Hey everybody - the following is a simplified list of software for people who want an easy solution to having an efficient, virus & malware free computer.
This list is supposed to be SIMPLE - it contains the best of each category so that people can easily use it as a reference point and don't have a computer full of software that they do not need !!! Most software lists contain so many programs, that it gets confusing as to which is the best, and which will work for you. This compilation will hopefully take the stress of choosing away, because the hard part has already been done for you. I've been fixing computers for years, and this is what I believe to be the best of the bunch.
Antivirus & Protection
Avast! Antivirus
avast! Free Antivirus - Download Software for Virus Protection
- Avast is the best free antivirus you can use. It's vastly superior to Norton, in a sense that it doesn't hog up your system resources.
Malwarebytes Free Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download
- I suggest running this at least once every two weeks minimum in order to make sure your system is clean and devoid of any intrusive malware or harmful processes running on your machines.
* I've been using both of these tools for years, and I have never once had a virus.
Jottis malware scan
- This website can be used to upload questionable and potentially harmful files, and it will scan them using over 12 different virus scanning programs. This website is what I personally use when I download questionable files from a forum or website that doesn't have a good reputation for being safe.
System Upkeep & Cleaning
CCleaner
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download
- This program will not only clean out your harddrive, and remove unwanted applications - but it will also help clean up your registry by scanning and getting rid of any errors you might have. I recommend running this at least once a week or two.
Defraggler
Defraggler - File and Disk Defragmentation - Free Download
- Defraggler is a great piece of software for defragmenting your hard drive, and making extra room. Lightweight, and has a better GUI than the built-in windows Defragmenter.
FireFox Addons
For this section, I always recommend using Firefox 4, which can be downloaded from Mozilla Firefox Web Browser ? Free Download. It's by far one of the best browsers out there because of the add-ons that are available for it. I know a lot of you like to use Google Chrome, but give FF4 a chance if you want a more secure browsing experience.
NoScript
http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noscript/
- NoScript will block any script running on a webpage. Initially, all scripts are blocked - but you can manually unblock them, or choose to only allow certain scripts to run from a trusted source. This prevents malicious or harmful scripts from running without your knowledge or consent.
AdBlock Plus
http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/
- NoScript will block any script running on a webpage. Initially, all scripts are blocked - but you can manually unblock them, or choose to only allow certain scripts to run from a trusted source. This prevents malicious or harmful scripts from running without your knowledge or consent.
General Software
Foobar2000
http://www.foobar2000.org/
- A lightweight, stylish music player that is capable of playing FLAC files.
VLC Media Player
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
- MUCH BETTER than the windows media player - it is hassle free, and very simple. There's even a portable (non-installation) version floating around.
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REMEMBER TO THANK ME IF THIS POST HELPED AT ALL!
Please feel free to suggest more to add, and remember - try not to submit any duplicates. This is an easy reference list, not a big master-list of every piece of free software floating around on the internet.
Thanks everybody!
This list is supposed to be SIMPLE - it contains the best of each category so that people can easily use it as a reference point and don't have a computer full of software that they do not need !!! Most software lists contain so many programs, that it gets confusing as to which is the best, and which will work for you. This compilation will hopefully take the stress of choosing away, because the hard part has already been done for you. I've been fixing computers for years, and this is what I believe to be the best of the bunch.
Antivirus & Protection
Avast! Antivirus
avast! Free Antivirus - Download Software for Virus Protection
- Avast is the best free antivirus you can use. It's vastly superior to Norton, in a sense that it doesn't hog up your system resources.
Malwarebytes Free Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download
- I suggest running this at least once every two weeks minimum in order to make sure your system is clean and devoid of any intrusive malware or harmful processes running on your machines.
* I've been using both of these tools for years, and I have never once had a virus.
Jottis malware scan
- This website can be used to upload questionable and potentially harmful files, and it will scan them using over 12 different virus scanning programs. This website is what I personally use when I download questionable files from a forum or website that doesn't have a good reputation for being safe.
System Upkeep & Cleaning
CCleaner
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download
- This program will not only clean out your harddrive, and remove unwanted applications - but it will also help clean up your registry by scanning and getting rid of any errors you might have. I recommend running this at least once a week or two.
Defraggler
Defraggler - File and Disk Defragmentation - Free Download
- Defraggler is a great piece of software for defragmenting your hard drive, and making extra room. Lightweight, and has a better GUI than the built-in windows Defragmenter.
FireFox Addons
For this section, I always recommend using Firefox 4, which can be downloaded from Mozilla Firefox Web Browser ? Free Download. It's by far one of the best browsers out there because of the add-ons that are available for it. I know a lot of you like to use Google Chrome, but give FF4 a chance if you want a more secure browsing experience.
NoScript
http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noscript/
- NoScript will block any script running on a webpage. Initially, all scripts are blocked - but you can manually unblock them, or choose to only allow certain scripts to run from a trusted source. This prevents malicious or harmful scripts from running without your knowledge or consent.
AdBlock Plus
http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/adblock-plus/
- NoScript will block any script running on a webpage. Initially, all scripts are blocked - but you can manually unblock them, or choose to only allow certain scripts to run from a trusted source. This prevents malicious or harmful scripts from running without your knowledge or consent.
General Software
Foobar2000
http://www.foobar2000.org/
- A lightweight, stylish music player that is capable of playing FLAC files.
VLC Media Player
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
- MUCH BETTER than the windows media player - it is hassle free, and very simple. There's even a portable (non-installation) version floating around.
-------------------------------------------------
REMEMBER TO THANK ME IF THIS POST HELPED AT ALL!
Please feel free to suggest more to add, and remember - try not to submit any duplicates. This is an easy reference list, not a big master-list of every piece of free software floating around on the internet.
Thanks everybody!