation(s) in Free Version:

Update Path: Visit URL again or use Automatic Updates

Lavasoft's Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition

With the ability to scan your RAM, registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-aware SE easily can clean your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.

Ad-aware SE Personal Edition boasts a number of improvements. Extended memory scanning now scans all modules loaded by a process. Scanning uses the all- new CSI (Code Sequence Identification) technology to identify new and unknown variants of known targets. Extended registry scanning now scans registry branches of multiple-user accounts and performs additional smart checks to detect dynamically created references. Scanning speed is noticeably faster, and this version offers an Extended Scanning mode for known and unknown/possible browser hijackers.

New in version 1.06: Disk-scan is approximately 30% faster. CSI scan is now more efficient. Added "Scan for low-risk threats" option, to scan for targets with low TAC index. Ad-Watch CSI engine performance highly improved; using less CPU and Memory as well as having a smaller footprint. GUI adapted to use the new TAC.

German developer's site: http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/

Download Page: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/

Latest version: 1.06r1

Date added to download.com: May 27, 2005

Size: 2.72MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Person...ubj=dl&tag=top5

Direct Download URL: ftp://ftp.download.com/pub/win95/utilities/aawsepersonal.exe

Limitation(s) in Free Version:

Update Path: Manual updates in program

PepiMK Software's SpyBot Search&Destroy by Patrick M. Kolla

Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.

Version 1.4 has the first native multi-installation scanner, is noticeably faster than version 1.3 during scans, and has improved the tools and updated the interface.

Download Page: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Mirrors Page: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html

Latest version: 1.4

Date added to download.com: June 1, 2005

Size: 4.8MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Dest...tml?tag=lst-0-1

Direct Download URL: http://dw.com.com/redir?pid=10401314&merid...psid%3d10122137 or http://fileforum.betanews.com/sendfile/104.../spybotsd14.exe (among others)

Limitation(s) in Free Version: None, there is no pay version.

Update Path: Manual updates in program

Network Associates' McAfee AVERT Stinger

Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system. Stinger utilizes next generation scan engine technology, including process scanning, digitally signed DAT files, and scan performance optimizations.
Latest version: 2.5.8

Size: 1.18MB

As of: October 5, 2005

Download Page: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

Direct Download URL: http://download.nai.com/products/mcafee-av...t_i_n_g_e_r.exe

Limitation(s) in Free Version:

Update Path: Visit URL again

Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

AVG Free Edition is 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.
Download Page: scroll to the bottom.

Latest version: avg70free_344a618.exe Version 7.344

Size: 12.8MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Fre...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old Version 7.289 from December 2, 2004)

Direct Download URL: http://free.grisoft.com/softw/70free/setup...ree_344a618.exe

Limitation(s) in Free Version: Limited scheduling capability

Update Path: Automatic updates in program

Microsoft® Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) (formerly GIANT AntiSpyware)

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding more than 50 ways spyware can enter your PC. Participants in the worldwide SpyNet™ community play a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your PC so you stay up to date.
Download: Click "Download the beta of our new anti-spyware software today" on that page.

Version: Beta (Build 1.0.615 AKA v1.0.615 AKA Beta1)

Date Published: 7/18/2005

Language: English (YMMV)

Download Size: 6.5MB

Extraordinary Requirements: Requires participation in the Windows Genuine Advantage program, which requires running the Microsoft® Windows Genuine Advantage Validation checker GenuineCheck.exe v1.3.254.0 AKA v1.3.0254.0, which requires Internet access. My is N7TDV75.

Limitation(s) in Free Version: Unknown, it's still Beta.

