RemoveAny is a lightweight and simple anti-spyware utility that helps to ridentify dangerous processes on your PC.

If spyware or malware gets rooted on your system, then it can be an absolute nightmare to get it off. Some applications can do more damage than good while others don't seem to have any noticeable effect whatsoever. RemoveAny anti-spyware is not exactly a heavy duty solution but it can pick up malware pretty quickly and will delete it immediately. The program is extremely lightweight and is completely free to use. It works in real time monitoring executable files, drivers, modules and processes as well as displaying additional information about executables. When you start your PC, RemoveAny shows users what processes have started on their PC by seperating modules into three groups - suspicious, unknown and trusted. If you see suspicious modules or processes, you should not immediately delete those files. To decide whether the file is really suspicious or not, it's useful to do a Google search to find out what exactly it is but be careful what you remove!

Although it doesn't identify what each process does, for those in the know, RemoveAny will instantly alert you to illegal or strange processes on your system.

Download RemoveAny 2.13 in Softonic

While the developers claim that "Free 100% Real-Time Protection" is something that most similar programs charge for may be stretching the truth somewhat, Spyware Terminator & Web Security Guard is very powerful spyware solution.

The program includes all the options you expect to find in such a product including options to manually carry out or schedule scans as well as options to deny or allow access to certain programs to your PC. The program is not just a spyware scanner however as it also includes an antivirus scanner. The developers have also seen fit to include a "Web Security Guard" which carries out the the job that most anti-phishing and pop up blockers in Internet Explorer and Firefox already carry out. This feature also features user generated website reviews along with warnings as to whether the site could be potentially harmful or not. Note that the developers warn that if you are using an unsupported operating system (such as Windows 98 or ME), you it may be better to use version 1.9 which offers the same protection but is much lighter on resources as the one drawback of this program is that it is rather slow to start and close and can hog your memory at peak scanning periods.

This is a comprehensive security solution that has all avenues of attack covered although if you're already using a virus scanner, you may be better to stick with it as it seems the weakest part of what is generally an excellent package.

Download Spyware Terminator & Web Security Guard 2.2.3.444 in Softonic

Kaspersky® Internet Security 7.0 provides you with the same proven anti-virus protection as Kaspersky Anti-Virus together with additional features including Parental Control, a personal firewall, an anti-spam filter, Privacy Control and more.

Product Highlights

• Integrated protection from all Internet threats
• Integrated antivirus protection: 1) Hourly automated database updates, 2) Preliminary behavior analysis, 3) On-going behavior analysis. New!
• Real-time scanning for email, Internet traffic and files
• Personal firewall with an IDS / IPS system. Improved!
• Protection from leaks of confidential data. New!
• Parental Control. New!
• Protection from spam and phishing
• Automatic database updates

Additional Features

• Protection from viruses, Trojans and worms
• Protection from spyware and adware
• Protection from all types of keyloggers. Improved!
• Detection of all types of rootkits. Improved!
• Protection from viruses when using ICQ and other IM clients
• Rollback of malicious changes on your PC
• Self-defense of the antivirus program from being disabled or stopped
• Tools for creating a Rescue Disk
• Free technical support

Download Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 8.0.0.357 in Softonic

Free anti-virus software can be a mixed bag - sometimes they can do more harm than good while at others, they can save you hundreds of dollars with solid real-time protection.

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic is the free version of Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Premium. This doesn't mean that it's any less powerful bit it does mean that many advanced features are unavailable. The program can scan up to 30 different file types and seems to have been designed with a particular focus on Trojans according to the developer blurb. Protection is served in real time and as with all virus scanners, you are immediately given the choice whether to ignore, quarantine or delete the infected file. What's nice about this scanner is that for those viruses that it can't identify or clean, it compiles a report which can then be automatically submitted to Avira's lively user forum where someone, somewhere, should be able to help. The scanner sits in your system tray bit can be expanded to show the current settings and the status of any scans in progress. Scanning is quick and it doesn't slow your machine down significantly. Unfortunately however, it provides no option for scanning incoming and outgoing mail or adware/spyware but if you're just looking for a trojan blocker/remover, it's a very solid product.

A powerful and well organised anti virus scanner that helps you get to the bottom of virus issues rather than hinders your progress.

