Even though there are a ton of articles online advising people to install firewalls, anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-adware, not many people have done so. Less than 50% of homes PCs are secured according to this article: http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/48081.html And since I'm bored right now, here's a list of free programs for people who have NOT secured their computer yet or people who are strapped for cash and cannot afford to pay for protection: Firewall
Zonealarm
http://www.download.com/3000-2092-10039884.html Even though all Windows XP come with a built-in Firewall, sometimes its not on by default or is easily compromised. And a firewall is the best line of defense. So if you don't like the Windows firewall or you feel you need better protection, go with Zonealarm. With Zonealarm, you choose which programs can access the internet and prevent many viruses, worms, or trojans from getting through Anti-Virus
AVG Free Edition
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5 Very good AV. Anti-virus software are the second line of defense. Whatever viruses, worms or trojans that a firewall doesn't catch, AV software serves as a backupand allows you to remove those bad programs. I use it myself and I have not recieved a virus for over 6 months. Anti-Adware
Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ Ever got one of those popup ads asking if you want to increase the size of a body part? Thats adware. One of the best anti-adware programs available. Run a scan at least once a month and your computer will be safe from adware and certain spyware Anti-Spyware
Sbybot: Search & Destroy
http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html Spyware collects every single piece of information about you and sends it out to companies. They also leave your computer open to attack from viruses and trojans. Still the best anti-spyware program since it came out, Spybot: Search & Destroy will protect your computer from spyware and browser hijackers. Like Ad-Adware, run at least once a month to keep your computer safe. The last two programs I recommended serve to block spyware and adware when you're using Internet Explorer (IE). However using IE extensivey nowadays is just not a good idea. Even though there have been updates to IE that can block adware and spyware, many of today's viruse, worms, trojans, spyware, and adware are written to infect people through IE. So as another layer of defense, use Mozilla Firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/ Mozilla Firefox is an alternative web browser that has built-in protection against malicious programs. I recommend that everyone switch to Firefox if they want to keep their computer safe. And so ends my help. Luckily I managed to save a few people today. | 
