AVG Free Edition antivirus review

AVG Free Edition antivirus review

Anti-Virus software is important for protection of your computer. This software keeps your computer alive while you surf the internet. There are many anti-virus software vendors in the market, some of them will provide you with free versions of their products. Free antivirus software may be the only option for people with the limited budget. Today we will consider features of one of the free antivirus solutions, which is named AVG Free Edition v7.5. AVG Free Edition is the very popular antivirus protection tool. It is available at no cost to home users for the life of the product.
AVG Free Edition is an anti-virus scanner that provides on demand scanner, resident file and email protection, and Virus Vault for safe treatment of infected files and automatic updates. The free version is limited in features, but it uses the same scanning engine as the commercial version and provides all basic scanning functionality as well as real-time protection. This anti-virus has been certified be effective at detecting 100% of in-the-wild viruses.
The first time you run AVG Free Edition, it checks for updates and creates a rescue diskette for recovery if a virus infection makes your computer non-bootable. Rescue diskette enables you to remove viruses or restore your operating system areas from the MS DOS environment.
The program has two main windows - Test Center and Control Center. AVG Control Center is the main console, which launches automatically upon Windows startup, and you can see its icon in the system tray. It lists all installed components, gives information on their status, and allows you to fully configure them. A panel for each module includes its description and current status, but you need to click to see the full text. You can check and update the virus database; configure on-access, context-menu and e-mail scans; and view quarantined viruses in the Virus Vault.


Test Center allows you to perform tests, update your AVG and edit some basic configurations. You can manually scan all your hard drives or scan only selected files. Virus scans can be automatically scheduled when you choose.


AVG Free Edition is integrated into system and can be accessible through the shortcut menu. You can select objects for fast check then to start their scanning. AVG supports many of the most popular email programs and scans all your incoming and outgoing emails. The big advantage of the program is low system resource requirements and high speed of operations, scanning of files and folders occurs very fast. Thus, process of revealing of viruses practically does not influence productivity of the operating system in any way.
AVG Free Edition does not offer protection from adware or spyware (though it is available in the paid version of the product). As with other free antivirus scanners, support options are limited to online help forums and knowledgebases.
I use AVG about six months and I have had no more virus problems, so take account of this review and make sure you always use an updated anti-virus software.
You can download AVG Free Edition 7.5 here. (29 MB)

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ZoneAlarm free firewall review

ZoneAlarm free firewall review

For home users, free firewalls may give you enough protection. The free version of ZoneAlarm is one of the best-known free firewalls. ZoneAlarm firewall is designed to protect your cable or DSL-connected computer against unauthorized access by hackers, hijackers and malicious software. It also blocks threats already on your pc from communicating with the malefactor or a third party so that hackers can't gain access to your computer or personal data.
The installation process for ZoneAlarm involves installing the software files, running the configuration wizard to set basic protection options, and viewing the Tutorial.
Main window of ZoneAlarm is shown below. It is the Control Center.



As you can see there is the menu on the left side of the Control Center. It presents main features of ZoneAlarm security software. The dashboard appears at the top of the Control Center. It provides constant access to basic security functions and indicators. From the status tab on the overview panel you can see a summary of ZoneAlarm security software's activity and update status of your version of ZoneAlarm.
From the preferences tab you can set general options for the display of the ZoneAlarm’s Control Center, change your ZoneAlarm password, manage updates, and configure privacy settings for communications with ZoneAlarm.



Firewall panel allows you to change security levels and make it easy to configure your firewall settings. You can set there a preconfigured security level to each Zone, or you can determine the protocol and port restrictions for each level.



The program control panel is very useful tool which lets you to assign program permissions manually or automatically when program advice is available.



ZoneAlarm’s alert and logging panel keep you aware of what's happening on your computer. And I want to say that it is working without being overly intrusive, and enable you to go back at any time to investigate past alerts.



I can say that ZoneAlarm is a very good firewall, it blocks any potential threat for your computer, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things that could use improvement. I have noticed that it has some conflicts with P2P programs and blocks some things that I might want to actually let through. So I can say that P2P file sharing is nearly impossible with ZoneAlarm installed.
The best thing I can say about ZoneAlarm free firewall is that the firewall truly works wonders and it is totally free for personal use. You can download ZoneAlarm free firewall here.