Download Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Free Anti-Virus 8.1.0.295 in Softonic

The battle against trojans and spyware is a constantly ongoing one but there's no need to spend big money on expensive solutions.

a-Squared is a free anti-spyware/anti-malware scanner that can pick up just about anything that's illegally installed itself on your system. It frees your PC from malware after a simple and fairly quick scan to improve your PC performance and reduce any performance or internet related problems. However, this is one program that does so with caution which is a refreshing change. Instead of just wiping anything off your system, it places those components that are critical to system performance in quarantine meaning that there is less chance of your system becoming unstable after a scan. The program is regularly updated although unfortunately not automatically - you have to instruct it to perform an online update at periodic intervals. The program has clearly been designed with beginners in mind - there are no complicated scanning functions or strange components to deal with. It reminds me somewhat of CCleaner and in a way, performs a similar job but with a focus on malware instead of temporary files.

An extremely simple and affective malware scanner, it should pick up any illegal software that's attached it self onto your system in a safe and secure way.

Download a-squared (a²) Free 3.5.0.25 in Softonic

Ad-Aware is one of the most popular anti-spyware tools, with millions of downloads worldwide, and I bet this number will be increased with the release of Ad-Aware 2008.

Though the interface in itself hasn't changed that much, the new Ad-Aware 2008 includes a few interesting enhancements such as a noticeable improvement in stability and performance, which makes the program a lot lighter on system resources. The rootkit and threat detection tools have also been enhanced for a more efficient protection, together with an all new integrated anti-virus functionality.

Ad-Aware is very easy to install and use, especially if you've been using the previous version, because the program features a similar design. It's constantly updated with new definitions, so that you keep up with the latest online threats and also includes a system restoration point to help you recover your system from a virus or Trojan attack. I especially liked the fact that Ad-Aware supports multiple browsers, which enables you to manage web browsing traces and control your privacy online in Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera.

The program still keeps some functions as exclusive to the Pro and Plus versions (like the customizable scans or the real-time monitor) but still, Ad-Aware 2008 Free is a reliable, effective anti-malware tool that will keep your system safe and sound without disturbing your daily workflow.

Ad-Aware 2008 features an excellent package of security tools with which you can efficiently protect your PC from virus, Trojans, spyware and other undesirable elements.

Download Ad-Aware 2008 7.1.0.8 Free in Softonic

There are many anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-dialer software products but only a few of them can claim to provide effective protection from all types of Malware. The main reason for this is the eternal cat and mouse game played for decades between Malware programmers and the security industry.

Normal security software is limited by the fact that it can only recognize Malware for which the manufacturer has already created a signature - assuming that the manufacture even has a copy of the Malware available for analysis.

Emsi Software has now turned the tables and no longer trails behind the Malware authors. a-squared Anti-Malware does not identify damaging software purely on the basis of signatures, but also looks at how it behaves. This means that you will be protected from the hundreds of new Trojans, Worms, Dialers, Rootkits and Spyware that appear every day.

Download a-squared Anti-Malware 3.5 in Softonic

If you're worried about the constant threat of spyware and malware attacking your PC, then WinPooch packs a powerful punch.

The good thing is, it's free makes special emphasis of stopping trojans and spyware using a technique known as "API hooking" which , basically provides static protection and doesn't allow anything to lock onto your registry. Alternatively it can give you the choice over whether you want a program to write in a system directory or in the registry, or else to connect to internet. The developers are keen to point out that this is in no way an anti virus checker and as such, it's a good idea to install it with one of their sister programs, ClamWin although note that this does not provide real time protection against viruses. Overall the good thing about this program is that it leaves the decision up to you over whether a program is installed or not. The downside is that it doesn't provide a real time anti virus scanner but it's easy to use and seems to be very effective at stopping anything coming through as you get plenty of alerts.

Simple to use and powerful at what it does, this is a great anti spyware blocker but would have scored more highly if it had included an anti virus checker.

Download WinPooch 0.6.6 in Softonic

A good antivirus tool is one that regularly updates its virus definitions and that can really clean deep into your PC. With Multi Virus Cleaner you're limited to scanning your PC, whether particular files (custom), quick scan or full and deep scans. The application can be regularly updated and claims to protect you from over 5,900 viruses. There's a list of virus signatures in the updates section, but it doesn't appear to be exhaustive or to take into account the latest ones.

We found most scans to be fairly lenghty and not particularly effective. The program only gives you two options when a virus is detected, delete or ask you what to do, to which you usually respond by deleting the virus anyways. Multi Virus Cleaner does not show you the time spent scanning your PC but you can follow the progress, see how many files have been scanned and what files the program is working on.

