Free Software
Over the years you find software you like, software you didn't like, and software you wish you never found because it was so bad or wasn't useful at all. These are the programs I like and use all the time. They range from things like GIMP, a photo editor used to make this website and all my graphics to ZoneAlarm, a firewall.
Ad-Aware Free Edition (www.lavasoftusa.com)
Lavasoft's free spyware detection and removal software "Ad-Aware Free".
AVG Anti-Virus (www.grisoft.com)
Grisoft's free anti-virus software "AVG 8.5 Free". AVG provides protection against viruses, spyware, adware and trojans. It also features LinkScanner Active Search-Shield which protests real time while surfing and LinkScanner Search-Shield that provides safety ratings for all search results in Google, Yahoo and MSN/Live search. The optinal AVG Security Toolbar is also available.
CCleaner (www.ccleaner.com)
CCleaner is a system optimization and privacy tool. It lets you remove unused files from your Windows system and also cleans traces of your online activities (Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera browsers). CCleaner includes a registry cleaner and can remove temp files from third-party applications.
Housecall (www.housecall.antivirus.com)
Trend Micro's free online virus scanner "Trend Micro Housecall". The site also includes a free online spyware scanner "Trend Micro Spyware Scanner".
ShieldsUp (www.grc.com)
"ShieldsUp" is a free online port scanner provided by Gibson Research Corporation.
Spybot Search & Destroy (www.spybot.info)
"Spybot Search & Destroy" is a free spyware detector and removal program. The advanced mode also contains many useful utilities.
ZoneAlarm (www.zonelabs.com)
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall protects against inbound and outbound attacks. It is provided by Check Point Software Technologies LTD.