Tons of Freeware and Virus Help!!

Bold Red Programs are HIGHLY recommended.
Please keep in mind this list was made specifically for Windows users, however many of the freeware authors do provide OSX compatible software.
​

Anti-Virus:
AVG Free - http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage
AntiVir - http://www.free-av.com/
Avast - http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
ClamWin - http://www.clamwin.com/
Comodo AV - http://www.comodo.com/home/download/download.php?prod=antivirus
Moon Secure AV - http://www.moonsecure.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=66

Anti Spyware/Malware
Ad-Aware - http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/
Bazooka - http://www.kephyr.com/spywarescanner/index.html
Diet K - http://www.dietk.com/
SpyBot Search & Destroy - http://spybot.safer-networking.de/
SpywareBlaster - http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Comodo AntiMalware - http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/anti-malware.php

Audio Players:
Billy - http://www.sheepfriends.com/?page=billy
CoolPlayer - http://coolplayer.sourceforge.net/
Foobar 2000 - http://www.foobar2000.org/
Jet Audio Basic - http://www.jetaudio.com/
Magic Music Player - http://www.delphifreeware.com/download/Magic+Music+Player
Media Monkey - http://www.mediamonkey.com/
Musik - http://musik.berlios.de/
QCD Player - http://www.quinnware.com/
Winamp - http://www.winamp.com/
XMPlay - http://www.un4seen.com/xmplay.html
iTunes - http://www.apple.com/itunes/

Audio Tools:
Audacity - http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
CDex - http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/
EAC - http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/
GermaniXEncoder - http://www.germanixsoft.de/
KraMixer - http://www.kramware.com/
MP3 Tag - http://www.mp3tag.de/
MPTrim - http://www.mptrim.com/
Media Info - http://downloads.sourceforge.net/mediainfo/MediaInfo_GUI_0.7.26_Windows_i386.exe
MusicBrainz - http://musicbrainz.org/
Rarewares - http://rarewares.hydrogenaudio.org/
SoundEngine Free - http://www.cycleof5th.com/en/index.htm
TagScanner - http://www.xdlab.ru/
Vista Codecs - http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=5326
Windows 7 Codecs - http://shark007.net/win7codecs.html
dBpowerAMP Music Converter - http://www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm


CD/DVD Burning:
Burn4Free - http://www.burn4free.com/
CDBurnerXP - http://www.cdburnerxp.se/
CDRDAO - http://cdrdao.sourceforge.net/
CDR Tools Frontend - http://demosten.com/cdrfe/
Deepburner - http://www.deepburner.com/
Final Burner - http://www.protectedsoft.com/
Lightscribe - http://www.lightscribe.com/downloadSection/index.aspx

Compression / Decompression:
7-zip - http://www.7-zip.org/
bzip2 - http://sources.redhat.com/bzip2/index.html
FilZip - http://www.filzip.com/
HJSplit - http://hjsplit.en.softonic.com/
KGB Archiver - http://kgbarchiver.sourceforge.net/?lang=en
QuickZip - http://www.quickzip.org/
TUGZip - http://www.tugzip.com/
UltimateZIP - http://www.ultimatezip.com/
UPX - http://upx.sourceforge.net/
Zip&Go - http://www.handybits.com/zipngo.htm
Zipgenius - http://www.zipgenius.it/



Desktop Enhancements:
Rocketdock - http://rocketdock.com/ (Honestly, this is all you will ever need)
Desktop Restore - http://www.midiox.com/zip/DeskInstU.msi

Download Managers:
Flashget - http://www.amazesoft.com/en/download.htm (Integrate with Flashgot)


Encryption and Data Security: If you're serious about security, you won't rely on freeware.
Axcrypt - http://axcrypt.sourceforge.net/
Blowfish Advanced CS- http://web.bsn.ch/lasse/bfacs.htm
GnuPG - http://www.gnupg.org/


File Managers:
2xExplorer - http://netez.com/2xExplorer/
A43 - http://www.shawneelink.net/~bgmiller/
Autoruns - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx
CC Cleaner - http://www.ccleaner.com/
ExplorerXP - http://www.explorerxp.com (http://www.explorerxp.com/)
Gyula's Navigator - http://www.wanari.com/
JExplorer - http://home.megapass.co.kr/~woosjung/
MeeSoft Commander - http://meesoft.logicnet.dk/
Unlocker - http://download.cnet.com/Unlocker/3000-2248_4-10493998.html

