When you 1st get a PC, it should be an empty vessel; in reality they are usually preloaded with a variety of tools and applications "gifted" to you to get you started. Frequently these applications preloaded on your system are only "trial" software packages, such as antivirus for 3 months or anti spyware. If you don't know any better you will likely be persuaded by these software packages, that they are the best way to protect your PC from the hoards of hackers on the net desperate to steal your identity and access your personal details.
The reality is that there is always an alternative. Packages such as Norton and McAfee do a reasonable job protecting your systems but will cost you in excess of £30 a year to run so before you sign over your systems security to one of these products read the rest of this article to find out more about the free security and other applications that can provide all the tools you will need on a daily (or less frequent) basis, for FREE!

Starting off with security, there are a number of free packages available that have been tested thoroughly and found to be more effective than some of the paid for packages on the market. Though these software packages are free to download and use they are only designed for use on a home PC and not business PCs. So if you have several PCs in a business network these producs are not for you.

Antivirus

AVG Free One of the most popular antivirus and antispyware providers this product is free to use and updates daily automatically. It will remind you of its paid for packagea couple of times a week but this is a small price to pay for the excellent protection it offers your system for free.

Avast Another free to download and use on your home PC. Again it has been throughly tested and you get free updates on a regular basis.

Anti Spyware

AdAware free This anti-spyware utility prevent the annoying popups you get when browsing the web. It is also very effective protection against spyware, trojans and keyloggers that can try to install themselves on your system.

Windows Defender MICROSOFT's own free to download and use antivirus software. Provide real time protection and as effective as any other product on the market. 

Firewalls

Whichever firewall you choose remember you can only run 1 firewall at a time.

Zonealarm The most popular freeware firewall software on the net. It is an effective alternative to windows own firewall but as with all firewalls can require some set up time to work effectively.

Some people are concerned about their childrens activity on the internet. There do not appear to be any free software applications that can help protect your child online and if this is a concern to you I have only a couple of recommendations.

1. Choose an ISP (internet service provider that offers this as part of your Package such as BT or AOL.
2. Install CyberPatrol; this cost around £30 per yearbut seem to be the best in the market at present.

This is a worry for many parents and my best suggestion is to be aware of your childrens activity on the net. Is it appropiate for your child to have a PC in their room? It probably is, if they are preparing for exams!
There are precautions you can take but common sense should prevail in these circumstances: you know your own child better than anyone else and it is your decision how much freedom you grant your child online.

That is all we have for the time being but there is enough information above to get your PC secure and without having  to open your wallet or purse!
Check back on this page soon to check for any new packages we have found for you.