Recommended Software:

Using some of these apps along with smart web surfing habits I am happy to say I have not had any major virus or spyware problem in years.  You can also reap the same benefits as I have.  Tip:  Be sure to check out my Spyware Prevention Guide.

Remember!  Ask Mark anytime for personal advice, assistance with any of these applications, or other questions. 

Quick Tips:  Always keep antivirus software up to date, download software only from trusted sources, and do not click on anything that looks suspicious when browsing the Internet.

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Mozilla Firefox

If you are a current Microsoft Internet Explorer user I advise you make the switch to Firefox today.  Firefox is more secure and contains pretty much any feature you could want in a Web browser.  Highly recommended.   

Download and additional information via CNET.

License:  Free

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AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

Great antivirus product that is free for home users, extremely easy to install, and easy on system resources.  If you are tired of the bloated Norton and MacAfee antivirus products then you must give AVG a try.  Highly recommended.   

Download and additional information via CNET.

License:  Free

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Spybot - Search & Destroy

Spyware cleaning utility that is free, easy to use, and it cleans pretty well.  Somewhat buggy, especially during installation and updates, but its cleaning power make up for these faults.  I personally do not use the real-time detection feature, but Spybot is a great compliment to another anti-spyware program to cleanup infected systems. 

Download and additional information via CNET.

License:  Free

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Microsoft Windows Defender

Great anti-spyware software created by Microsoft and completely free for licensed Microsoft Windows users.  Windows Defender is in fact a standard feature in the Windows Vista operating system.  I personally use Windows Defender for my own real-time spyware protection. 

Download and additional information via CNET.

License:  Free

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Process Explorer

Great utility for viewing applications running on your computer.  Process Explorer is an invaluable tool to compliment spyware cleaning software.  Shows processes loaded in memory and includes great features such as being able to list running processes by company name thus allowing you to quickly spot iffy software.  Highly recommended.

Download and additional information via CNET.

License:  Free

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Diskeeper

Superior defragmentation program for increasing your PC's hard disk performance.  The default Windows defragmentation utility just doesn't cut it when it comes performance and features.  I have personally used Diskeeper for years to keep my hard drive optimized and PC running at peak performance and I highly recommend it to all my clients. 

Download and additional information via CNET.

License:  Free to try; $29.95 to buy

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