Update Path: Visit URL again

Zone Labs' FREE ZoneAlarm® (Firewall Protection)

ZoneAlarm 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 application control allows you to decide which applications can and cannot use the Internet. 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.
Download Page: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/comp...reeDownload.jsp

Latest version: 6.0.631.002

Date added to download.com: July, 2005

Size: 6.65MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm/3000-104...tml?tag=lst-0-1 (old version 5.5.094 from May 2, 2005)

Direct Download URL: http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1012..._60_631_002.exe

Limitation(s) in Free Version:

Update Path: Visit URL again

Gotcha: Zone Labs recommends that you run their free ZoneAlarm® Spyware Scanner (which requires IE and ActiveX) before downloading Free ZoneAlarm, but beware that their ZoneAlarm Spyware Scanner only scans for spyware, it can't remove spyware, and it recommends that you buy their ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite or ZoneAlarm Pro to remove spyware (among other things).

Javacool Software's SpywareBlaster

SpywareBlaster doesn't scan for and clean spyware - it prevents it from being installed in the first place. SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs. It can also block spyware/tracking cookies in IE and Mozilla/Firefox, and restrict the actions of spyware/ad/tracking sites. With the built-in Check for Updates feature, you can help ensure your protection is up-to-date. SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature, which lets you take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert, undoing many changes made by spyware and browser hijackers.
Download Page: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html

Latest version: 3.4

Date added to download.com: May 18, 2005

Size: 2.44MB

Download.com Page: http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/300...tml?tag=lst-0-1

Direct Download URL: http://ct7support.com/downloads/javacool/z...stersetup34.exe or http://www.javacoolsoftware.net.nyud.net:8...stersetup34.exe

Limitation(s) in Free Version:

Update Path: Manual updates in program

  • 3 months later...
Posted
Hello Jeff,

I would add http://avast.com - cool AV software, usually updates 2 times per day, free for personal use, paid for corporate needs.

39314[/snapback]

I currently use, and recommend, the AVG product. Does anyone else here have an opinion on this software? Problems you've seen, etc.?

From their download.com profile:

Avast Home Edition is a free, complete ICSA certified antivirus software for home noncommercial use. Avast Home Edition includes the following components: On Demand Scanner--with skinnable simple interface--just select what do you want to scan in which way and press the ?Play? button; On Access Scanner--special providers to protect the most of available e-mail clients; Instant Messaging--ICQ, Miranda; Network traffic--intrusion detection--lightweight firewall; P2P protection for Kazza, BitTorrent; Web shield--monitors and filter all HTTPtraffic; NNTP Scanner--scans all Usenet Newsgroup traffic and all operations with files on PC; Boot Time Scanner--scans disks in the same way and in the same time as Windows CHKDSK does. True incremental updates are small and fast.
I personally would prefer if AV software would stick with that rather than adding the firewall stuff and other bells and whistles.
  • 1 month later...
Posted

My list for spyware related resource

Online Virus and Trojan Scanning

Bitdefender

PandaActive Scan from Pandasoftware

http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/

Popular and Free Spyware, Adware Software

Ad-Aware SE from Lavasoft

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Microsoft Windows Defender free download from Microsoft

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/s...re/default.mspx

Malicious Software Removal Tool-free from Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

SpyBot - Search & Destroy

http://www.safer-networking.org/

HijackThis for Advance user ]

http://majorgeeks.com/download3155.html

Spyware Information and Resources

Spyware-related news and articles.

http://www.spywarenews.org

Spyware Information from wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware

Spyware Information

http://www.spywareinfo.com/

Spyware Related Forum

http://forums.spywareinfo.com/

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Posted
My list for spyware related resource

<snip>

40650[/snapback]

...You took the time to sign up for the Forums just to post this information for us? THANK YOU! :P <big g>
  • 2 years later...
Posted

On the subject of the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (above), thanks to paradoX at news.grc for bringing to light this explanation/guide to this enigmatic but frequently-updated utility in the WU critical updates: What is Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (mrt.exe) and how to use it. The current/most accessed MS guide is at The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool ... and spells out the applicable Windows OSs, also notes that the application 'phones home' when run - a disclosure that some might find disconcerting - and even more would be disconcerted if it were not disclosed. :D

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