My 5 Favorite Freeware Picks

Lately I notice many newbies on this forum which is great. Afterdawn for me was a great resource a few years ago and I still rely on those old & new with sage advice and in todays Economy I thought it would be great to have a discussion on Freeware perhaps some of us will discover a program that fills a need one of us hadn't heard of so here we go. My favorite 5 freeware I install on all pc's for my customers are as follows. Spyware Blaster provides good preventative protection from malware, AVG 8.5 Free Edition for free does a good job of protecting my system & has a linkScanner, InfranView has a basic Photo Editor with some advanced features above all easy to use, CDburnerXP pro this program has been around along time works very well in Vista can burn DVD ISO files, any CD Rom with some advanced features can completely replace Roxio Classic Burner, SuperAnti-Spyware this program has rescued many systems from nasties I could not have otherwise removed. All these programs have a small footprint, use very little system resources with a good user base making it easy to find free help on various forums.

 

Hey elliott,

I agree with your recommendations. Here is “My Plan” that I use and recommend and have never had anyone come back to me and say “Hey, man, that didn’t work. I got an infection.” – It just doesn’t happen if you install the entire plan and use the software that I recommend…

1.) Use an imaging program to Backup your HD.

My first 3 rules in successful computing are:
1. Backup! 2. Backup!! and 3. Backup!!!


For a backup system, I use and recommend Acronis True Image Home.
Get a 15 day trial = > HERE!

There are other Imaging programs, as well as FREE ones, but Acronis is the best. IMHO

For FREE backups, I recommend Macrium Reflect: = > HERE!
Much slower than Acronis without the extra features, but FREE.

TweakHound’s guide for using Acronis: = > HERE!
Guide for using Macrium Reflect = > HERE!


2.) Protect the gateway to your system with a good hardware firewall/router with at least port blocking (stealthing is even better) and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)
*note* Because it’s not Free step 2 is Optional, but highly recommended.
I use a Linksys, Wireless G – got it for less than 40 bucks, with a coupon.

3.) If you don’t have a Router, be sure the Windows firewall is turned on. (The Windows Firewall is sufficient. I don’t recommend 3rd party Firewalls.)

With this plan the Firewall is a Firewall and not anti-virus/anti-malware/anti-spyware, etc. that’s all covered in Steps 4 thru 7. The built-in Windows firewall will Block and Stealth the ports to stop the probes from Hackers and Advertisers. I know, the Windows firewall only filters incoming traffic and allows any application to send outbound packets. However, once malware is on your system then the security has been compromised. If an application wants to send data out, in most cases, an outbound filtering firewall running on the infected machine is not going to stop it. With Steps 4 thru 7 in place, a Trojan cannot install itself and cannot call home….

4.) Install a good (Free) Anti-Virus package.

AVAST 4 Home Edition had the highest rate of zoo virus detection (92%), followed by AntiVir Personal Edition Classic at 85% and AVG Free Edition at 81%. However, AVAST's higher zoo detection was offset by a correspondingly higher rate of false positives, 9 total compared to AntiVir at only 2. Conversely, AVG scored the lowest in both categories, racking up 11 false positives and is extremely heavy on resources.

My Recommendations: 1=Best, 2=Very Good, 3=Good
1. -> Avira Antivir
2. -> Avast 4
3. -> AVG 8.5

Avira AntiVir is my top pick if you're looking for the best protection against viruses. It is very light on resources and the detection rate of viruses and rootkits is outstanding. However, it does not include antispyware protection or e-mail scanning; they are only available in the paid version. Anti-Spyware is addressed in Step 5 of this plan and the lack of an e-mail scanner just means that AntiVir won't warn you of infected emails before you open them. However, should you open an infected email; AntiVir will still spring into action, so it doesn't mean that you're not protected from email-based infections. Although AntiVir has advertisements that appear with every update, these ads can be disabled -> HERE!

5.) Install a good Anti-Spyware package, or two or more, if they are compatible and handle spyware in different ways.

