Disclaimer: Some of the software on this site allows you to view registry settings. If you are not sure of what you are doing in the registry, DO NOT alter any settings. If you alter the wrong items, you can render your computer inoperable. I’m sorry, but I cannot be held accountable for what may happen if you do not heed this warning. With that being said, I have used many of these programs with great success. I am sure that, if used properly, they will work just fine for you too.

AVG Free Download

Malwarebytes Malwarebytes has become the first program I use to clean my computers when I suspect anything odd lurking about.Check it out here.

CCleaner CCleaner is capable of cleaning the temp files and history of all of the major web browsers plus cleaning your registry. Check it out here.

Google Toolbar The Google Toolbar is quite handy when it comes to blocking annoying pop-ups (and currently does not utilize any spyware.) Get it here.

StartUp Control Panel The StartUp Control Panel utility is a control panel applet designed for all “modern versions of Windows, including Windows 95, 98, 98SE, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP.” Like MSCONFIG, it allows you to select which programs to startup with Windows. Unlike MSCONFIG, the StartUp Control Panel allows you easy access to the HKEY_LOCAL MACHINE Run sections of the Windows registry ( a favorite place for malware to reside.) CAUTION: Modifying your registry can render your machine inoperable. Only modify registry settings if you know what the registry is, and you are comfortable in it. Get it here. Oh, and if you’re feeling particularly nice, leave the guy a tip.

Toolbarcop Toolbarcop is a powerful little program that allows you to eliminate unwanted BHOs. (BHOs – Browser Helper Objects) Be careful using this utility, it too, modifies your registry, and its changes cannot be undone. Be sure you do not delete the Google BHOs of you have installed the Google Toolbar. Acrobat Reader seems to also install it’s own BHO. Again, CAUTION: be sure you understand what you are disabling before using this utility. There is both a free version and a professional version. Get them here.

Microsoft Security Essentials Microsoft Security Essentials is an easy to use product that offers comprehensive malware protection and automatic updates in a simple free download for your PC running genuine Windows. Learn more about genuine or download Microsoft Security Essentials.

Internet Explorer If you should have need for it, the most recent version of Internet Explorer can be found at Microsoft’s site here. Keep your machine up to date by utilizing Windows Update site.

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 Can’t find a reason to upgrade to Windows 7? Make sure you have Service Pack 3.