Computer programs suggestions for non-techie

I ran into this article on FW and thought I should post it for the benefits of all. Eventhough this is not an official deal, most of these programs are deals and worth noting. As mentioned by author, mom2jel, computers after use for a time seems to be junked up with stuff that eventually cause it to malfunction. She thinks preventative measure will safeguard some of the unnecessary problems.

Recommended FREE Programs:

Avast! Anti-Virus: http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
(Anti-Virus alternative, AVG: http://free.avg.com/)
Comodo Firewall: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
(Firewall alternative, ZoneAlarm: http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/fr...
Spyware Blaster: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
(runs in the background to prevent spyware)
SpyBot: http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=13839924&url=http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/ (run once several times a month to clean your pc of spyware)
CCleaner: http://www.ccleaner.com/
(will clean up unnecessary junk (temporary files, etc) on your computer and your pc will probably run faster after using; downside is that your website sign-in usernames will be deleted and you will have to manually sign in again to your website favorites.)

Vista’s firewall program is okay, it’s up to you if you want a different one.

Do not install/run more than one firewall and anti-virus program on your computer.

If you install a different firewall program, then turn off Windows Firewall: Start/Control Panel/Windows Firewall

You can also run Windows own Desktop Cleaner: Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk
Cleanup& Defragmenter: Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter

If you think you have virus problems, and your current anti-virus program isn’t catching it, then you can try an online program:
BitDefender: http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html
ewido: http://www.ewido.net/en/onlinescan/

For those of you with kids, if you want to prevent them from viewing bad internet sites, then try the FREE Microsoft’s Family Safety: http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=13839924&url=https://fss.live.com/Default.aspx (each child needs their own hotmail/msn/live account; you can set them up during the install process).If you have Windows Vista, you can also enact the Parental Controls feature: Start/Control Panel/Parental Controls