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

ClamWin is a Free Antivirus program for Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003. It provides a graphical user interface to the Clam AntiVirus engine. ClamWin Free Antivirus uses the GNU General Public License by the Free Software Foundation and is free (as in freedom) software. ClamWin Free Antivirus comes with an easy installer and open source code at no cost.

The program features:

• Scanning Scheduler
• Automatic Virus Database Updates
• Standalone Virus Scanner
• Context Menu Integration to Microsoft Windows Explorer
• Addin to Microsoft Outlook

Download ClamWin Antivirus 0.93.1 in Softonic

Registry problems are the most common reason for Windows PC to slow down and performance issues.

Reg Repair is a free registry cleaner utility which claims to delve deep into your Windows registry and find and fix potential causes of performance problems. The first problem you may encounter when installing this software however is that your antivirus checker may detect it as spyware. The reason is that it requires access to your registry which all good spyware and anti virus scanners protect. It's also because the program tries to establish a secure (https) connection with Digital Support online service which it needs to perform checkups and be updated with the latest registry threats. You may see "dsweb" displayed at some point in the alert which refers to the utility that checks for updates. The one unusual aspect of this program is that, after the simple scan and presentation of results, you can be linked directly to one of the developers online support technicians to work out what the problem is and whether it is a threat. Of course, you have to pay for this service although you can perform a basic clean for free at your own risk.

A quick and simple registry cleaner that features support from real engineers in case you are unsure or worried about deleting a particular registry entry.

Download Reg Repair 1.3 in Softonic

MDaemon, a Windows-based email server software, contains full mail server functionality and control with a strong emphasis on security to protect your email communication needs. MDaemon is proven as secure, dependable, and versatile.

MDaemon features include:

• Top-notch antispam security features
• Seamless integration with AntiVirus for MDaemon plug-in
• Built-in groupware functionalities for sharing folders, tasks, contacts, and address
• Separately licensed plug-in for Outlook users
• Secure instant messaging
• Free web-based email client
• Remote administration tool
• Central address book repository

Download MDaemon 9.6.6 in Softonic

Morpheus is one of those age old P2P applications and, with support for Gnutella, eDonkey, Bittorrent and many others, probably the most versatile you can find on the market. The new version aims to turn the P2P client into the ultimate multimedia application. Does it succeed?

Morpheus has gone through a complete facelift and the new version brings a newer interface. The window is divided into 4 tabs: search results, my files, podcasts and Morpheus online, giving you an idea of what it considers important. A pane on the left side allows you to create playlists or keep track of searches and videos – although strangely not music. Morpheus lets you also sync all your downloaded files to import them automatically to iTunes. Oddly enough, the chat tool is now hidden at the top of the interface, next to help and preferences.

Morpheus wants to appear as a multifaceted app, not just a simple P2P program. It includes an embedded browser, Morpheus Online, from which you can check-out the internet or find new files to share while you’re downloading. This is particularly useful when you’re looking for new podcasts. By clicking on the podcast page button in the podcasts tab, you will be taken to Morpheus’ own podcast library. While it’s not as star studded as the iTunes library, it’s full of varied and original content. The podcast tab is wisely divided into podcast and episodes, so you can browse through what you’ve downloaded. However we were quite confused by the whole podcast downloading procedure. The progress bar is hidden in the file window of the My Files tab. Why didn’t Morpheus leave this in the podcast section?

Morpheus has also beefed-up its security. You can now select your antivirus application to automatically scan downloaded files. The program also includes solid parental control so you can enter hazardous terms into the block list to avoid your kids searching for violent or pornographic material. You can also add a password to make sure you control who has access to Morpheus. The application also introduces UDP technology to improve the performance of downloads and allow secure file sharing between 2 firewall protected PCs.

This new version comes with many interesting enhancements, but not enough to get us overexcited. Add to that the many drawbacks we found in the application. The interface for example is way too clunky, and it’s safe to say that lies in the two large ads at the top and the bottom of the program (which disappear if you buy the Pro version). The “My Files” tab has an additional file window at the bottom, which adds to the confusion in the interface. The one click burning function is something we were eager to try out but was nowhere to be seen.

However hard Morpheus tries at integrating cool features like web browsing or podcasting, we figure the application should only be used for what it’s good at i.e.P2P downloading. The program gives access to all the P2P networks, even Bittorrent, and the new version introduces safer and quicker transfer thanks to UDP technology. The other extra features in the application like the library structure or web browser felt a bit awkward, and therefore failed at turning the program into a true multimedia application. Let’s hope Morpheus gets it right in the future.

Download Morpheus Basic 5.5.1 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

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

If you've been hit by a serious virus, you might be experiencing various problems with your hard drive even after the virus has been disinfected. Disk Heal recovers hard disk archives that have been infected by a virus or damaged in some way. It can also recover the functionality of programs that are no longer executable, access to corrupted registries and the launching of the Task Administrator.

However, because Disk Heal requires access to all of these areas which are usually restricted, it can seriously conflict with your antivirus software. It's therefore very important that you either disable any anti virus software you are running or, grant permissions to disk heal to allow it full access to your system.