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Ad-Aware 2007 – The Best Free Anti-Spyware Program

Ad-Aware 2007 – The Best Free Anti-Spyware Program

Surfing the Internet, you subject your computer to thousand various dangers. Each time when you switch on the computer and connect to internet, your system faces innumerable internet threats, including viruses, home-page hijackers, spyware attacks, trojan horses, and hackers trying to find their way into your system.
But it is very easy to protect your system from all this threats. I’ve found three great pieces of software – AVG antivirus, ZoneAlarm firewall and Ad-Aware anti-spyware tool – designed to protect you against threat that come your way. I use them myself, because they are powerful, they are free and very easy to use.
I’ve already reviewed AVG AntiVirus Free Edition and ZoneAlarm Firewall in previous posts. Well today I am going to tell you about Ad-Aware 2007.
Ad-Aware is anti-spyware program which provides protection from known Spyware including: trojans, malware, dialers, data-mining, aggressive advertising, scumware, parasites, and browser hijackers. And today it is one of the most popular and trusted anti-spyware software programs.
Ad-Aware 2007 has new easy to use interface. Navigation bar has six buttons (tabs).
Status tab allow you to view the status of the components that make up Ad-Aware 2007, statistics from your scans, and log files from your scans. It also can initiate system scan.




Scan tab allows you to choose the type of scan you would like to perform, manage your Quarantine and Ignore lists, and use the Scheduler to set up automatic scans and Web Updates.




Other main menu buttons include Ad-Watch, offering real-time protection but in the paid version. Web Update tab controls threat database and software updates. Tools and plug-ins are disabled in the free version, but the Tools and Plug-ins tab hosts TrackSweep. It is a privacy tool that allows you to remove all traces of your Internet browsing from your system.




The settings tab allows you to change Ad-Aware 2007’s settings to fit your individual needs.
Ad-Aware 2007 is fully functional adware remover, and it does its job well.
It is my favorite anti-spyware program. Get it a try.
You can download free Ad-Aware 2007 v7.0.2.5 from here (21 MB).

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Avast Antivirus 4.7.1098 – Keep Your PC Safe

Avast Antivirus 4.7.1098 – Keep Your PC Safe

Avast antivirus, one of the very popular antivirus software, has been updated yesterday to the version 4.7.1098.
This antivirus software provides the solid protection from viruses, spyware and other types of computer threats. Avast guards your computer and the network with multiple protective components that scan executables and files.
You can choose scanning parameters and set the appropriate sensitivity level for scanning e-mails, downloaded files, instant messages, and P2P hosts.
Avast offers you an adequate protection for POP3, SMTP and IMAP accounts.
One of the features on which I would want to focus attention is possibility to scan pc at boot time. It is very useful sometimes.
You will find that there are two different interfaces - one for the average user and one that is for the more advanced user. Avast has simple and customizable interface that is very easy to use.
There are two different versions of this antivirus: Avast Professional Edition and Avast Home Edition. The second one is the light and free version of the first one.
The latest update contains fixes to existing definitions and removal of false alarms.




I think that It is really good software with instant real time protection, regular updates, and much more.
You can download this software by clicking the following links:

• Avast Professional Edition (17.9 MB)
• Avast Home Edition (17.6 MB)

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Spyware Doctor - The Best Spyware Protection

Spyware Doctor - The Best Spyware Protection

Spyware Doctor is a progressive spyware and adware removal utility that protects your PC from numerous threats such as trojans, spyware, adware, keyloggers and spybots.
This program is multi-award winning spyware program used by millions world wide.
Spyware Doctor has been awarded Editors' Choice, by many of the worlds leading PC magazines and testing laboratories such as PC Magazine, PC Pro, PC Plus, PC Choice, and others.
The trial version of Spyware Doctor provides time unlimited real-time protection, but without capability to remove treats detected during on-demand scans. If you want to obtain access to all features of this program you will need to buy it.
This program is easy to use due to its well-designed interface and optimal preconfigured settings. As soon as Spyware Doctor has been installed, it immediately provides the real-time protection without being overly intrusive.
The main status screen of the program provides immediate access to the main functions of Spyware Doctor. You can perform full system scan, activate or deactivate immunization feature and OnGuard (real-time) protection. The main status screen also allows you to see the current status of your Spyware Doctor installation.




