Five Free Must Have Programs


Spybot Search and Destroy

This is the premier free spyware scanner, tracker and removal utility. Combine it with Adaware
For an added level of protection from protection from known Data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components.

The most important aspect of any security utility is to remember to update the program regularly. New improvements to their malicious and annoying programs make updates an absolute must if you want to keep out all these pesky invaders to your computing tranquility.


Google Toolbar

For the popup blocker alone this useful tool is the only toolbar you should allow on your browser.


Firefox browser

Tired of popups, popunders, and every other popannoying problem with the Internet Explorer browser, check out Firefox as an alternative browser. This is the test browser for the robust Mozilla browser. Firefox allows you to try out the newest features before they are added to the Mozilla browser without any of the annoyances of IE.

WinRar

The all around best program for making backups of programs and opening compressed files such as RAR, ZIP, and other file formats.


iTunes

Even if you don’t own an iPod or plan on download music from their online music store, iTunes is a great content manager and player for your music. It’s the best free program I’ve found to keep my catalog managed and play music easily. My advice stay away from programs like Real Networks, Real Player. It’s bad news in a number of ways. Read my article on Real Networks to learn more.