Free security software at your fingertips

Q. I am using AVG antivirus, Spybot and Adaware and have been happy with them for years. I do wonder, however, are there any better, free programs?

A: Absolutely. AVG Antivirus is still our choice for free antivirus software, but I hear great things about Avast (avast.com) and BitDefender (bitdefender.com). You should only run one antivirus program at a time.

There is a new "quazi-antivirus" program called ThreatFire that we have been recommending. Essentially, Threatfire boosts whatever antivirus program you have installed. They claim to provide "up to 243 percent more protection when combined with traditional AntiVirus products."

You can download it from Threatfire.com.

In addition to antivirus, you also need quality anti-spyware software. We used to recommend Spybot and Adaware. Unfortunately, spyware has evolved so quickly, and these programs simply haven't kept up. They are still valuable as secondary programs, but there are some better alternatives.

We like a commercial program called Spyware Doctor that provides real-time, preventative spyware protection against spyware. It does, however, cost actual money. Fortunately, Google offers a free, stripped-down version of Spyware Doctor that is packaged with its Google Pack. Download it from Google.com, click on the "more" link at the top of the page, select "Even More" from the dropdown list and scroll down to "pack."

Microsoft Windows Defender offers free, real-time protection. Although Defender seems to work fairly well, it can be a resource hog and might make older systems even slower. Vista users already have this program. XP users can get it from Microsoft.com.

We have been evaluating a program called Spyware Terminator (spywareterminator.com). It seems to be quite effective, but it seems a little slow. Like antivirus, I recommend you install only one real-time antispyware program at a time.

I've never been a big fan of Firewall programs - especially the ones that come with Interent Security Suites. If, however, you have a teenager in the house - or a grownup that tends to get in trouble - then you need all the protection you can get. I recommend the firewall called Sunbelt-Kerio Personal Firewall. You have to download the 30-day evaluation version of this software. After the evaluation period expires, certain advanced features are disabled, but it still remains as an effective firewall. Get it at sunbelt-software.com.

Installing one or all of these programs is recommended only if you have at least 512MB of RAM on a system running XP and at least 1 GB of RAM for a computer running Vista. Anything less will slow your system down.

Jim Fisher owns Excel Computer Services in Florence. His column runs every other Monday. Ask questions by visiting ExpertPCAdvice.com. For more from Fisher, visit timesdaily.com.