Written By: Matt Perkins
Website: FilePhish.com
A simple way to create the perfect free security suite that rivals the commercial counterparts.
1. AntiVirus: Avira Antivir Personal
Description: Of all the anti-virus software that offers a free edition, Antivir rated highest in both proactive and on demand tests (Both getting an Advanced + Rating). Antivir also has won the highest percent of awards in Virus Bulletin winning 14 and failing only 3 times 82%.
Homepage: http://www.free-av.com/
AV-Comparitives Test Results: http://www.av-comparatives.org/
VB100 Antivir Summary: http://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/archive/results?vendor=VE37
2. Anti-Trojan: Malwarebytes
Description: Updates more often then any other Anti-Trojan software. An added bonus is the fact it allows for individual file scanning without having to have the product run in the system tray.
Homepage: http://www.malwarebytes.org/
3. Anti-Spyware: spyware doctor starter edition
Description: Spyware Doctor Starter Edition is the same as Spyware Doctor except for offering limited protection. Spyware Doctor scored a 95 on pcworld’s latest antispyware tests, the next closest product that offered a free edition Windows Defender scored a 72. AVG Anti-spyware which is no longer made scored an 81.
Download Link: http://www.pctools.com/mirror/sdstart.exe
PC World Test Results: http://www.pcworld.com/article/136206/best_vista_antispyware.html
4. Firewall: Comodo Firewall Pro
Description: The highest rated free firewall and third highest overall firewall according to Matousec. It scored a 95%/73 and scored a 10+ level reached.
Homepage: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
Leak Test Results: http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php
5. HIPS: WinPatrol
Description: The only HIPS program to offer free keylogger protection. WinPatrol also ranked #13 in PC World’s 100 Best Products of 2007.
Homepage: http://www.winpatrol.com/
PC World: http://www.pcworld.com/article/131935-13/the_100_best_products_of_2007.html
6. Browser: Firefox
Description: Firefox is the only browser that can increase it’s security level through add-ons. The newest version 3.0 now offers more features such as advanced malware protection and now scans each download for viruses. It also ranked #21 in PC World’s Best 100 Products of 2008.
Homepage: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/
PC World: http://www.pcworld.com/article/146161-12/the_100_best_products_of_2008.html
7. Browser Protection: SpywareBlaster
Description: Secures your browser by blocking bad cookies, active x and websites. It works with both Internet Explorer and Firefox.
Homepage: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
8. Anti-Phishing: WOT
Description: WOT is the most accurate anti-phishing tool around. It not only goes by users opinions but also blacklists and whitelists. On top of that it gives you five categories so you know exactly why a site is rated the way it is. Finally it prevents the users from automatically entering a red site. If you wish to enter anyways, just click on the allow button.
Homepage: http://www.mywot.com/
9. Password Manager: LastPass
Description: A free alternative to roboform. It allows for auto fill and auto login to websites like roboform but without the limitations. To add security it stores your passwords on an encrypted webpage in which you must login to get into so only you can get your information.
Homepage: https://lastpass.com/
10. Anti-Rootkit: Panda Anti-Rootkit
Description: One of the most simple yet effective anti-rootkit applications. Antivir has this feature available in their anti-virus application. But if you don’t use Antivir, then this is your best bet. Another option is to use Blacklight.
Homepage: http://research.pandasecurity.com/archive/New-Panda-Anti_2D00_Rootkit-_2D00_-Version-1.07.aspx
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About the Author:
My name is Matt.
I test software for a living. Prior to testing software I worked in customer service at a retail store in which I won every sales contest I participated in. I was also the only one to win a secret shopper’s award in the last 4 years.
My belief is to think like the customer and never offer a product you yourself wouldn’t use or recommend to a friend.
I’m developing a download site that caters to the customer. In case you don’t realize it, most download sites allow software developers to upload software to their site, thus compromising the customer’s safety. It turns the customer into the software tester, since a software developer can upload malware and the site not know about it until a customer downloads and installs the rogue software then reports it to the site.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Creating a Free Security Suite