File repair and recovery:
PC Inspector File Recovery - http://www.pcinspector.de/file_recovery/UK/welcome.htm
Recuva - http://www.piriform.com/recuva

Firewalls:
Comodo Firewall - http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/download_firewall.html
Ghostwall Firewall - http://www.ghostsecurity.com/ghostwall/
Kerio (Kerio Personal Firewall is FREE for home and personal use) - http://www.kerio.com/kpf_home.html
Outpost Firewall (version 1 is free) - http://www.agnitum.com/download/outpost1.html
Sygate (FREE for personal use) - http://smb.sygate.com/products/spf_standard.htm
Zonealarm Basic Firewall - http://www.zonelabs.com/store/conte...reeDownload.jsp

FTP Clients:
Filezilla! - http://sourceforge.net/projects/filezilla
miFiles - http://www.simdata.com.au/mifiles.html
SmartFTP - http://www.smartftp.com//

Image Software
Paint.Net - http://paint.net/ (As good as it gets for freeware)

Instant Messenger:
Pidgin - http://www.pidgin.im/
Miranda IM - http://www.miranda-im.org/
Pandion - http://www.pandion.be/
SIM - http://sim-icq.sourceforge.net/
Trillian Basic - http://trillian.cc/downloads

Mail Programs:
i.Scribe - http://www.memecode.com/
Mahogany Mail - http://mahogany.sourceforge.net/
Pegasus Mail - http://www.pmail.com/
Thunderbird - http://www.mozilla.org/projects/thunderbird/

Credit to KingBlade for composing this thread.

 

If you haven't already done so:

Install an Antivirus, run an UPDATE, and run a FULL SYSTEM SCAN.
Do not install more than one of these programs at a time. If you need to remove one to install another, reboot between installations.

AVG Free - http://free.avg.com/us-en/download?prd=afg#tba1


Avira Free - http://www.free-av.com/en/trialpay_download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html

​

ClamWIN OpenSource Antivirus - http://www.clamwin.com/content/view/18/46/


Comodo Antivirus + Firewall - http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/download_firewall.html
Make sure you fully remove any Firewall software you already have installed.


After the scan is complete, reboot your computer. Take note of the file names and process names of the infections. If the issue is solved, scroll down to the bottom of the thread to prevent future infections.

If your problem persists, open up task manager (ctrl+alt+del) and navigate to your processes page. See if you see an abnormal process or a process name that matches one of the infections in the scan.



Download Autoruns - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx


Common tabs for Virii and Trojans to be found are "Services", "Drivers", and "Explorer". When you find the entry that matches an infection, untick the checkbox to stop it from executing on launch.

You can also boot Windows in Safemode. To do this, reboot and press F8 at the post screen.

Removal of the infection.
You can manually find the path of the process or file that is causing the infection and remove it. Even if you choose to do this, install one of the following programs. I suggest MalwareBytes.

Malware Bytes AntiMalware - http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php

Spybot Search and Destroy - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Comodo BOClean - http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/anti-malware.php

Ad - Aware Free AntiMalware - http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Again, install, update, and run a full system scan.

This should successfully remove most infections and spyware from your computer.

If the problem persists, download Trend Micro HijackThis.
http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/

Click "Analyze This" and "Save Log". Do not click any of the checkboxes.



Contact me and send me or another member the log for more assistance.

Prevention

• Install a solid Antivirus and Firewall. Refer below for a list of recommended freeware and shareware.
• Enable Windows Firewall. It's annoying, but it helps.
• Regularly update Windows (should be obvious). I recommend turning on Automatic Updates, but set it to detect only.
• Download Firefox

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/products/download.html?product=firefox-3.5.6&os=win&lang=en-US

Install the following Addons
- AdBlock Plus (Subscribe to EasyList USA)
- NoScript

• Recognize symptoms early. If your computer is sluggish or acting abnormally, chances are you are infected with malware. Use resources such as Malware Bytes AntiMalware and Trend Micro RUBotted to see if there is malware present.
• Don't download or accept files from suspicious sources. If you must download a file, be sure to scan it for malware and sandbox it to check for unauthorized activity.