One of the easiest ways to be infected is to download freeware/shareware programs which come laden with malware - this includes allowing websites to install browser plug-ins or ActiveX controls.

Install = > SpywareBlaster

SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of many so-called spyware, adware and malware programs by disabling the CLSIDs of popular spyware ActiveX controls, and also prevents the installation of any of them via a webpage. This allows you to run Internet Explorer with Active-X enabled, but it will never download or even prompt you for any of the known Bad ActiveX controls. All other Active-X controls or plug-ins will work fine. The SpywareBlaster database contains information on these known spyware Active-X controls and can be updated with the click of a button. The application windows displays a list of all controls that it is able to detect (this is not a list of what was found on your computer). The program cannot detect if you have any of the known objects already installed, but if you do, they will be disabled.

SpywareBlaster is passive protection. It plugs the holes that spyware and other potentially unwanted software use to get in to your system. As such, there is no running process - and no CPU and memory usage either. All you have to do is remember to update SpywareBlaster once a week, and enable the latest protection.

Note: After installation, SpywareBlaster is not running and you never hear anything out of it; therefore it’s easy to neglect the updates. Since I tend to forget it, I have scheduled a Task to run it every Wed. and when it pops up, I simply update it and then close it..


6.) Install a Host File and Management program. This will block bad sites from downloading Trojans and malware to your computer.

Optional but highly recommend if you surf a lot. With the Host file installed there is no need to run a resource heavy, link scanning program and your surfing time will improve.

Install a custom hosts file such as the MVPS Hosts file => HERE!
This custom hosts file effectively blocks a wide range of unwanted ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and many hijackers.
For information on how to download and install, please read the tutorial and be sure to follow the instructions to disable the DNS Client service before installing a custom hosts file.
I use and recommend a Hosts Management program to keep the Hosts File updated.
HostMan => HERE! HostMan has Auto updates and works Great with XP. I have had problems getting it to work with Vista. Hopefully they will correct that soon.

HostXpert => HERE! This is what I have on my wife’s Vista Laptop and is easy to update. You just need to jump through the hoops occasionally.
I use both the MVPS Hosts and HPHosts files. Both can be downloaded and updated using either HostMan or HostXpert.

7.) Install Host-Based Intrusion Prevention Software (HIPS) that prevents the execution of unknown software on your system.

99% of all threats have one thing in common - they are set to execute from one or more of the "Run" keys in the Registry. To protect against these; HIPS functions give you the ability to stop all unrecognized programs from running on your computer unless you say so, making it possible to protect yourself against Zero day new attacks. Of course known, safe programs will be allowed to run, no problem.
This is different to a pure Antivirus program - these let any program run, unless they know it is a virus. This means that it must have that exact threat in its database before it can do anything about it. Your antivirus will completely ignore programs it does not recognize - which unfortunately includes new viruses.

Install = > Comodo BOClean protects your computer against trojans, malware and other threats. It constantly scans your system in the background and intercepts any recognized trojan activity. The program can ask the user what to do, or run in unattended mode and automatically shutdown and remove any suspected trojan application. Comodo BOClean currently supports more than 75,000 malware items and offers automatic daily updates. Other features include updating via network share, tamper protection and stealth mode.
Antivirus software frequently fails to detect, and more often fails to effectively clean most malware. BOClean runs automatically in the background without interfering with your work and kills malwares INSTANTLY the moment they activate without giving them the chance to invade your machine. BOClean also eliminates the need to stop what you're doing to secure your machine after it's too late. BOClean works with all versions of Windows. Unlike antivirus programs, BOClean will actually shut them down and destroy them without the need for you to seek out the method of removal or risking dangerous editing of your system's innermost configurations. BOClean requires no technical skills and handles detection, removal and repair of your system automatically.



Any thoughts, comments, discussions on this??

2oG

 

SuperAntiSpyware is a good free tool to have in your collection...

