When it comes to P2P file sharing, eMule usually wins hands down but UseNeXT is an interesting, slightly more sophisticated offering which has a lot to offer.

For starters, depending on your connection, it can be remarkably quick. You can download at speeds of up to 25 Mbps with DSL/Cable and it¡s pretty constant rather than the fluctuations you often get with such services. The network also prides itself on security over it's rivals such as Limewire and eMule - with ISPs continually cracking down on users, UseNeXT promises users far more anonymity than most.

The Usenet archives are supposedly some of the biggest in the world - more than 300 Terabytes of data available at all times and they claim that around 2,000 Gigabytes of new files are added daily. The problem in the past was that UseNeXT used to be a very complicated affair that only tech geeks can handle. However, nowadays, it's been simplified to such an extent that eMule, Limewire and other P2P users will feel more than comfortable with it.

While it can't possibly hope to compete with the reach and depth of the major P2P networks, UseNeXT offers an impressive selection with some super fast downloads.

Download UseNeXT 4.81 in Softonic

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

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

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

ESET SysInspector is a through malware scanner which allows you to see what kind of bugs and rootkits may be causing problems on your PC.

It searches for just about anything you can think of that might damage your PC and checks with the ESET database for any irregularities. SysInspector starts by performing an analysis of your computer including the most important components - Windows registry, network connections and drivers. Each time the program is run, it determines the state of your configuration to ascertain whether anything has changed or not. This can take a while depending on how many programs you have installed and how big your hard drive is.

The program presents the results in a GUI and particular attention needs to be paid to the "hazards" field. Not all of these things are malicious usually but the good thing is you have a certain amount of control over what you delete. The best thing however is that it's great if your seeking help on forums because it generates reports and allows you print logs of exactly what going on inside your system and what's on there. This enables experts, either in your local PC clinic or on a forum, exactly what might be causing the problem.

Although EST SysInspector doesn't provide real time protection, it will certainly get you a lot closer to finding a solution.

Download ESET SysInspector 1.1.1.0 in Softonic

We've all been in that horrible scenario where an essential file has seemingly disappeared into thin air - either via accidental deletion or malware which has invaded your system.

First thing's first - this is no substitute for an anti-virus checker but it does offer you extra protection against the worst case scenarios in file deletion. It's mainly aimed at those that want to protect their files from kids or another unauthorised users that may purposely or accidentally delete files. Of course, if you are using Windows, I suggest the best way to do this is is to create an entirely new user profile for each person but if this is not possible, then this is an excellent alternative.

System Protect allows you to pick those files and folders that you want to protect such as important documents, your favorite music, vacation photos, movies etc. It's best used as an extension to your currently existing security suite. to keep your system stable and get automatic deletion alerts - a virus checker may inform you of a virus attack but it won't tell you whether the target is going to be deleted - System Protect will.

If you don't have much faith in your antivirus software or are worried about other users on your PC, then this is an excellent solution.

Download System Protect 1.0.0.83 in Softonic

For all those concerned with the safety of their PC, Bitdefender offer this unique and comprehensive solution, which contains everything you need.

BitDefender Total Security comprises, in addition to an anti-virus program, a firewall, anti-spam, parental control and privacy, a backup utility and an optimizer. With all these tools, your PC will be safe from viruses, hackers, spyware, spam, phishing, and you can protect your children from adult content.

BitDefender antivirus Total Security also provides real-time protection against spyware and other types of malware, including rootkits dangerous. It's particularly effective at blocking spam in Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2003, 2007, Outlook Express, Windows Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5 and 2.0. There's also a useful "game mode" for gamers which reduces the impact of the program whilst you are playing to avoid affecting the performance of the game as little as possible. All in all, there's not much more you'll need although the free hourly updates do become rather tiresome especially if you have an older machine.

Everything you need in one package - an excellent protection solution for those who want the ultimate solution in one.

Download BitDefender Total Security 2008 11.0.8 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

PC Security Test is a free program for Windows that checks computer security against viruses, spyware and hackers. With a few mouse clicks, users can easily control the efficiency of their protection software (anti-virus programs, spyware scanners and firewalls).

PC Security Test simulates virus, spyware and hacking attacks and monitors the responses of your protection software. Don't worry, no real viruses are involved ! After the tests are complete, PC Securtiy computes a security index and provides tips on improving PC security.

The majority of PCs are protected against viruses but not against spyware. Spyware is a new generation of malicious programs that infect numerous unprotected computers every day. A spyware program can display advertising pop ups when you are browsing the internet, collect data on your computer and your browsing habits, add unwanted toolbars or buttons to Internet Explorer or slow down your computer

Download PC Security Test 2006 5 in Softonic

As you might guess from the name, PC Anti-Hijacker is a powerful anti-spyware tool that immunizes and prevents spyware, adware, malware from being installed in your computer. While it protect your computer against known malicious or dangerous websites. The System Anti-Hijack Module lists the key content of your computer system, meaning you can manage your computer easily and intuitively.

Key features:

• Immunize over 3000 known spyware, adware, malware and virus
• Immunize over 2000 known malicious or dangerous sites
• Scan/Remove system hijack programs in your computer
• Identify over 10000 process with "Process Dictionary"
• The infection database is continued updated and you can update it for free
• Fix the contents of key areas of the Registry and System - areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and infections
• Many useful tools to manage your system and monitor internet behaviors
• Professional active ports detecting module. All the active ports and the interrelated program will be listed, allowing you to see if backdoor programs running now

Download PC Anti-Hijacker 1.20 in Softonic