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How-to Guides » OLD GUIDE Kit out a PC for free

Getting your PC up to scratch doesn't have to break the bank - in fact it needn't cost you a penny!

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OLD GUIDE Kit out a PC for free

Super security

How-to Guide Tips 4 tips on this task | Tweet

1) Free security software from your bank

Some banks will offer you internet security software for free. Barclays customers, for example, can download Kapersky's internet security suite software, which includes anti-virus software and firewall (worth £51) for free (this can be installed on up to three computers in your home).

And HSBC's customers can download a free 12-month subscription to McAfee Security software here. Note: both of these offers are only available to PC users.

2) Free anti-virus software

If you can't get protection from your bank, you can download very good, free anti-virus software for Windows and Linux from AVG or Avast (note: this is only available for non-commercial or home use) but you must ensure to keep up-to-date by downloading the updates.

3) Free Firewall

If you're running MS Windows or Vista you can use the free firewall they come with. Alternatively, you can download a free version from Comodo and Zone Alarm.

4) Free anti-spyware

Windows users can use Windows Defender for free. Alternatively download the free, a-squared anti-spyware tool .

You could also consider Ad Aware which is a free program that that detects and removes malware, spyware and adware on your computer.

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Tips on this task (4)

7

philippasutton said

If you're using an older PC do NOT rely on the Windows firewall - it's worse than useless, because it gives you the impression that you've got a firewall, when you're half covered. Try Zone Alarm or better still Sunbelt Personal Firewall (Google it) - free for non-commercial use.
People are being kind about Microsoft's new Security Essentials package, but I still use Avira's anti-virus software (www.avira.com, and look for their "Products" list - again there is a version free for personal use, and better than some of the commercial ones (avoid McAfee, even if you're told you've a free version!) Watch out with Avira and many other free bits of software - there are often free versions, and "free trial" versions. The "free trial" ones demand money from you in 30 days, or 3 months. Even the free ones tell you that you should really purchase their super premium versions - ignore them and, if you have the right version in the first place, you can just keep on using the free version.
For further advice on free security try the Major Geeks site (www.majorgeeks.com) where there are links to lots of free software and advice on using it, from people who really know their stuff. There are lots of specialised software tools for special jobs.

Report on 26 November 2009 | Love 0 love
414

Mike10613 said

AVG is a decent anti virus for free. If you have a router it probably has a firewall built in and they are very effective. If you have a virus try http://www.f-secure.com for a free scan and trial software. Ccleaner is a great piece of free software that cleans up temporary files and does registry fixes. Don't use Fcleaner. I tried that last week. It appears good, but some websites didn't display right afterwards; mainly ones I worked on and used Javascript. I just had a look at http://download.cnet.com/windows/ and Google Chrome which is the browser I use has teamed up with Avast for security. that site is good for searching for freeware programs and software generally. Smartplanet is good and part of Cnet too.

Report on 07 December 2009 | Love 0 love
1

Fred5390 said

Spybot: Search and Destory is a pretty useful free piece of software. That detects spyware, malware, trojans and other harmful files. This can be downloaded via download.com.

Report on 26 January 2010 | Love 0 love
0

pauljcg said

Virgin Media broadband customers get a security suite for Windows included in their subscription. If you have a different broadband supplier, check the customer area of their web site to see if they offer anything!
I agree with Fred5390 about Spybot S&D, which is really useful but can be a little tricky to use at first. I also recommend CCleaner which can be used to clear out 'junk' files that accumulate on your PC over time. Both of these programs are free and run on Windows.
Mac users can reclaim hard drive space using MonoLingual (free) and Squeeze (small charge), perfect if you're running out of space to store your photos, videos and music.
When it comes to backing up your computer, consider the cost per GB (or MB) of storage. Whilst blank CDs and DVDs are relatively cheap, you may need hundreds of them to make a complete back up. Instead, invest in an external (USB) hard drive that's at least the size of your computer's hard drive and make a regular back up to it. There are programs (some free!) available for Windows to schedule this so you don't have to remember to do it and Mac users can use the built-in Time Machine feature. If something goes wrong, you can save a lot of time and money by recovering your computer from an up-to-date back up.

Report on 28 August 2010 | Love 0 love

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