Download Sandboxie - http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?DownloadSandboxie

• Avoid Peer2Peer connections. Programs that open these connections include but are not limited to: mIRC, Limewire, torrent software, Teamviewer, MSN, AIM, and other programs that can initiate a direct connection.

Program List - All the programs used in this guide and other recommendations.

Freeware

• AntiVirus

Comodo (Firewall Bundled)
AVG Free
Avira Free
ClamWin

• Firewall

ZoneAlarm
Ashampoo
Agnitum
Ghostwall
Kerio

• AntiMalware

MalwareBytes
Ad-Aware AntiMalware
EmiSoft AntiMalware
Spybot Search and Destroy
Symantec Individual Malware Removal Tools

• Programs and Links for Computer Security

Trend Micro Products - Includes RUBotted and HiJackThis
Autoruns
Avira Bootable CD Rescue Scanner
ClamWin Comprenhensive AntiMalware List
Sandboxie

Credit to Daily for composing this thread.

 

Always keep your computer up to date!​

This is an important one that a lot of newbie windows users miss or think it doesn't matter. Microsoft on a regular basis releases security packs and critical updates to their software through windows update. If you fail to update your computer, you may be at risk. Always at least download the latest service pack to keep your computer semi up to date.

If you have updates needed to be installed, they will show up as a yellow blimp exclamation point icon.

For a newbie user, i'd setup your comp to automatic update. Do this, click start -> run, and type in sysdm.cpl in the box. It will bring up system properties. Click on the Automatic updates tab:



Set the same settings. You can put the time as whatever you'd like however.

Keep virus software on your computer. If you don't have money, there are free options.
​

Virus protection and spyware protection is necessary. A computer without virus protection is like a deer running up to a hunter and saying kill me!

For information on how to obtain this software, click Here.

Keep your virus definitions up to date.​

Virus definitions tell the anti-virus where to look for viruses, and if you find one what virus this is. This is necessary so the program can either tell you what virus you have on your computer, or use it's own way of deleting the virus from your computer.

For information on how to do this, see your manufacturers guide on it. Usually this can be done by simply running your anti-virus program and clicking update definitions.

Scan your computer regularly.​

Scan your computer with virus and spyware scans at least once a week. On my computer, I have anti-virus set to scan every day at 3 AM.

Disk defragment.​

Sometimes, the small particles inside your HD get disorganized and run slower. You need to defrag them at least once a month to keep them organized and easier to reach.

This can be done via system tools, as seen in the picture.

Avoid using things like bittorrent p2p file shares and other warez. Also avoid untrusted pornography sites.​

These can be tempting, but it's like dancing with the devil. You'll probably catch something later on.

-------------------------------------​

If you follow these simple maintenance tasks your computer will be up to date, secure, defragged, and best of all virus free.

If you have any questions on the subject, feel free to PM me or post here .

 

Hello,

I have compiled a large list of freeware security software for your use. Enjoy it, they are all helpful. Links included!


For more information on what they do, click the links and read the product info's.

I have decided to bold the ones that are particularly useful.

Free Antivirus:
BitDefender10: Antivirus software - BitDefender - The future of security now!
Avast: FREE antivirus software with spyware protection: avast! Home Edition
AVG: AVG Free - Download installation files & documentation
Avira AntiVir: Free antivirus - Avira AntiVir
PcTools Antivirus: PC Tools AntiVirus - Free Anti Virus Download and Removal
ClamWin: Download ClamWin Free Antivirus for Microsoft Windows
Comodo: AntiVirus Download Comodo Free Anti Virus Software Internet Security (Does not work in VISTA)

Free Security Suites:
McAfee VirusScan Plus - Special Ed. from AOL: AOL Security Central: McAfee VirusScan Plus -- Special Edition from AOL - Discover AOL
CyberDefender: CyberDefender Products
PCLive Security: For PC’s Sake

