Edited by the CERT, a center of Internet security expertise at Carnegie Mellon University, this document is an excellent starting point to learn about all the key facets of PC security. It also provides many practical guidelines to safe online computing.

This site's contents could be better organized but they includes a wealth of background information, reviews, and tech tips for computer security. These extend all the way to home network security and tools to test your current level of protection.

Free Firewall, Antivirus, and Antispyware Applications

If you are looking for economical solutions to secure your computer, the 3 applications featured below, used in combination, provide an excellent level of protection and are made available at no cost for home use.

The companies that develop them distribute these versions for free as a way to market their commercial products but there are no strings attached (such as hidden fees, associated spyware, or abuse of your e-mail address). Each of these applications offers a level of performance equivalent to most commercial products and has received excellent professional reviews.

• Zone Alarm Firewall -- Once you have downloaded and installed the software, you will be asked to chose either the commercial version or the free one. For home use, the free version is very adequate and provides and excellent level of protection.




• Avast Antivirus Home Edition -- This antivirus is as performant as the commercial ones, without the cost. You will however, have to register (free) with Avast in order to obtain a software key required during the installation of the software.




• Spybot -- This free software has long been providing effective protection against spyware. The program will scan for any type of malware that may already have infected your computer. It will also immunize your computer against future threats and provide real-time protection againts malicious Web pages.