PC security is not something you can fool around with, and that's why you should always try to have one of the best security suites installed. Multi Virus Cleaner unfortunately is not a security suite. It provides basic scanning possibilities, which, alone, are not sufficient to keep your PC secure.

Download Multi Virus Cleaner 2008 8.0.6 in Softonic

Have you ever wanted an open-source portable anti-virus solution that you can use anywhere at anytime?

Protect Simple Machine is just that - a portable and free anti-virus app that fits on your USB pen and makes sure that the computer you are using is not infected by viruses, worms, Trojan horses or spyware. Created with Visual Basic, the program is incredibly simple to use and can analyze any folder or disk you choose. It also advises you on ways to "tweak" Windows so you can optimise Protect Simple Machine for more effective, faster use. It also has direct links to other Windows tools such as the command line.

Nowadays, one of the most important areas to scan is the memory and Simple Machine Protect also caters for this with a memory scanner which works alongside the disk scanner. The program warns you if it finds a virus with a very primitive "beeping" sound and it can sometimes repair them on the spot, depending on whether the database is equipped with a sufficient solution. At all times, the program lets you know at what stage the scan is at with a progress bar.

A very convenient solution for those on the move although it's a bit lightweight and tends to miss minor viruses and Trojans that more solid scanners pick up.

Download Simple Machine Protect 1.5.5.580 in Softonic

rotects your confidential information. Keeps hackers out. Prevents theft of bank details. Keeps PCs free from viruses and spyware.Blocks spam. Protects your children on the Internet.

Enjoy truly global security with the new Panda Internet Security 2008. All your computer activity will be fully protected against identity theft and you can forget about viruses, spyware, hackers, spam, online fraud and other Internet threats. You'll also be able to make automated backup copies of your most important documents and optimize the performance of your computer.

Key features:

In-Depth online scanning

• Deep scanning of your PC with TotalScan Pro..

• The exclusive technologies in Panda TotalScan Pro allow periodic in-depth scanning to detect and delete the most sophisticated threats that can slip past traditional protection. Always protected against the most sophisticated threats!

Automated backup system

• Safeguard your files against accidental loss or damage.

• No doubt at some time or other you have lost important documents that were saved on your PC, either through unintentionally deleting them or due to hard disk problems or other accidents. With Panda Internet Security 2008 you can now make simple automatic backup copies that will let you restore these files whenever you need. You can also select the files that you want to save and make backup copies either on hard disk, CD, DVD or other external drive. Back up your files quickly and easily!

Optimized PC performance system

• Panda Tuneup: helps optimize operating system performance.

• Sometimes your computer may operate erratically or slow down for no apparent reason. In these cases, the first thing to do is to use the system's optimization and maintenance tools. Panda Internet Security 2008 helps you access these utilities directly. First it cleans out all unnecessary components (removing cookies, temporary files, items in the recycle bin, etc.) and then defragments the disk to optimize performance. Keep your computer in top shape!

Now 12 months' free online backup

• With up to 1 GB of storage space on a secure online server.

• The ability to access your most important documents securely from any computer offers numerous advantages. Panda Internet Security 2008 lets you make backup copies -quickly and simply- on a secure Internet server, with up to 1 GB of storage space for 12 months. Safeguard your information online!

Latest generation antivirus

• Automatically detects and eliminates all types of viruses.

• If content is missing from your hard disk, if you have problems starting your computer, or if some of your files are unusable, you can be sure you've been hit by a computer virus. You can be infected just by surfing the Net, downloading a file, or opening an email attachment. There are also the dangers of worms and Trojans which now use new stealth techniques to evade detection.

• With Panda Internet Security 2008 you can use the Internet and download or share files in the knowledge that you are fully protected against all types of viruses, worms and Trojans. Forget about infections!

Powerful AntiSpyware

• Keeps your PC free from spyware.

• Computer slowdowns, annoying and aggressive pop-up ads, sudden changes to your system settings... these are just some of the effects that spyware can have on your PC. The real danger however is that these threats can steal information about your Internet activity and then use it without your knowledge.

• Panda Internet Security 2008 automatically detects and removes spyware and other annoying programs. Safeguard your privacy!

Panda Identity Protect

• Secures your personal data.

• Whenever you shop or bank online, you have to provide data to verify your identity, such as your account number, credit card number or other ID. This information is sensitive and needs to be protected. The new Panda Internet Security 2008, through the Identity Protect feature, lets you know at any time when this type of data is about to be sent out of the computer so you are in control at all times. Don't let anyone access your data without your permission!

