20 Tools for Trouble-Free Computing
Want to make everyday tasks easier, safer--even more entertaining? These no-hassle utilities do the job right.
Robert Luhn and Kirk Steers
Protect Your Files (p.2)
4. Remove Spyware
Spybot Search and Destroy 1.1, PepiMK Software, free
Spybot sifts through your hard drive, looking for spyware, adware, cookies, and files that may be used to track your computing habits and send the information to the devil knows who. Offenders are listed by severity; with a click you can get details on the threat and the recommended action. With another click, Spybot removes the selected items. Big pluses: You can undo most changes, the program is frequently updated, and it offers tools for fixing broken desktop links and Registry errors. Spybot is extremely thorough--sometimes too thorough, since it flags even mundane activity logs (such as the name of the last file opened by programs like Microsoft Word) and offers to delete them. But if guarding your privacy is paramount, Spybot is a must-have partner for your antivirus and firewall programs.
Lavasoft's Ad-aware ($15) is a capable alternative spyware catcher, but version 5.83 hasn't been updated for some time, which means that it may miss some recently released spyware and advertising programs. Lavasoft has been working on a thoroughly revamped version 6.0, but the update wasn't available for download at the time of writing.
5. Get Net Protection
ZoneAlarm Pro 3.5, Zone Labs, $50
Got broadband? When you open that big fat pipe to the Net, you also create a potential autobahn into your PC for hackers and spyware. Luckily, ZoneAlarm Pro can stop both, and its ad blocking software smacked down just about every ad we came across. ZoneAlarm's user controls are impressive: You move sliders to determine the level of security you're after, or click a tab to set custom security levels by site or application. The free version of ZoneAlarm lacks ad blocking but is a competent firewall.
Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2003 ($70) adds Norton AntiVirus and spam filtering for $20 more. And like ZoneAlarm Pro, IS 2003 has a deep end: You can fuss with rules, communications settings, and more. Norton's notable downside: Support calls cost $30 per incident.
6. Keep Viruses Away
Norton AntiVirus 2003, Symantec, $50
Norton AntiVirus has an intuitive interface and catches viruses the way Torii Hunter catches fly balls. Furthermore, Symantec (like most antivirus programs) supplies automatic virus and engine updates and scans incoming e-mail for viruses. If you use an instant messaging program like Yahoo or AOL Instant Messenger, AntiVirus can scan those messages for bad stuff, too.
Trend Micro's PC-cillin 2003 is another good option. For the same price as Norton AntiVirus, you get a good virus checker and a personal firewall. PC-cillin scans incoming and outgoing e-mail in your e-mail program, Web-based e-mail, and AOL. And you get free phone support.
