ZoneAlarm

It you access the Internet (and I suspect you do, since you're viewing this), you need ZoneAlarm. Viruses, particularly Trojans, come primarily  from the Internet (although software from a infected computer will also carry it). This program makes your Internet connection invisible to outside intruders who would plant 'bugs' on your computer. Also disallows any program contacting the Internet ('phoning home').  Personally, I would never go online without this app running. Get it. Works on all flavors of Windows. 

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SectorSpyXP/98

As most users (and certainly SailCat regular visitors) know, data that is deleted and emptied from the Recycle Bin can be recovered using software for that purpose. Here's a free version that'll do just that as well as provide keyword searches of supposedly deleted software. "Professional forensics analysis" is the developer's description. Designed to run on Windows 98/Me/NT3.51/NT4.0/2000/XP  Go ahead, snoop it up!

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AVG Anti-Virus

While this is supposed to be a 'best of' collection, with many companies withdrawing free software and services, this is the only one left of which I'm aware. Virus updates are available from the website once a month. Scans for viruses and checks Email. Also feature 'heuristic abilities' which means it can sense if a program might contain malicious content.  Download requires free registration at website. All Windows platforms.

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SurfinGuard Pro

Where anti-virus software reacts to a 'bug' and a firewall prevents access, this proggie monitors active downloaded content, whether from the Internet or received via Email. Exec., scripts, ActiveX and Java files are placed in quarantine (called a 'sandbox') to be dealt with by the user. Updates are unnecessary because SurfinGuard slams all active content into the safe zone. For those wishing triple protection, this would be #3 on the list. Works on Win 95 *if* USB drivers are not installed, Win98/ME/2000 but not XP as yet. Download requires Email address.

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AdAware

Not all 'bugs' are viruses or Trojans. Some nasty ones come from ad-supported software which can 'phone home' to report on your activities, thereby offering advertisers a profile of you so as to accurately target their messages. This is considered a violation of privacy by most decent folks. AdAware sniff's 'em out & provides a list of this 'spyware' for you to disable or uninstall. Disabling the spying capabilities will often cause the program to cease functioning. Hopefully you can find a freeware equivalent in the listings on these pages.. After downloading, visit the LavaSoft website to update the spyware database. Win 9x/Me/NT/2000/XP. Note: Click Here to add one-button spyware definitions updater, RefUpdate 2.01. Strongly recommended!

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Mooseoft Encrypter

Now with more juicy moose flavor! Hey, gotta love the name, but you're gonna like the software, too, if keeping stuff absolutely private is important. Probably, the knowledge that this features 12 types of encryption algorithms for 36 possible combinations is less important to you than the fact that the NSA and CIA can't decrypt the stuff. Easy-to-use interface will create self-decrypting files and secure passwords. Win 9.x/Me/NT/2000.

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Camouflage

This is a cool concept. "Camouflage allows you to hide files by scrambling them and then attaching them to the file of your choice. This camouflaged file then looks and behaves like a normal file, and can be stored, used or emailed without attracting attention." Appealingly sneaky. Written for Win 9.x/NT/2000 but works fine on XP. 

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MultiProxy

"MultiProxy is a multifunctional personal proxy server that protects your privacy while on the Internet as well as speeds up your downloads, especially if you are trying to get several files from overseas or an otherwise slow server. It can also completely hide your IP address by dynamically connecting to non-transparent anonymizing public proxy servers." More info is on the website, including configuration and anonymous proxy list.

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Sure Delete

Most everybody knows by now that if you put an item in the Recycle Bin, then empty it, that the data can be recovered, When you never, ever want that to happen, 'Sure Delete' it. Destroys data irretrievably. Easy to use drag 'n' drop interface or use it from the right-click drop-down menu. Support all disk formats therefore works with all Windows Operating Systems.

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Active KillDisk

As mentioned above, data on your hard drive is recoverable by software methods. Even a complete FDISK and FORMAT will leave data behind which is not a good thing if you sell or donate an old computer. This tiny program, when placed on a floppy, will give your hard drive the Mr. Clean treatment. It'll be completely sanitized. Works with all Windows, Linux, Unix and anything else that'll boot to DOS.
 

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ABCKeylogger

If you suspect there's activity (of another user) on your personal computer the likes of which you might disapprove, here's a way to find out for sure. This app not only logs keystrokes, but will also periodically take a picture of what's on the screen. Windows 9x/ME/2000/XP (website down).

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SecureIt Pro

The ultimate solution to desktop security. Just lock it up so nobody can mess with it. Ctr./Alt/Del, Alt/Tab and the Windows keys won't work. Neither will Ctrl/Esc. Power users may delve deeper into security and this app will keep track of failed attempts to access. It's a bulldog. Works on Win 9x/Me/NT/2000.

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Outlook Express Users (and that includes most of us): Protect yourself! A number of malicious codes and scripts can run automatically, just by opening Email. Avoid accidentally introducing potentially dangerous content by opening 'View' at the top of the OE toolbar, then uncheck 'Show preview pane.' Now you can delete Email from unknown sources without viewing (or opening) it first!