BLACK VIPER'S Web Site – If your computer operates on Windows ME, XP or 2000 you might find this web site extremely valuable. One of the first things I do after a new install of my WinXP (and I've done it a few times already ... doh!) is to head on over to this site and reset my Windows Service Configuration by following his carefully laid-out guide (it explains why some settings need to be changed and why some REALLY need to be disabled. Worth your time to check out!

NOD32 Anti-virus system – With all the viruses floating around the internet it would be wise to have an anti-virus program protecting your system. I have been using this program - NOD32 since July 2003 - after having read of some high praises on a discussion board. They apparently have a pretty good record for catching new viruses and updating your system for maximum protection. Here's a clip from the site:

NOD32 received its 27th Virus Bulletin 100% Award!"
(06/01/2004)
For more than six years, NOD32 remains the only antivirus system in the world that has not missed any 'In the Wild' virus in the prestigious tests performed by the international magazine - Virus Bulletin.

It is not a free program but does have a 30-day free trial period. It's one of those items I don't mind paying for.

Grisoft Freeweb: Get Your AVG for free! – Here is the link to a free anti-virus program I've seen recommended in a couple places.

AD-AWARE 6.0 – If you are not using an adware/spyware detection and removal program then your computer is probably loaded with components that are secretly keeping tabs on your internet surfing ... and on who-knows-what else! Ever wonder why you're getting those pop-ups on your computer even without browsing? Adware. And do you really want advertisers and other interested parties tracking your every move on the internet in order to exploit you? That's Spyware. This is a FREE program that I highly recommend to everybody. Get it now! The publisher gives this short description: "With its ability to scan your RAM, registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-aware can easily clean out your system, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web."

SPYBOT - Search & Destroy – Another excellent and FREE Adware/Spyware remover. Publisher's description: "Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer with other users. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents."

ZONE ALARM Firewall Protection – This is the free version of Zone Alarm firewall. From the site: "Easy-to-use firewall blocks hackers and other unknown threats. Stealth mode automatically makes your PC invisible to anyone on the Internet."

FIREFOX Internet Browser – Yeah, yeah, I know, I endorse this browser elsewhere on the site, but let's face it ... if you're not surfing the net with a secure browser then you might be asking for trouble. I'm not sure about how you have things set up on your system, but I know there are a few pieces of info I don't want some hacker to access. And with those regular patches for security holes found in IE I just found myself willing to switch to a new default browser.