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Here is a list of software to help protect your computer against viruses, spyware, adware, and even possible identity theft. Use of this software will aid in reducing the frustration of pop ups, unwanted adware and general reduction of computer and Internet browsing performance. I also have listed some alternatives to commonly used software. Most of the software listed here is free!

Please note that this is not a guarantee of complete security on your computer with the use of these programs! They will help and their use is strongly suggested, but safe browsing habits and Internet education along with the suggested programs are key to Internet safety.

Here are some nice anti-virus programs. They are simple to use, do not use much of your computer power and are very effective.

These are simple & effective tools to use to remove adware and spyware.

If you want to get a little more serious, here is a good site with some very nice tools.

Here is a nice tool to clean up cookies, internet temporary files and unused registry files.

Here is a easy to use program to help recover lost files, music or pictures.

Here are some alternative Browsers to try. Not only are these browsers considered more secure, they are more fun too. Firefox allows you to customize the look and functionality of the browser with many add-ons offered (Tools/add-ons), and Opera has a neat feature called widgets. Flock is a new browser based off of Firefox, and is geared towards the social community. Examples being blogging, or sharing photos. Maxthon is also a new browser based off of Internet Explorer.

Here is a open source alternative to Outlook Express.

These are some great instant messaging alternatives that allow you to combine your MSN Messenger, AIM, ICQ, and other messenger profiles into one. Also software to secure your messages, just realize that both messenger parties have to have the IMSecure software to get the encrypted messages.

No computer should be without a personal firewall, here are a couple nice choices.

If you do install one of these firewalls, make sure your Windows XP firewall is disabled. Also make sure you do not have another firewall running. Some purchased anti-virus software like Norton or McAfee run firewalls in their security package.

Here is a free Web Filter to filter and monitor what sites your kids are getting into.

Not sure you can afford upgrading to Vista or Windows 7? Give a Linux or Unix desktop a try. Some possible options are loading these operating systems on an older machine you have, or you can even dual-boot your existing Windows machine allowing you to choose what operating system you would like to use on boot up.
Here are a couple of popular and easy to use distros. They are very simple and straight forward to install. Linux has come a long way to be more user friendly and is not as intimidating or confusing as it once was. No longer do you have to be an ultra-geek to use Linux. These are two of the more easy to use distros, but if you go to the distro watch link, you will see many other flavors of Linux to choose from.

If you have looked through the above sites and are wondering, "What is all this about viruses, malware and security?", here is some informational reading (There are a ton more articles on the Internet).

Here are some random sites that are free, and just plain fun.

Help cut down on E-waste, find out where you can recycle any electronic componet.