 

I use SuperAntiSpyware, MalwareBytes' AnitMalware, ComboFix, Avira Rescue disk, etc. etc. etc. to remove Malware and infections from other people's computers that don't have my plan installed. I had rather stop Malware from entering my computer than try to remove it AFTER it has gotten in... : )

I never have to run a scan on My computer... giggle, giggle

2oG

 

If you never have to run a scan on your computer for spyware your are better then me my friend.Never mind how careful i am always get some sort of spyware now and again, but a quick scan soon gets shot of it...

 

As I said, I never HAVE to run a scan. I do occasionally but they never find anything..

It took me several years to put this Plan together, testing the software and other ingredients in order to come up with the best possible combination.

Basic software before getting on the internet should be a Firewall and AntiVirus.

Then you add Anti-Spyware, Anti-Malware and block Adware, Trojans and drive-bys.

Some of the keys to the plan’s success are the Host file, SpywareBlaster and BoClean.

The HOSTS file blocks ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s) that supplies these little gems.

SpywareBlaster can help keep your system spyware-free and secure, without interfering with the "good side" of the web. And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in the background.

Unfortunately, most HIPS programs, including the popular free program WinPatrol, generate a lot of warning messages, and many of these are quite cryptic. These messages tend to alarm many less-experienced users who feel there is something wrong and simply don't know how to respond. That's why these products are only suitable for the very experienced (and very patient)
.
Thankfully, a new generation of HIPS programs has emerged that use white lists, black lists, policies and behavior analysis rules, along with other techniques, to reduce the number of messages and the load on the user.

Enter stage right Comodo BOClean and Threatfire which both aim to stop malware entering your system in the first place. It’s difficult to assess the effectiveness of both products with any degree of accuracy, though both seem to have a place in our systems.

I only recommend ThreatFire to the more experienced users because it’s really aggressive and also has a few conflicts with other software.

2oG

 

I'll have to give some of your suggestions a try,i don't get much spyware,i do go on, say we say some dodgy dave sites,so expect to have the misfortune of being infected.The daughter is the worse for picking up junk, not so bad now since i put a password on her computer so nothing can run with out the password,ill try some of the programs you list on hers been meaning for ages to sort out her computer...

 

With kids in the house – check this out:
http://www1.k9webprotection.com/

With it, you can block any and every thing… bad sites, chat rooms, porn sites, bad language, bad pictures etc, etc.. Everything! Your choice and its password protected.

You set it up and the password can over ride it…..

Check it out. That may be what you have??

2oG

 

Cheers I'll give that a try,she says she only goes on bebo and facebook,that's half the problem since most of the spyware out there attacks these social network sites.I must be fair after having a good sit down and chat with her, and warning her the dangers of the web, she does scan her PC for spyware and defrags her computer and is more careful with her internet browsing,thanks for your very informative advice and knowledge...

 

If you don't want to block her from specifics then install my entire plan including the Host file and she should be OK. It will not block her but will take care of bad downloads from Facebook and Bebo...

Cheers,
2oG ( That's 2 not "Too", old with a small "o" and Geek with a capital "G" )

 

Thanks for the detailed listing that was awesome. I do agree just keep in from getting in and preventions is better than clean up. I have used AVG fo so long now and find it easier for the casual user to understand the intface. In my personal testing Avira did perform better but it has alot of pop ups to buy the program which can confuse some pc users. I like how AVG does a daily scan, SpywareBlaster is a must on any system the protection it offers for free is unparralleled by any active program. I hate resource hogs and AVG did put out some performance patches its a little better than it was but I do notice when it starts to scan then after a minute or so my system gets back to its perky self. I have been meaning to try Acronis I missed a great sale on newegg they had it for 15 bucks after rebate.

 

I don’t like Nag screens either, I just turn them off…..

I have some independent testing on AV’s and out of 17 Top names tested, Avira Anti-Vir is NO.1……….

AVG has moved up passed Avast in the rankings but to me still seems to be a little resource heavy for my liking.

