Software
Here’s some quick links and descriptions of some of my favorite software packages for Windows, and some other useful resources. You’ll find that the stuff I use is typically free (as in beer), and as often as possible, free (as in speech). Regardless, I trust all of them, and use most on a daily basis.
Security and Privacy
- TrueCrypt: Open source container-based and full-disk encryption
- KeePass: Open source “password safe”
- ZoneAlarm: Closed Source, commercial, but free for individual use software-based firewall.
- Comodo Firewall Pro: Another firewall, free for anybody.
- Mozilla Firefox: Keeping your system secure if you’re not using a secure web browser can be difficult.
- Eraser: Securely delete and shred files.
Anti-Virus / Anti-Spyware
- AVG Antivirus, Antispiware, Antirootkit: Free anti-virus, spyware, rootkit for individual use.
- Grisoft Removal Tools: Tools to remove specific “problem” viruses.
- AVAST!: Free antivirus for individual use.
- Stinger: Scan for and remove specific viruses.
- Spybot Search and Destroy: Spyware prevention and removal.
- Ad-Aware: Spyware removal.
- Spywareblaster: Spyware prevention.
- Hijack This!: Tool to detect and remove BHO’s and some other spyware infections.
Utilities
- Ultimate Zip: A free alternative to commercial applications like WinZip. Opens just about every type of archived file.
- Process Explorer: A good tool to monitor and stop processes from running.
- Startup Control Panel: Program to view/remove programs from automatic startup.
- Filezilla: Very good open-source ftp client program.
- Putty: Excellent open source telnet and SSH terminal program.
- Skype: I think it’s the best free voice/video chat program out there.
More to come…..