The program can perform several types of scan to run on your computer. I found that even the Full Scan doesn’t take a lot of time. It is fast.




Spyware Doctor has a full set of controlling and monitoring features, such as OnGuard feature that monitors different parts of the system and blocks changes if required.




I think that full Spyware Doctor is one of the best anti-spyware applications. But if you don’t want to buy the registered version of Spyware Doctor, I recommend using the trial version of Spyware Doctor in conjunction with free version of Ad-Aware. Thus you will be able to obtain both the real-time protection (Spyware Doctor) and ability to remove treats detected during on-demand scans (Ad-Aware).
The current version of Spyware Doctor is Spyware Doctor 5.1.0.273 but there are also available the new beta version of this application (Spyware Doctor 5.5.0.176 Beta). Here links for download:

• Spyware Doctor 5.1.0.273
• Spyware Doctor 5.5.0.176 Beta

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Prevx CSI - FREE Malware Scanner

Prevx CSI - FREE Malware Scanner

The new version 1.2.101.109 of Prevx CSI Free malware scanner has been released recently. Prevx CSI Free is free program for quick, effective scanning and real-time checking against the most comprehensive malware database in the world.
If you suspect your PC is infected this utility can help you check your PC for active infections like spyware, Trojans, key loggers, rootkits, adware, viruses, screen watchers and many more types of malware.
Prevx CSI does not require the installation or reboot. The program works fast and very easy to use. It takes about two minutes to scan your PC.
There is an option to update the database of threats that allows you to benefit from the knowledge gained from the Prevx community. Every day, more than 8000 detection for new threats are added to the Prevx community database. So if there is an infection Prevx CSI Free malware scanner will found it.



Prevx CSI Free is fully compatible with all popular Windows OS, including Windows Vista and Windows XP, as well as major security applications.
The new version 1.2.101.109 may include several enhancements, or bug fixes.
I think it is definitely worth a try.
Download Prevx CSI Free malware scanner (927 KB, Freeware)

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Spyware Terminator v.2.1 - Free Spyware Protection

Spyware Terminator v.2.1 - Free Spyware Protection

Spyware Terminator is a free full-featured adware and spyware scanner with real-time protection, which stands out from other less popular anti-spyware programs in rather effective real-time protection and valuable additional tools.
Spyware Terminator scans, cleans and protects your computer against spyware, adware, trojans, home page hijackers, keyloggers, and malware threats. It allows you to choose from three scan modes. Fast scan includes only Smart System scan that checks only known spyware locations such as system folders, registry, cookies and files for items already included in the program database. This type of scan takes only a few minutes. Full Scan allows you to check the whole system. But it takes a lot of time. And finally, you can do customized scan and specify in detail which locations and types of files you want to check.



Spyware Terminator also allows you to perform scheduled scans. The threats found on your system can be moved to quarantine or to the ignore list.
The program automatically downloads latest spyware signatures so you don’t need to worry about the up-to-date status of its database.
Spyware Terminator offers real-time protection that monitors running applications, active services, and other objects. The real-time protection helps protect your computer from spyware and other defined threats by blocking their installation and preventing unauthorized system modification and browser hijacks.



Spyware Terminator can optionally use ClamAV antivirus for additional protection against viruses. Other features include a system restore utility, file analysis tool, File Removal and more. The first utility can create special checkpoints that should help recovering the compromised system. The File Analysis analyzes specified files and makes detailed reports on them. File Removal tool allows user to delete a file that is locked and cannot be removed in an ordinary way.
The program has well design interface that is very easy to use.



I think anyone will find Spyware Terminator simple, flexible and effective security software application.
Download Spyware Terminator 2.1

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Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0 – The Best Free Firewall

Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0 – The Best Free Firewall

Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0 is free firewall software that is top-rated in three leading computer magazines as the best free firewall. This software can protect your system against external attacks by hackers as well as internal attacks such as malicious software and Trojan viruses.
Comodo Firewall Pro is a powerful firewall with countless features. It continuously monitors your system Internet activity and gives you the ability to control them. The latest version of Comodo Firewall uses new technology architecture platform that prevents malicious software from gaining access to the computer and allows only known programs to be installed. This new technology is a new approach to computer security solutions. It tries to keeps your system virus free versus the traditional, "detection based" security solutions that allow all programs access to the computer system and then try to "detect" infected or damaged files by identifying the file’s signature.
The program has improved user interface that provides easy and quick navigation between each module of the firewall. Comodo Firewall is simple for beginners and at the same time it provides a great number of information and options for advanced users.
There are four main tabs: Summary, Firewall, Defense +, and Miscellaneous. Each of them provides quick access to relevant security tasks.


