What are good free security downloads I can get on the Internet for my new computer?

Question

Today I bought a computer that will be delivered and installed next week. No security comes with it. The store offered to install anti-virus stuff and whatever else, for $300+. I said thanks, but no, thanks. It sounded quite expensive to me and I didn't have enough money after buying the computer.

So what security should I have? A firewall? Any good free ones that I can download? How about anti-spyware and anti-virus material? Anything else?

The computer has Windows Vista Home Premium installed, if that makes any difference.

Answer 1

To remove spyware,there are many solutions exist, all of them with their own strengths and weaknesses.
You had better install at least 2 antispyware
Top 5 anti-spywares reviews,comparisons and download links on
http://www.anti-spyware-center.com
You can download and scan your computer for free.

Answer 2

Sorry but those are inadequete and repetitive tests has shown that it misses 20%+ of the threats.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best_46_free_utilities.htm
It's not free but it shows you how much better paying software is :
www.toptenreviews.com
Personally, Commodo Firewall/Kerio Personal Blocks over 95% of leaks. - ALWAYS free and EXCELLENT.
Use CCcleaner and TuneUp Utilities/Advance System Optimizer to optimize, recreate your background/screensaver/startup screen etc, Optimize the internet and Download Settings , Memory Functions, Make BackUps with hosts, etc , Delete Content IE5 folders and internet cache that will keep your Internet and computer running smoothly, Memory Advisor, etc...
Use McAfee SiteAdvisor to prevent from entering malicious sites.

There are anti-spywares that are free that people recommand,
however be aware of
limited scanning
limited usage/trial
only scan no deletion
only deletes malware/spyware/adware
small database
lifetime use, however lower than 10000 Sectors/Threats known or features is limited
and the toptenreviews.com gives an anaylsis of costing software, However I truly recommand Webroot Spyware Sweeper combined with ThreatFire from PCtools to prevent all spyware/adware and malware from your computer, its around 30$ and can go to sale into 15$/20$.

Now BitDefender and that may not have a good anti-virus detection or miss, however it is certified and so is NOD32, and along with others.
Free are usually never certified, or just not adequete enough because novice users recommand them. But Zonealarm is also popular, however its below the top 4. Its still good through.

Now anti-phising, encryption, surfing will get along :
Don't going into porn websites or click on ads
Use McAfee SiteAdvisor
Be aware of suspicious forms/unecrypted like banking..paypal..ebay etc.
Don't be fooled
Hoax e-mails, relax don't be afraid, and don't open it

So I recommand a system optimizer/internet cleaner/a decent firewall that prevents leaks and a good anti-virus * I'm using Enterprise 8.5i + which is rated 8/10.

BoCleaner is also great.

Windows Firewall/Windows Defender - If anyone recommands it right now, please laugh, I'm very sorry, but as every expert knows, it does nothing, in vista, it stealth some ports, but that's it.

Answer 3

www.grisoft.com

AVG Free is one of my favorite free antivirus programs. It also includes free virus definition updates. As for a firewall, Windows Firewall should be sufficient. They toned up the security in Vista. About the rest, i'm sure you could find something if you look on google.

Answer 4

AVG AntiVirus is free and good. Adaware spyware removeal is one of the best free spyware removers and it's free.