There are tons and tons of software to keep your computer safe, and here are the best free no-strings attached software to keep your PC Safe. The last thing you want is your PC compromised when you place orders on various sites. Here is a short list of my personal recommendations.  Remember, all files are completely free and clean of any spyware, trojans, or viruses. I use them myself and test everyone to guarantee file integrity.
 

Anti-Virus

#1. Avast Free Edition @ http://www.avast.com/ - I believe they have a pay version but their free version ranks up there with the top pay anti-virus softwares.
Here is direct link to the free version: http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

#2. AVG Anti-Virus @ http://free.grisoft.com  

#3. Comodo Anti-Virus @ http://antivirus.comodo.com/- This is a newcomer to the free anti-virus scene but like their other products it ranks up there as one of the best and my prediction is that come by the end of this year (2008), it will be the most highly recommended free anti-virus software by all major PC magazines, e-zines, software sites, etc. You cannot go wrong here, but currently I myself use Avast and won't be surprised If I make the switch later this year.

 

Firewalls - I consider firewalls more important than Virus Scanners IMO. These keep intruders out of your system by their devious trojans and such.

#1. Zone Alarm Free Edition @ www.zonealarm.com, direct link @ http://zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
 Look for "Get Basic PC Protection" and click the silver button below it that says "ZoneAlarm Firewall". 

#2. Comodo Personal Firewall @ http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/ - A Newcomer that shows great promise and might unseat Zone Alarm in terms of no-price/free versus features. I am tempted to try it but I currently use Zone Alarm.  UPDATE: I have made the switch the Comodo Personal Firewall and absolutely love it. It comes with a built-in, watered down anti-virus software called "Defense+". It is directly built into the firewall making it easier on your computer's memory aka RAM (compared to all other AVs). Admittedly, this firewall is more of a hassel to set up if you are not very computer literate. It still has some extra features which I consider annoying, but overall, this is a stellar firewall and basically makes your computer "invisible" on the net. A+. It has already protected me dozen's of times from malicious hackers trying to invade my computer. Also it is Vista friendly and have not encountered any errors with it on Windows Vista. It also works just as well on Windows XP.

 

Spyware Scanners & Trojan Scanners/Removers - Rid yourself of pesky spyware from numerous sites you visit, also includes basic trojan scanning.

#1. Ad-Aware @ www.lavasoftusa.com , direct download link @ http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2008/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5&cdlPid=10844457- The real first good spyware remover and arguably the best, while certainly not as feature filled as the pay version you will get just what you need with the free version -- the ability to scan your computer for Spyware and other Malicious files and remove them with a click of a button ensuring the safety of your computer.

#2. Spybot Search & Destroy @ http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html - direct download links @ http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html - This is an awesome Spyware destroyer when used in conjunction with Ad-Aware. If Ad-Aware misses something, this will get it and vice versa. It also supports removing many trojans & keyloggers which thieves use to steal your personal information! Very Easy to use as well.

#3. Comodo BOClean @ http://www.comodo.com/boclean/boclean.html- A great anti-spyware and anti-trojan program which acts as a shield as you surf and download. I have avoived several major trojans implanted on websites while using this program. BOClean kept those trojans from installing themselves on my computer!  Absolutely Wonderful!

I recommend getting all three as one of them may miss something that the other will pick up. Also, remember to update your definitions at least weekly. You will find an update button on each program, and all of them feature a very simple to use updater.

(UPDATE!) #4/#1. - Hijack This! @ http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis This is a great tool, period. It scans your system and presents you with a log. Now copy that log and go here: http://www.hijackthis.de/en Now paste your log into the field and click "Analyze". You will be shown every process, even hidden ones, on your computer and they will be determined by a community of experts which one to remove and which one to keep -- instantly. If you find a nasty process, check the process in the 'Hijack This!' program (the box next to it) and click "Fixed Checked". You can find a more detailed way to use this program here: http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/gsq Despite all my typing, this is one of the most simple yet effective programs every devised and should now be #1 on my list.  No system should be without it. What a terrific tool, period.

Miscellaneous

#1. CCleaner @ http://ccleaner.com/ - It's a great registry cleaner, all around junk remover as well as Windows Tweaks you can apply to get your system in top notch shape running faster than before. I have used this freeware program for years and love it.  

#2. Defraggler @ http://www.defraggler.com/ - A 100% free program from the makers of CCleaner that defragments your hard drive keeping your computer running in tip top shape and running very fast. If you have any slowdown issues, hard drive issues and you don't have a clue to why, this program is your answer! Defraggler is a great tool and far better than the Windows Defragger and very easy to use.

#3. IMGBurn @ http://www.imgburn.com - I decided to throw in a free burning application that is lightweight aka small download size and easy to use. You can burn CDs, DVD-/+R's and Dual Layer DVD -/+R's. It is the spiritual successor to the famed DVD Decrypter. While being easy to use it has many advanced options for burning freaks! The only unfortunate aspect is that it is not designed for making music CDs, but rather burning ISO files or making copies of CDs, DVDs, etc.