Summary screen gives you a snapshot of your current security settings and allows you a quick access to all parts of the Comodo Firewall.


Firewall screen are divided into two sections: Common Tasks and Advanced. The first one allows you to create rules for programs and network connections through a series of shortcuts and wizards, and the second enables more advanced users to determine firewall policy and settings at an in-depth, granular level.


The Defense+ tab of Comodo Firewall Pro allows you to quickly configure all aspects of so called host intrusion prevention system that monitors the activities of all applications and processes on your system.


Comodo Firewall Pro gives you the ability to quickly customize the behavior of the Defense system by changing your security level.


Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0 is compatible with Windows XP and Vista OS. It offers more features than many paid firewalls for free.
I think Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0 will be the best choice for everyone who looks for quick and reliable firewall that comes for free.
You can download the latest version of Comodo Firewall Pro from this page.

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Spyware Doctor 5.5.0.204 is available

Spyware Doctor 5.5.0.204 is available

The new version 5.5.0.204 of Spyware Doctor has been released recently. The program designed to protect your computer from a variety of malicious applications. Spyware Doctor is very powerful antispyware program that will detect and clean thousands of potential spyware, adware, keyloggers, Trojans, spybots and other malware from your computer.
Spyware Doctor provides comprehensive protection for your computer through advanced system scanning, real-time threat blocking, and immunization against known infections.



New features include improved OnGuard real-time protection tool, significantly enhanced scanning tools. For example, now Disk Scanner tool are able to detect and remove threats that attempt to avoid detection by using alternative character formatting. The Browser Activity Scanner has the ability to detect potentially malicious cookies stored by Mozilla Firefox web browser.
New version of Spyware Doctor also has new Ignore List with enhanced security that is able to prevent some threats from adding themselves to the Ignore List. Now such threats can’t compromise Spyware Doctor’s effectiveness in that way.
There are some others improvements and bug fixes.
I think Spyware Doctor is one of the best spyware removal applications. It is very popular and is top-rated by many software authority publications.

Download Spyware Doctor (16.8 MB, shareware, Windows All)

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SPAMfighter – The Easy Way to Fight Spam

SPAMfighter – The Easy Way to Fight Spam

If you are tired of getting spam and looking for an Outlook, Outlook Express, or Windows Mail spam filter to block spam from entering your inbox, Spamfighter is the application you are looking for.
SPAMfighter is a pretty popular anti-spam and anti-phishing addon for Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, and Windows Mail.
SPAMfighter is very easy to use. Once the program has been installed, you can just forget about it and simply use your email application as before with the significant difference that on around 95% of your spam is gone.
After installation of SPAMfighter, Outlook or Outlook Express gets a toolbar with four new control buttons and a new mail folder for dumping your spam into, called SPAMfighter. Using this toolbar, you can manually block and unblock an email messages. It also gives you access to advanced options of this application.



Program defines unsolicited email by using the power of a very large community of people who instantly report if they receive a spam mail. When several people designate the same letters as a spam, this letters is automatically blocked for the rest of the community in seconds.
If by chance you receive a spam mail in your Inbox, you can report it to the SPAMfighter server and remove it for all other community members with a single click on Block button in the SPAMfighter toolbar.
In addition, SPAMfighter uses special algorithm that filters large amount of spam before it ever hits the community.
SPAMfighter can block incoming mails from specific addresses and domains. To do this, you simply need to create a blacklist. You also can create a Whitelist and add there all your contacts to ensure that they are not filtered.



One of the great features of SPAMfighter is Language Recognition. It allows you to receive or reject only the emails written in the language(s) that you specify.
SPAMfighter is available in many languages, including English, German, Spanish, Chinese, French, Italian, Russian, and many others.
For your first 30 days you get the full Pro version, which keeps your emails free of adverts and offers some advanced features. When the trial period ends, you can either buy SPAMfighter Pro, or be downgraded to the free SPAMfighter Standard.
You can download the latest version of SPAMfighter here. 

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