I have compiled a short list of free, programs and resources to help with popups, viruses, ad ware, and firewalls.

All are AD WARE, SPY WARE and VIRUS FREE.

One of the most important things for Windows Operating System users is using the Windows Update function. You can find this in your browser by choosing TOOLS then WINDOWS UPDATE. Microsoft releases undates weekly.

Free Anti Virus program:

AVG Anti-Virus FREE Edition:

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php

Remember folks, an anti-virus is only as good as the last time you updated it.

Free Firewall Program:
Zone Alarm Free Edition:

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp

This is a great program, and I have linked to the free version. Read the help files to understand it better.

Pop Up Blocker and Toolbar:
GOOGLE Toolbar

http://toolbar.google.com/

This toolbar is a great resource, not only for the built-in popup blocker, but also all the tools included.

AD Ware remover:
Lavasoft Adaware:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ for information and the download is at http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=506 Install, update, and run this program *and update) weekly. It will scan your computer for spy ware and ad ware. It has an easy to use interface.

There is another program called Spybot Search and Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html . It is also free, but it is very powerful and not easy to use. Using it without understanding can lead you to remove needed files form your computer. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

There is a great web browser replacement that is also free and fast and not as vulnerable as Internet Explorer. It has tabbed browsing and other nifty features.

FireFox:

http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

There is also a goof email client/program from the same people that is also less vulnerable than Outlook Express:

http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/

Both programs are highly rated but the internet community.

In regard to email, one of the safest ways to deal with it now is by using webmail, one of the discussion group posters mentioned that they used a ‘spam’ address for unimportant things and surveys.

In my opinion, of all the free webmail services Yahoo is currently the best. It is free and they recently increased their storage limits and attachment limits.

Set up an account at http://mail.yahoo.com and try it. They also gave an online calendar, address boo, to do list and more. In addition, all of their email is scanned for viruses and when you download a file you have the option of having it scanned.

If you have any questions about these or other alternate programs post a comment below.

I hope this is helpful, and I use ALL Of the programs I have listed, with no problems.