Free Firewalls:
Comodo: Free Firewall Antivirus Software Download by Comodo
Agnitum Outpost: Outpost Firewall FREE
ZoneAlarm: Internet Security Products - Antivirus Software, Spyware Removal, Virus Protection - ZoneAlarm
Ashampoo: http://www2.ashampoo.com/webcache/ht...t_2_0050__.htm
Jetico: Jetico - Jetico Personal Firewall v.1
Filseclab: Filseclab Personal Firewall, Free firewall, Open source code
R-Firewall: Free Firewall comparable with commercial firewalls
SoftPerfect: SoftPerfect Personal Firewall
Sygate: Free Download - Sygate Personal Firewall 5.6 - Security: System, Network, Internet - Simtel.net
Pc Tools Firewall Plus: PC Tools Firewall Plus - Free Firewall Download
Microsoft: Downloads | Software Downloads | PC World (Windows Vista Firewall Add-On - Outbound Traffic)

Free AntiSpyware:
SpyBot Search & Destroy: Home do Spybot - S&D
AdAware: Ad-Aware by Lavasoft - Antivirus software, free spyware removal, firewall
AVG: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download...yware/us/frt/0
Spyware Terminator: Free spyware removal and spyware protection - Spyware Terminator
Arovax: Arovax AntiSpyware
CWShredder (Trend Micro): http://us.trendmicro.com/us/products...der/index.html
A-Squared: a-squared Free - Free of charge Anti-Virus, Anti-Trojan, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Dialer and Anti-Worm Software - Freeware!
SpywareBlaster: SpywareBlaster | Prevent spyware and malware. Free download.
SUPERAntiSpyware: SUPERAntiSpyware.com - AntiAdware, AntiSpyware, AntiMalware!
Windows Defender: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx
SpywareGuard: SpywareGuard
eTrust PestPatrol: http://www.pestpatrol.com/details.htm


Free Anti Spam:
Comodo: Antispam Software Download Free Antispam from Comodoâ„¢
Mail Washer: Mailwasher Free Spam Filter Software: The Reliable Free Spam

Free Anti Rootkits:
AVG: http://www.grisoft.com/doc/download-...otkit/us/crp/0
Ice Sword: Anti Rootkit Software - IceSword
Sophos: http://www.sophos.com/products/free-...i-rootkit.html
Hook Explorer: http://labs.idefense.com/files/labs/.../HookExplorer/
RootkitRevealer: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sys...tRevealer.mspx

Free Online Security Check:
Kaspersky: Best Online Anti-Virus Scanner & Free Virus Scan - Kaspersky Lab
Trend Micro: Trend Micro HouseCall - Free Online Virus and Spyware Scan - Trend Micro Europe, Middle East and Africa
McAfee: Antivirus Software and Internet Security For Your PC | McAfee
BitDefender: Antivirus software - BitDefender - The future of security now!
F-Secure: F-Secure Support pages: F-Secure Online Virus Scanner
Norton (Symantec): http://security.symantec.com/ssc/
Audit My Pc: Firewall Test, Web Tools and Free Internet Security Audit
Prevx Free: Prevx Free
Microsoft: http://onecare.live.com/site/pt-pt/d...cid=ideas_wlsc

Online Security Info:
VirusList: Viruslist.com - Information About Viruses, Hackers and Spam
McAfee: Free anti-virus software; Freebyte's Guide to
Symantec: http://www.symantec.com/business/sec...er/threats.jsp
Trend Micro: http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/
Trend Micro Malware Map: TrendWatch - Trend Labs






If you have anything to add, let me know!

 

Thanks for this guide brandon. It is actually quite helpful. Very user firendly, both in the sense that it is well made, but also that it clearly explains the steps of each one. I personally used these and my comp has received a noticable decrease in lag. Nice guide.

 

You should add Winrar. :3

 

MBAM should really be added to the main list of AntiMalware

 

WinRAR is not freeware. It is shareware. Same with MBAM.

Also, you have Open Source Software listed as freeware. FOSS =/= Freeware.

 

Are you referring to me or asdf?

FOSS is free to the end user so I've included it as Freeware for the sake of this post.

 

Add Malwarabytes anti-malware and kaspersky

 

why was this guy banned and when?

 

This really needs to be updated. Microsoft Security Essentials for Anti-virus, Malwarebytes for Anti-malware, VLC under Audio/Media players, GIMP under Image Software, Skype for Instant Messenger, Firefox and Chrome for Browsers, and Open Office and uTorrent should be added on there somewhere to.

 

Guide needs to be updated. Seriously out-dated.

 

Agree with oxodium, GIMP should be added too.

 

Outdated, a new sticky should be up shortly.