Basic Computer Security (Antivirus, Spyware Removal + Firewalls) + Other Useful Tools

[KiraRin]

The idea of this thread is to give links to useful FREE programs and websites concerning Firewalls, AntiVirus, Anti-Spyware, Communication and other utilities.

Computer Security

----====Anti-Virus====----
AVG
avast!
a squared (anti-trojan and anti-spyware)

----====Online AV Scanners====----
HouseCall (from Trend Micro)
Panda Active Scan
Windows Live Safety Center (beta)

----====Spyware Removal====----
Ad-Aware
Spybot S&D
SpywareBlaster
Microsoft Windows Defender
AVG Anti-spyware
Trend Micro
Bazooka

HijackThis
HijackThis scans areas of your registry and hard drive and returns a log of items which it detects. As this tool is recommended for advanced users only, we recommend you run a scan and then post your log file on a support forum, where someone will be able to suggest which entries to remove.

----====Firewall====----
ZoneAlarm
Omniquad
Sygate
Kerio

----====Virus Specific====----
CoolWebSearch
CWShredder finds and destroys traces of CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a name given to a wide range of different browser hijackers. Though the code is very different between variants, they are all used to redirect users to coolwebsearch.com and other sites affiliated with its operators. CWShredder now cleans the CWS.Cassandra variant that includes a desktop hijack as well as a browser hijack.

McAffee Stinger
Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system. Stinger utilizes next generation scan engine technology, including process scanning, digitally signed DAT files, and scan performance optimizations.

Cleanup and Performance Tools

Cleanup40
CCleaner
PC Pitstop

Browsers & Related Utilities

Firefox
Opera
Lolifox
Google Toolbar

Communication and Misc. Tools

Peer Guardian
PeerGuardian 2 is Phoenix Labs’ premier IP blocker for Windows. PeerGuardian 2 integrates support for multiple lists, list editing, automatic updates, and blocking all of IPv4 (TCP, UDP, ICMP, etc), making it the safest and easiest way to protect your privacy on P2P

Skype
Skype is software for calling other people on their computers or phones. Download Skype and start calling for free all over the world. Skype is also for Mac OS X, Linux and PDAs using Pocket PC.

Trillian
Trillian is a fully featured, stand-alone, skinnable chat client that supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC.

Open Office
OpenOffice.org is an open-source, multiplatform and multilingual office suite comparable with MS Office. It is compatible with all other major office suites and is free to download, use, and distribute.

Shields Up!
Security testing utility.

If you feel you have anything to contribute to this list, please feel free to pm me (here)