Recommended Software
This is a list of software that I install to computers that I build.
Security
AVG Anti-Virus (free edition for home use)
AVG is a free alternative to AV products such as Norton or McAfee. A few caveats:
- When you install, use advanced mode. For version 8, disable link scanner and email scanner.
- Disable daily scanning.
- When a new major version comes out, it may seem like you need to buy the pay version -- you don't -- search the web for "AVG Free" and download the free edition.
Eset NOD32
If you want the best and fastest AV product, NOD32 is written in optimized assembly code. Tip: search the web for bargains.
Lavasoft Ad-aware (free edition)
Use this utility in combination with Spybot to scan for and remove malware.
Spybot Search & Destroy
This product provides an on-demand scanner and a tool to "immunize" your web browser from loading compromised or malicious web sites.
- Make sure you update Spybot about once a week
- I don't recommend installing the "Tea-Timer" component
SpywareBlaster
I use SpywareBlaster in conjunction with Spybot to block malicious web content. Remember to download latest protection updates on a regular basis.
Utilities
7-Zip
7-zip is a free and open-source alternative to software such as WinZip and WinRar.
Foxit Reader
Foxit is a quick alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader, a product that continues to bloat up in size, mess with your system settings in annoying ways, and get slower.