#4. CDex @ http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/ - This is a 100% FREE (as always on this site) MP3 Encoder and Lossless Encoder (FLAC,APE,etc). It is also a CD Ripper, so you can rip your music CDs and encode them to MP3s all-in-one. How 'bout that? It's simple to use, has a neat interface and works on every Windows OS from Windows 95 and onwards. It also has support for nearly every language and it is freely open source so it can be compiled on a Linux OS.


Online Security Tools

#1. Online Malware Scan @ http://virusscan.jotti.org/ - Suspicious of a file? Maybe an e-mail attachment? Upload the file on the site and it checks it against 18 different virus scanners, and they are always adding more scanners constantly! One of my favorite sites for checking the integrity of what I download and put in my computer. Fast and simple to use, one click upload and click scan then view the results.  

#2. TrendSecure HouseCall FreeScan @ http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/ - If you don't have any virus scanner installed and are in a hurry to rid yourself of a virus or are scared or maybe paranoid then this is for you. Run this by clicking the "Launch HouseCall" Button, then go grab yourself some real software listed above under Virus-Scanners. If this link changes for any reason and does not work, then go here: http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/housecall It's great to know that there are still things free with big companies like TrendMicro with HouseCall and the absolutely terrific 'HiJack This!' program. Major Kudos to you TrendMicro!

 #2. Peer Guardian @ http://phoenixlabs.org/pg2/ - 'Peer Guardian 2' is a program that acts like a a firewall. It blocks IP addresses that are malicious and keeps them from trying to connect to your computer. It comes with a pre-configured list of IP Addresses to block including spyware, advertisers, trojaners, spammers and most importantly, hackers.  It also blocks software companies from detecting your computer if you download MP3s from P2P applications so you can download your MP3's without worrying about being sued. Keep in mind, I do not advocate illegal downloading of copyrighted software, only legal MP3s. Nonetheless, this program works well with all the above mentioned software and should be a part of your computer if you download from P2P programs such as limewire or even Bit Torrents.

UPDATE (IMPORTANT):

For the Vista version (in beta) go here: http://phrosty.phoenixlabs.org/pg2-rc1/ -- I have not encountered any errors with it in Vista and if you download from P2P programs like LimeWire or even Bit-Torrents this is not optional, IT IS A MUST HAVE. The MPAA and RIAA are vigoriously pursuing downloaders and uploaders of those who use these programs. Please, do yourself a favor and grab this program to keep these people out of your computer, and basically like a firewall, you are invisible to them. Also it blocks out trap downloads -- an mp3 from the RIAA (for example) so they can get your IP and then take you to court and sue you or put you in jail when you download that mp3. They are keeping logs of everything you do if you do not have protection, and will pursue legal action against you. Get this program!


 

Conclusion

With all these internet transactions, drive by viruses, e-mail viruses and more, it is vitally important to keep your computer up to date with anti-hacker tools and if you don't have the cash to dish out for the product and yearly fee's these are the best from my personal experience and research. The software #1's are software I personally use with the exception of the Spyware Tools, I use all three. Make sure to always update your programs with the latest definitions, but they will usually remind you unless you turn it off. Stay safe my fellow netizens! :)

It is also very important to use the my recommendations in the 'Miscellaneous section' so you can keep your computer up and running fast as possible without error. It is possible that you could crash and lose all your data if you do not clean your computer regularly. At the very least, if you do not do these things (and I know from experience) your computer will slow down, especially when loading windows. 

How to Help me and Help Yourself!

 I have created a tutorial on the latest internet phenomenon that is earning people thousands of dollars a month, and at the least an easy $50. I use this system myself and it is fantastic, I would not tell you about it If it did not work, I have even included my e-mail on the tutorial page so if you have any questions you can e-mail me. Where do I click? HERE! or go directly to the sign-up page by clicking here and remember to share the wealth by keeping my referrer name in the box! If you do, I have a bonus for you -- read about it on the tutorial page! :) Good luck my friends and happy surfing, but more importantly safe surfing!

 UPDATE : I have invested $245 and in less than 5 months I have made over $1k. The proof of payments are on the forums and they currently paying people $100 a piece to show proof of payment and share their success story. I was skeptical at first (like you) but this program really works and it is world-wide.  

Proof of Payments: http://buxbb.com/index.php?showforum=6 

Signup Link: http://bux.to/?r=wdwrightjr Remember to keep me as a referrer and I will personally send you my collection of free E-Books that have worked for me and usually cost anywhere from $5-50 on E-Bay. Some of these E-Books are for playing the state or big game lotteries and I have verified these systems and have had success although still have not hit the big one. I came very close, though. 3 numbers and the other 2 were off only 1! I love these systems. After you sign-up e-mail me and I will verify your sign-up, and I will send you a collection of these E-Books that are on how to make money on the Internet with little or no hassel or computer knowledge involved and some on lottery systems. I use these systems myself just as I use these software programs and have nothing but great things to say and tell you. Here is my e-mail:

williamwrightjr at gmail dot com replacing the words "at" and "dot" with the "@" and "." symbols obviously.

Write me if you need help setting up software your protecting your computer, I am always available and will help you for free. Admittedly, I am no computer whiz but I love to share what I do know with people, thus, this page. :) God Bless to all.