Personal bi-directional firewall

• Blocks hackers and intruders.

• When you connect to the Internet, many programs try to access your PC. Some of them are not dangerous, such as those that let you update applications you have installed, but others will try to exploit your connection or control your computer.

• Panda Internet Security 2008 includes a configurable personal firewall to stop intruders and hackers from accessing your PC. Turn your computer into a fortress!

• AntiPhishing

Protects against online fraud

• Certain emails are designed to trick you into revealing your confidential bank details. They may appear to have been sent from your bank, but they have not. Falling into the trap can be costly: it could give the phishers complete access to your accounts. Panda Internet Security 2008 can identify these fraudulent emails, and prevent you from revealing your bank details, account numbers or other confidential information.

• Panda Internet Security 2008 will keep you safe from these dangerous scams. Bank and shop online with complete peace of mind!

TruPrevent Technologies

• Double protection

• Some new threats are able to spread globally in just a few hours. In this time, your PC could be unprotected as your antivirus will not have had time to update. The TruPrevent Technologies included in Panda Internet Security 2008 detect and block these unknown threats, intelligently scanning program behavior. This means your PC will have the reinforced protection it needs. Stay one step ahead of unknown threats!

AntiRootkit

• Detects threats that try to hide on your PC.

• Rootkits can be used to hide threats and prevent them from being detected by security solutions. These threats can then act with impunity on your system. With Panda Internet Security 2008 you won't have any problem, as its reinforced protection system can detect threats that use this stealth technique. Protect yourself from hidden threats!

AntiSpam

• Automatic blocking of junk mail.

• No doubt you often receive emails from unknown or dubious senders. This avalanche of spam is time-wasting and can make it difficult to find the emails you really need to read. The reinforced anti-spam technology in Panda Internet Security 2008 automatically filters junk mail, keeping your inbox free from spam. Rid yourself of the avalanche of junk mail!

Parental control

• Restricts access to inappropriate websites.

• If you're worried about your children accessing violent, pornographic or racist content, or that your employees are wasting valuable time visiting non-work related websites, Panda Internet Security 2008 has the solution. Its content control feature can let you decide what type of web pages each user of a computer can view, with a range of custom filters (child, adolescent, employee…) You decide how the Internet should be used!

Download Panda Internet Security 2008 in Softonic

The term rootkit is used to define a Trojan (or technology) used to hide the presence of a malicious object (process, file, registry key, network port) from the computer user or administrator.

Removing rootkits without compromising system integrity is particularly challenging and needs to be done with care. Our free software, Sophos Anti-Rootkit, finds and removes any rootkit that is hidden on your computer.
Easy to use

As part of its complete protection of endpoint computers, Sophos Anti-Virus detects rootkits and prevents them being installed on any of your desktops, laptops and servers.

Sophos Anti-Rootkit provides an extra layer of detection, by safely and reliably detecting and removing any rootkit that might already have secreted itself onto your system.
Simplified management

Using Sophos Anti-Rootkit is straightforward. Whether you use its simple graphical user interface or run it from the command line you can easily detect and eliminate any rootkits on your computer.

Download Sophos Anti-Rootkit 1.3.1 in Softonic

AVG Anti-Rootkit is a new program from the creators of AVG Antivirus that aims to get rid of pesky and stubborn rootkits. If you don't know what rootkits are, they're basically tools that come somewhere between viruses and Trojan horses. In effect, they leave your computer highly vulnerable to external attack

As you might expect from an AVG product, it's pretty simple and straightforward to use. In fact, it only has two main buttons - a general review (which runs much faster) or an in-depth examination of the drives you want (which is more through but takes longer). If there are any rootkits on your system, then this program will almost certainly get rid of them as it can find even the most hard to get NTFS-ADS objects. One nice touch is that the developers have included a special interface for visually impaired people that simplifies the process even further.

If you fear that your computer is vulnerable to external attack, and your anti virus has failed to help, then give AVG Anti-Rootkit a go and it will almost certainly reveal the culprit.

Download AVG Anti-Rootkit Free 1.1.0.42 in Softonic

Norton has been always considered to be a synonym of security. Some of their products have been in the market for years and are used by millions of computer users around the world on a daily basis.

