What is the Best Free Antivirus Software?

We often get asked the question: "What is the best free antivirus software?"

The best free antivirus software is actually a combination of several different free software programs. If you combine the right programs, you will have a good level of protection for your computer. The free software will protect you from virus, malware, spyware, hackers, phishing, scams, fraud web sites, and a lot more. All of the freebies on our list will give you real time protection against threats both known and unknown.

In order to give your computer a high level of protection, you need the following: (1) antivirus (2) antispyware (3) firewall (4) secure web browser (5) anti-hack tool (6) fraud, scam, and phishing filter (7) a good sandbox to isolate your browser and other programs while they are running.

Here are the freebies:

1. Antivirus: Choose one - Avira or Avast.

2. Antispyware: Choose one - Malwarebytes or Spyware Doctor.

3. Firewall: Zone Alarm.

4. Secure web browser: Explorer 8 and/or Firefox.

5.Anti-hack tool: SnoopFree Privacy Shield

6. Fraud and phishing filter: We recommend that you use both WOT (Web of Trust) and Site Advisor.

7. Sand Box: This is for for added safety, virus protection, etc. We recommend Sandboxie.

We do want to add this one thought:

Although the free software is very good, the maximum level of real time protection comes with the paid, professional versions. That is the way the software companies design the stuff. The good news? Most of the paid versions are really not that expensive.

You can use a combination of both free and paid versions for the highest levels of protection. You only need to upgrade one of the programs to get an excellent level of protection. For example, if you use the freebies here, then upgrade your Avast, Malwarebytes or Spyware Doctor to the full version, you will have a really high level of protection for your computer.

If you install and operate your Windows computer with the free software that we have shown you, your computer will well protected from online threats. For more ways to protect your privacy and your computer, visit the Spyware Blockers website.

Tips to Disable Internet Explorer

There's no doubt that Internet Explorer has been a major target of attack for spyware merchants and other ill-intentioned goons. That's why many folks have turned to alternate browsers for their web surfing.

When you are using another browser and do not use Internet Explorer anymore, there is a case for being made that you must remove it from your system. It is, after all, a possible security threat so, if you do not need it, why not eliminate it?

Except, getting rid of IE is not that easy. Actually, with later versions of Windows there's no satisfactory way of removing it completely without risking crippling Windows itself.

That hasn't stopped folks from trying to remove IE, however, and you can find several techniques documented on various web sites. Instead of removing IE I like the simple and safer approach of disabling it. Sure, it may not provide a similar degree of security as complete removal but that's a small price to pay for compared to the price of potentially de-stabilizing Windows.

There are several disabling techniques but I suggest the strategy below as it's simple, easy to reverse and doesn't interfere with the operation with the Windows Update service. Furthermore it should work with any modern version of IE.

Step 1. From IE select Tools/Internet Options/Connections/LAN Settings.

Step 2. Put a tick within the check box next to "Use a Proxy Server for your LAN ...”

Step 3. Type in "0.0.0.0" within the address box and "80" in the Port box. Don't type in the quote marks of course, just what's inside them.

Step 4. Click OK.

What you've done is set up a dummy proxy server 0.0.0.0 that goes nowhere. With these setting IE cannot make an HTML connection to the web and vice versa. You've simply and effectively disabled IE.

There is no magic in the 0.0.0.0 address, any dead proxy address would work simply as well. I've used that particular address to keep things simple.

If you ever need to re-enable Internet Explorer start it up and select Tools/Internet Options/Connections/LAN Settings from the toolbar and un-check the box "Use a Proxy Server for your LAN ...”

Mobile Internet Access Tips

Are you using mobile Internet? Then these mobile Internet access tips will enhance your Internet browsing experience.

Having online connectivity pretty much wherever you go is becoming an essential part of life for many of us. And, while there are endless devices that’ll allow you to do it, picking the right one can improve functionality no end.

Alongside the many and varied dongle deals and free laptop deals that are out there in the mobile marketplace, it’s also easy to add extra features to your online experience too. For example, one of the handiest things available right now is the MiFi, which is a small device not dissimilar to a USB mobile broadband dongle.

With one of these on-board, it’s possible to share your mobile broadband connection with a handful of other authorised users too. Of course, this is really handy if you have a family who want to get online round the house or share a place with friends who will benefit from your connection.

Watch out though as the data allowances are divvied up as a result, so check that you have a package that’ll be able to cope with this – that’s especially so if you have anyone who loves downloading lots of digital content.

The great thing about many new smartphones is that they too can be pretty handy for sharing a mobile broadband connection. If you have a recent model, such as the HTC Desire for example, then this has a setting that allows you to use the phone as a mobile hotspot. It’s quick and easy to set up and means that you can use a laptop or netbook for internet connectivity via your phone.

However, with any device that can connect using mobile broadband it’s always worth remembering that there are limitations due to a variety of factors. Coverage, network traffic and all the rest of it can sometimes mean that mobile broadband isn’t quite the handy thing that it’s meant to be. So, any device that you’re considering will be all the better just as long as it has Wi-Fi functionality also.

After all, the availability of wireless broadband signals is widespread nowadays and many of them are freely accessible too. Fast foods outlets, restaurants, bars and shops often allow you to browse the web and catch up with emails, which is not only convenient, but shouldn’t cost you a penny either. Some places, such as airports and train stations, do occasionally charge though.

Whatever means you use to connect, there’s no doubt that mobile Internet access isn’t just handy and fun, it’s becoming nigh on essential.