You should also be very careful when allowing Disk Heal to make changes to the registry. Many security programs flag Disk Heal as a potential threat because it can make fundamental changes to your registry which can render your system useless. It's therefore essential that you make a backup of your registry before using Disk Heal.

If you have been affected by a virus and suffered hard drive damage as a result, Disk Heal may well help you, but be sure to back up your system before using it.

Download Disk Heal 1.41 in Softonic

Unlike many antivirus solutions, Kaspersky Free Cleaner is not a complete antivirus protector, but has a very specific remit of viruses that it can disinfect. The virus list that it eliminates is very limited, and numbers just ten at the moment. These bugs are pretty nasty though, and the fact that it is free means you don't have to pay to steer clear of them.

The application looks in the memory, the registry, the hard disk (also in network units), the services and IRC spcripts for these viruses. The analysis does not take a long time, appearing within an MSDOS window and, if you have the misfortune of having any of the viruses in the list on your system, it will end them completely and without hassle.

Download Kaspersky Free Cleaner 12.0.0.13 in Softonic

The Google Pack is like a first aid kit for your PC: it’s small, tidy and filled with all the essentials. So what’s inside? The Firefox web browser, Ad Aware SE Personal and Norton Antivirus for protection, Adobe Reader for your PDF files, Picasa for your pictures, Google Earth to span the globe, Google Desktop to organize your files and a Google Screensaver. The Google Pack is an excellent selection of solid and essential software, half of which are from Google itself, which any new PC users should get his hands on.

First time users will appreciate the smooth download process, and a friendly interface. Once started, the Google Pack will check your computer to see if you already have any of the applications and if not will install them. The download progress bar at the top lets you know how far you are in the installation process. The application also shows the download size of each program, just in case you’re worried about the space on your PC. If you’re not sure what a program is for, roll your mouse over the title and a tooltip (or small description) will appear. Once you’re done with the pack, you can let it sit discreetly in your system tray, and call it up whenever you need it.

The Google Pack is also a Google Updater, and will regularly check that the installed applications are up to date. Beginners will be glad to know that there’s a link to the help page for every program and that you can easily uninstall each application. Another cool thing is access to more software (like Skype, RealPlayer, or Google Talk) from a link in the “installed software” tab. However one can’t help but wonder why Google didn’t just include all that software in the Google Pack. It might mean that more applications will be available in the future.

We were a bit annoyed to find out that the Google Pack installs Firefox with the Google Toolbar, a plug-in which is not completely necessary. Another irritating thing is how the Pack automatically installs all programs instead of letting you choose individual components. There’s also no refresh button to check for new updates or to reinstall software you’ve erased.

Google Pack is intended for new PC users and, although it blatantly stuffs a good number of Google applications in there, you have to recognize that all the programs it offers are top notch. Don’t waste your time on the net finding the right apps for your PC, let Google Pack set you up.

Download Google Pack 1.1.489.24609 in Softonic

Spam Sleuth monitors your e-mail box behind the scenes and analyzes e- mail messages for spam, Web bugs, phishing scams, and virus characteristics. When your e-mail program gets your e- mail, the spam has already been removed and you can read your messages the same way you always have, but without sorting through the junk e-mail to find the gems.

Spam Sleuth requires very little configuration, removes executable attachments, gives you detailed reports, allows you to setup multiple accounts, and works with all POP3 e-mail accounts, including most company e-mail accounts, and Internet e-mail accounts. Spam Sleuth does not support the proprietary FREE Juno. Spam Sleuth works with all e-mail programs including Eudora, Lotus Notes, Pegasus, Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape and others. It even works with MSN, AOL, free HotMail, and free Yahoo with the Spam Sleuth + Web2POP bundle.

Download Spam Sleuth 4.0 in Softonic

602LAN SUITE is an easy-to-install and manage all-in-one network software suite providing secure e-mail services with anti-virus & anti-spam, fax support, built-in firewall with NAT and web content filter proxy for controlled Internet sharing. Combine the content based Bayesian antispam filter, DNSBL, server and personal blacklists & whitelists together with e-mail attachment filtering to provide complete junk e-mail protection. The 5 user version is absolutely FREE!

The standards-based SSL SMTP/POP3 e-mail server provides secure encrypted communication. An integrated fax server provides unified access to faxes and e-mail. Any e-mail client with LDAP support can search the local 602LAN SUITE user list for quick intra-company communication. The integrated Web server provides access to the Web mail client, shared address book, remote administration and user home pages. SSL, ISAPI, CGI, and FastCGI support is also available. Secure your network with the built-in packet filter, and use the HTTP & SOCKS proxy with cache for monitored Internet sharing. Easily manage IP addresses with the included DHCP server.

New enhancements are text content based Bayesian anti-spam filter, global and user blacklists / whitelists, redesigned Web Mail Client with WAP support, network address translation (NAT), attachment filter, Web Content Filter, AutoUpdate and ActiveReports.

More users and built-in antivirus support can be purchased at an affordable price.

Download 602LAN SUITE 2004.0.05.0623 in Softonic