Your computer probably knows more about you than your spouse does, and they are designed to store information on everything from banking to shopping and communicating with others through email or chat programs, and although you may not consider your communications in the secret society category, I am almost positive that you do not want strangers reading your email or hacking into your computer to attack other systems. Once a person gains access to your computer, they can literally spend hours pouring over personal information stored on your computer which can result in everything from a reformatted hard drive, loss of privacy, and stored data being completely annihilated.
Windows Live OneCare Free Safety Scan for Windows XP
This is a literal all in one protection service for the complete care of your computer. The free safety scanner gives you virtual protection against junk on your hard disk and virus removal. The scanner gives you a reliable maintenance check with an option of virus scanning, firewalls, tune ups, and file backup options. The Performance Plus regularly defragments your hard disk, and removes unnecessary files that can bog down your PC. The service also installs the newest security updates from Microsoft that enable your computer to run its best. To run the free safety scan click here.
Windows XP Service Pack 2
The SP2 is available as a free upgrade if you’re already running Windows XP and Microsoft recommends that everyone with Windows XP upgrades to the Windows XP SP2 to help improve the security of their computers while using the Internet. Some of the benefits of having the SP2 is that the Internet Explorer downloading monitor warns you about potentially harmful downloads and gives you the option to block files that could be malicious, and it also gives you better protection against viruses, hackers, and worms. Included is a Windows Firewall which does not interfere with your favorite Internet applications and home network as there is a compatibility set-up that is easy to understand.
Malicious Software Remover Tool
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software that includes, but is not limited to Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom. Once an Trojan, virus, or malware is detected the tool helps eliminate any infection found on your computer. When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed. As new infections come to life, Microsoft releases newer versions of the tool to remove them permanently. http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
Windows Defender
This is a free program offered by Microsoft to keep your computer free from problems. Windows Defender protects your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, and a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it’s detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.
Internet Explorer 7
The 2007 Microsoft Office System gives you protection from phishing scams by offering a filter that can be turned on to check each web site individually. Further protection includes security against fraudulent e-mail messages, and it helps you to block potentially dangerous content in external content, and it enables you to check your security settings in trusted, restricted and internet sites so that they are set with at the recommended levels for the greatest protection.
Microsoft offers free downloads for games, direct X, internet, security updates, media, mobile devices, system tools for utility updates, and more.
Downloads From A to Z
From the ActiveX control pad to Wireless desktop, its all there in alphabetical order and in easy to understand directions. The link to popular downloads is available under resources below.