This new version of Norton Antivirus promises more speed and a better technology that protects your computer without interrupting your work. And I must say it really meets the expectations. I'm always afraid of anti-virus tools being too heavy on memory or displaying too many annoying messages, but Norton Antivirus did its job in an excellent way, without hogging system resources and of course, without disrupting my work.

The new Norton Antivirus 2008 displays a nicely designed interface and features some configuration settings which you can tweak to fine tune the program's behavior, including the elements that should be monitored (e-mail, messenger chats, etc.) and the possibility to schedule automatic scans.

On the downside, I found out that turning off the real-time protection can be extremely difficult –in fact there's no option to do so. I know I'm not supposed to do that, but there may be some particular cases where I prefer my antivirus to be switched off. Also, I didn't like the fact that this Norton comes bundled with the Yahoo! toolbar, although you can decline this offer during installation. Finally, bear in mind that you'll have to set up a free Norton account even if you only want to test this product during the 15-day trial.

Download Norton AntiVirus 2008 in Softonic

When it comes to crushing the evils of spyware and adware, AdAware is the undisputed king of the castle, and many people don’t even bother considering an alternative such is its popularity. However, there are a few genuine pretenders to AdAware’s crown, including the rather smart AVG Anti-Spyware.

Let’s start with a little dig at the developer’s slightly misleading branding of the product – AVG Anti-Spyware is not, in fact, a complete security suite because it doesn’t support detection of viruses and worms. It does though, do a sterling job at trawling your files for spyware and Trojans, and used in conjunction with a decent anti-virus app and a firewall you transform your PC into a fortress.

AVG Anti-Spyware boasts an incredibly simple interface and manages to cram a bevy of features into a single interface while still making everything look crystal clear. These options include a series of innovations not seen in other anti-spyware products, such as the ability to download test bugs, send infected files to the developer for testing, view and remove start-up apps with ease, and view reports of previously-saved scans. What’s more, it can automatically update the software online to obtain the latest spyware definitions.

When matched up against the might of AdAware, AVG Anti-Spyware performs admirably. Performing a full system scan with AVG Anti-Spyware is actually slightly quicker than its more popular rival, and the program managed to intercept several dubious files that AdAware missed. Having said this, when run the other way around, our tests showed that AdAware spotted dozens more than this that were ignored by AVG Anti-Spyware. Nevertheless, its ease-of-use, speed, and unique bug-bashing features make AVG Anti-Spyware a worthy alternative.

Download AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5.1.43 in Softonic

Comprehensive protection is priority number one for every computer user connected to the net and no matter what measures one takes, there will eventually be some way for attacks to circumvent them. There is therefore the need for not only a shield from spyware but a permanently up-to-date scanner that will give your system a rigorous once over to weed out any root kits and of course any other kind of malware. Step up Spy Sweeper, an advanced solution that will help you put your mind to rest.

Emphasising the need to stay on top of recent trends, the program will conduct an automatic update when you first open it. Follow that with a “Sweep” and you’ll soon realise that the term “excavation” may better suit the process that follows. There’s no point in holding your breath for it to finish because if our test system is anything to go by you can expect a wait of up to one hour! Thankfully though, a scan won’t gobble up your CPU usage and there will be no noticeable slow-down if you use other applications during the process.

A unique and very practical feature of Spy Sweeper is the running commentary of everything you’ve done since beginning the session. As the scan progresses, issues will appear in red with the type of problem and the name of the offending file. A more detailed log of your session history can be found under the Results tab which also time stamps every event.

While Spy Sweeper tries to keep the user informed, it doesn’t venture so far as to estimate the time remaining for a scan. This is a small feature that should be regarded as standard for this type of software but it’s just not to be the case here. What’s more, within the options tab you find what amounts to nothing more than advertising with links to more Webroots products. We would hope that these disappear once you’ve registered your copy.

Issues aside, Spy Sweeper packs a punch where it counts and certainly justifies its modest price tag. While there are free alternatives to be found in Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy, the extra funding may provide more incentive to stay on top of recent threats and should also guarantee the longevity of support for many years to come.

Download Spy Sweeper 5.3 in Softonic

Finally a solution for managing and sharing XML feeds with friends and family. Now with "CustomXML" you can share XMl feeds easily, also includes "MySearchBot" to auto search the web and share your research results with anyone. Throw in an advanced Firewall and Anti-Trojan montioring system, a desktop manager to find lost programs and downloads, and you have CustomXML.

Download CustomXML 1.0 in Softonic