Top Three Free Computer Security Programs

Security on Windows-based computers is of vital importance. However, many users of Windows PCs do not do enough to protect their computers. They often rely on pay-to-use programs (subscriptions) that come with their computer, often from companies with high fees and usage costs. Often, these people don't know about the myriad of free and useful programs that offer just as good protection for their computers. Free firewall programs, free antivirus, and free antispyware are just some of the wonderful freeware programs available online. I would like to point my readers out to my top three recommended security programs for Windows, all for free!

First off, let us cover antivirus protection. AVG AntiVirus is one of the highest rated free programs by users on many websites. It's available for free online, at Download.com and at AVG's own website. AVG Free offers basic virus protection, with LinkScanner and Email protection. AVG is incredibly easy to setup, and very, very user friendly. Scans do take up system resources, but not too badly. Like most free programs, AVG also offers a 'professional' program for purchase, but the Free version is suitable for most tasks.

Next up, antispyware is important to help detect and remove dangerous types of spyware. Spybot is a wonderful freeware program for protecting one's system from spyware, and is available at many websites online. Some people recommend not using Spybot's 'TeaTimer' protection system, citing concerns over resource hogging. However, I've found the basic scanner function useful for general spyware removal.