Here is a list of free software to help protect and maintain your computer
Advanced System Care
http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html
50 Million Users Can NOT be Wrong!Advanced SystemCare Free has a one-click approach to help protect, repair, clean, and optimize your PC. With over 100 Editor's Choice and 5-star awards, this popular, fantastic, free PC repair software becomes a "must-have" tool for your computer. 100% safe with no adware, spyware, or viruses; a PC maintenance program that’s incredibly easy to use.
50 Million Users Can NOT be Wrong!Advanced SystemCare Free has a one-click approach to help protect, repair, clean, and optimize your PC. With over 100 Editor's Choice and 5-star awards, this popular, fantastic, free PC repair software becomes a "must-have" tool for your computer. 100% safe with no adware, spyware, or viruses; a PC maintenance program that’s incredibly easy to use.
AVG Antivirus
http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage
The heart of AVG Anti-Virus is the scanning engine - you can imagine it as a "black box" into which requests to scan objects enter and the box returns information indicating if these objects are virus-free or infected.
The scanning engine includes an application interface for communication with other AVG Anti-Virus components (Resident Shield, Scans, E-mail scanner modules and plug-ins etc.) which use this service. It was created with an emphasis on AVG Anti-Virus modularity and is common for all of the mentioned components.
The heart of AVG Anti-Virus is the scanning engine - you can imagine it as a "black box" into which requests to scan objects enter and the box returns information indicating if these objects are virus-free or infected.
The scanning engine includes an application interface for communication with other AVG Anti-Virus components (Resident Shield, Scans, E-mail scanner modules and plug-ins etc.) which use this service. It was created with an emphasis on AVG Anti-Virus modularity and is common for all of the mentioned components.
Avast
http://www.avast.com/index
Avast! Free Antivirus often outperforms our competitors´ paid products and is the minimum protection you should have — it provides great protection against viruses and spyware. But for best protection against the latest and constantly changing internet threats, upgrade to avast! Internet Security.
Avast! Free Antivirus often outperforms our competitors´ paid products and is the minimum protection you should have — it provides great protection against viruses and spyware. But for best protection against the latest and constantly changing internet threats, upgrade to avast! Internet Security.
CCleaner
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
CCleaner is the number-one tool for cleaning your Windows PC. It protects your privacy online and makes your computer faster and more secure. Easy to use and a small, fast download.
CCleaner is the number-one tool for cleaning your Windows PC. It protects your privacy online and makes your computer faster and more secure. Easy to use and a small, fast download.
ESET
http://www.eset.com/us/
ESET Smart Security 6 is an all-in-one Internet Security solution with new Anti-theft feature that locates your missing laptop and gives you tools to help recover it. Personal Firewall and Anti-Phishing keep your data safe from identity theft and other scams.
ESET Smart Security 6 is an all-in-one Internet Security solution with new Anti-theft feature that locates your missing laptop and gives you tools to help recover it. Personal Firewall and Anti-Phishing keep your data safe from identity theft and other scams.
Comodo
http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/firewall.php
Comodo Firewall Pro introduces the next evolution in computer security: Default Deny Protection (DDP™). What is DDP? Most security programs maintain a list of known malware, and use that list to decide which applications and files shouldn't access a PC. The problem here is obvious. What if the list of malware is missing some entries, or isn't up to date? DDP fixes this problem to ensure complete security. The firewall references a list of over two million known PC-friendly applications. If a file that is not on this safe-list knocks on your PC's door, the Firewall immediately alerts you to the possibility of attacking malware. All this occurs before the malware infects your computer. It's prevention-based security, the only way to keep PCs totally safe.
Comodo Firewall Pro introduces the next evolution in computer security: Default Deny Protection (DDP™). What is DDP? Most security programs maintain a list of known malware, and use that list to decide which applications and files shouldn't access a PC. The problem here is obvious. What if the list of malware is missing some entries, or isn't up to date? DDP fixes this problem to ensure complete security. The firewall references a list of over two million known PC-friendly applications. If a file that is not on this safe-list knocks on your PC's door, the Firewall immediately alerts you to the possibility of attacking malware. All this occurs before the malware infects your computer. It's prevention-based security, the only way to keep PCs totally safe.
Malicious Software Removal
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom—and helps remove any infection found.
When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed.
Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, and as needed to respond to security incidents. The tool is available from Microsoft Update, Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center.
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom—and helps remove any infection found.
When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed.
Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, and as needed to respond to security incidents. The tool is available from Microsoft Update, Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center.
NewEgg.com
http://www.newegg.com/
Whether you're a computer enthusiast, business professional or just need something for the kids and their homework, buying a branded computer can be a significant investment. Learning to build your own system not only helps you save money, but also ensures your computer system has everything you need and nothing you don't. Newegg can show you how to get started.
With our comprehensive tutorial, you'll learn the basics of how a computer works, the essential parts, and how to put it all together. We'll guide you through choosing the peripherals that meet your needs while explaining why you need them. Best of all, Newegg has a wide selection of computer hardware to fit every budget and system build. So whether this is your first scratch-built computer or your fiftieth and you just want a refresher course, let Newegg show the way!
Whether you're a computer enthusiast, business professional or just need something for the kids and their homework, buying a branded computer can be a significant investment. Learning to build your own system not only helps you save money, but also ensures your computer system has everything you need and nothing you don't. Newegg can show you how to get started.
With our comprehensive tutorial, you'll learn the basics of how a computer works, the essential parts, and how to put it all together. We'll guide you through choosing the peripherals that meet your needs while explaining why you need them. Best of all, Newegg has a wide selection of computer hardware to fit every budget and system build. So whether this is your first scratch-built computer or your fiftieth and you just want a refresher course, let Newegg show the way!
PC Magazine
Exclusive Utilities and Extensive Library of Shareware, Demos and Freeware and also a great source for news and updates on technology.
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,23,00.asp