Now that 2009 is almost a wrap, let’s take a look at the some of the best free security, maintenance and utilities for Windows. With the list of outstanding freeware available, purchasing security software is becoming a thing of the past. The software below is categorized and features some of the highest rated software via CNET available free of charge.
ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE
AVG Antivirus Free Edition 9.0 (Windows 2K, XP, Vista, 7) – Gives you an excellent collection of tools for antivirus, antimalware as well as a link and e-mail scanners.
Avira AntiVir Personal 9.0 (Windows 2K, XP, Vista 32-bit and 64-bit) – Antivirus and antispyware protection.
Avast Home Edition 4.8 (Windows 95/98/Me/2K, Vista, XP, 7, NT) – Antivirus protection, multiple shields and multiple virus removing tools.
Firewalls
ZoneAlarm 9.1 (Windows 2K, XP, Vista, 7) – Simple to use with a handy wizard. Protects against internal and external threats.
Online Armor Free 4.0 (Windows XP/Vista/7 32-bit) – This free firewall features a keylogger guard along with tamper and worm protection.
SpyWare Removers
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.42 (Windows 2K, XP, 2003, Vista, Server 2008, 7) – scans and removes malware, but real-time protection is only available with the paid version.
Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1 (Windows 2K, XP, Vista) – This tool scans and removes malware and spyware.
Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0 (Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/NT) – Scans for and displays hard to find spyware.
Utilities
SmartDefrag 1.30 (Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7/NT) – Scans, analyzes and continually defrags files you use the most.
Revo Uninstaller 1.85 (Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7) – Uninstalls and completely removes programs.
TweakNow PowerPack 2009 1.7.2 (Windows XP/Vista/7) – Tools that include, registry cleaner, registry defragmenter and tools to tweak and personalize Windows.
Advanced SystemCare Free 3.4 (Windows 2K, XP, 2003, Vista, Server 2008, 7, NT) – Suite of tools for cleaning and maintenance of your PC with one click.
CCleaner 2.27 (Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/NT) – Removes cache, cookies, cleans registry and more.
Glary Utilities 2.18 (Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7) – Utilities that clean junk files, fixes shortcuts and frees disk space.
Macrium Reflect Free Edition 4.2 Build 2098 (Windows XP/Vista/7) – Backs up your computer.