Whooo Boy! 15 bucks is a great price for Acronis, sorry you missed it. I Love it. I have about 200 or so Trojans, viruses, malware, worms etc. that I load on my computer and test removal software and procedures. After I’m done playing, it takes me 3.5 to 4 minutes to restore my drive with the image file.. I am always on the lookout for new malware to test my plan with… what a deal, huh?……It’s fun : )

2oG

 

keep it simple is my motto
1. zonealarm free firewall
2. avg 8.5 free
3. firefox browser
4. returnil virtual system (free)

nothing defeats this security setup.

 

Just installed ThreatFire but unfortunately it doesn't support Vista x64,shame liked the sound of it,any more programs like that that support a 64 bit operating system?

 

killalot, I haven’t used a 64 in some time, I retired one that I never used in the 64 mode because, at the time, I had so many problems getting compatible software for it.

ThreatFire is about the best HIPS program out there. It has a lot of features that I really like but don’t know about the 64 version or even if there is one.. It does have some compatibility problems, especially with Incredimail which I hate but my wife loves it and I must try to keep peace in the family.. : )

jony218 is in there touting Returnil, which is a great virtual machine and will keep the nasty crap out of your real machine if all you do is surf the net. If you download a lot of stuff to the virtual drive you need to scan it because you can transfer malware to your real drive. That’s ok, but it can be a bit of a hastle. Just depends on what your particular needs are…

If you read my profile, you’ll see that I’m old and subscribe to the K.I.S.S theory.
Sometimes, keeping it simple means adding a Big Blue Mint to the tank of your toilet, so it doesn’t need cleaning as often.


One more comment, Vista Sucks and M$ is going to charge us an arm and a leg to correct their screw up.. I am using Windows 7 RC build 7100 right now and I Love it, but when the final version is released, just count on paying through the butt for it.. : (
We are over a barrel, I recently got my wife a new Acer laptop and intended to change it over to XP, guess what? There are no XP drivers for the hardware in it but it will upgrade to Windows 7…. What a deal : (

2oG

 

OK, cheers again,a lot of people on here say that hate Vista,don't know why I find it aright,don't get me wrong it could be alot better but with a few fine tweaks and enough memory it runs OK more secure then XP...

 

Sorry to burst your bubble but I have a nasty trojan that broke through those layers of security. I thought it was good enough, but now I have the alureon trojan... I've run Malwarebytes, adaware and AVG and still can't shake it. It goes away for one boot then is back... I do like to keep it simple but maybe this was a little too simple.

 

@j24 I was reading about alurion It is most often distributed through torrents and if this is how you were infected, it didn't break thru your security you let it in there is a big difference. Now as far as getting rid of it you should update all your protective software perform a scan using AVG & Malwarebytes when you reboot enter Safe Mode by pressing f8 once your there scan again and pay attention to the file path delete the offending file if possible. When you reboot again if it comes back you may have a particular type of variant that respawns after each reboot because it hides in you restore files you would then have to rescan once the virus is quarantined go to your virus vault delete the item from there disable your system restore to delete all the files in there reboot yet again scan again you should find no evidence of the infection re-enable system restore and reboot again to create a new restore point. That should do it the infection is actually quite old and any antivirus antispyware should be able to get rid of it keep in mind variants are built all the time by creepy individuals who would like to disable as many pc's as possible, these variants often called in the wild infectiions sometimes take longer to get rid of. I use AVG and never get infected if I download a torrent before I play it I scan the folder to make sure no hidden little bug is hiding often these bugs are activated by playing the file.

 

As my signature suggests, some people have to pee on the electric fence. : )

That’s why most malware removal sites will not clean your machine if you show signs of P2P, torrents or Cracked programs…..

I personally download torrents and cracked programs to my machine in order to find the best removal process for the Trojans and malware that they supply. Sounds crazy, I know but I have an image of my drive and can restore it after becoming infected and it only takes me 3.5 minutes to dump everything and put it back uninfected..….

2oG

 

Thank you for the advice. I did have all that updated and I do scan files before opening. I have AVG, ZoneAlarm firewall, ccleaner, adaware, malwarebytes, and spybot sd.
The way I got the virus is by looking for an episode of "Smallville" in other places besides cwtv.com. lol So even though I was asking for it, I didn't think that anything would get through either...