LinkScanner Lite

When you start to install this utility, you have the option to use the full Pro version for 15 days, after this it will revert to the Lite version.

Also on the installation window there is the option to participate in the Community Intelligence Network. This is optional and is explained on the install window.

The installation adds a BHO (Browser Helper Object)which is necessary for the program to function.
After installation it is necessary to reboot your computer.

The Pro version gives you Websearch results inspection, On-demand url scanning, Always-on exploit blocking, Internet connectivity monitor and Real-time site risk analysis. The Lite version will give you Websearch results inspection and On-demand url scanning.

This program analyzes sites in real time to detect a wide range of online threats including malicious content, phishing, social engineering and targeted software exploits.

You have the Link Scanner Console which resides in the Taskbar, simply right click the icon and you can open the Console.

Enter a URL, checkmark the ‘Automatically advance to the page if it is Safe’ and scan.

Exploit Prevention Labs say that LinkScanner Lite and LinkScanner Pro scan individual pages in real time, knowing that malicious hackers can hop from site to site, temporarily infecting them.
LinkScanner integrates with Google, Yahoo and MSN to check the search results and can warn you of exploits, hacked pages, malicious sites and phishing/fraud scams.

Enter a search term into a search engine and the results displayed will have symbols beside them.

Hold your cursor over the icons and a description will appear, click the icon and you will be taken to a definition page giving further information about the site and the reason for the rating.

The simplest method to check any link is to right-click the link and select Quickscan with LinkScanner. You will get a full report as to whether the site is safe or not.

LinkScanner also bolster your Firewall defences.

Download LinkScanner Lite here

Comprehensive User Guide here

© Free PC Security 2008

Technorati Tags: LinkScanner, Browser Exploits, Technology, Hackers, Free PC Security, PC Security

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0.1

AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool which is easy to download, install and use and offers protection against viruses and spyware.

AVG v7.5 will no longer be available after 31st May 2008, being replaced with v8. It is important that you update to this new version to maintain your level of protection. AVG 7.5 for Linux will still be available, download details click here.

Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers.

Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.

Version 8.0.1 adds integrated spyware protection and a new LinkScanner feature that gives users safety rankings for their Google, Yahoo, and MSN searches.

AVG Free provides the bare necessities, including a real-time shield to prevent infections, antivirus and antimalware wrapped up in one program, Version 8.0.1 adds integrated spyware protection and a new LinkScanner feature that gives users safety rankings for their Google, Yahoo, and MSN searches.

AVG Free is easy to use and has low system resource requirements which will not slow down your computer. Also included is an automatic update function, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.

Free download click here

For installation and setup instructions click here.

Minimum System requirements:
Intel Pentium 300 MHz
30 MB free hard drive space (for installation)
256 MB RAM
Compatible with Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is for private, non-commercial, single computer use only. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product.

© Free PC Security 2008
Technorati Tags: AVG Anti-Virus V.8, Free Tools, AntiVirus, Technology, PC Security, Free PC Security, AVG 7.5 Linux Version, AVG 7.5 To End

BitDefender Anti-Virus Free Edition

BitDefender Free Edition is your chance to use one of the world’s most effective antivirus engines for free!

BitDefender Free Edition uses the same certified scanning engines found in other BitDefender products, allowing you to enjoy basic virus protection for no cost at all. This is an on-demand virus scanner, which is best used in a system recovery or forensics role.

Features:
On demand scanning - Powerful scan engines ensure detection and removal of all viruses in the wild every time you need it.

The Scheduler lets you plan ahead, and schedule full system/drive scans in the off hours, when you won’t be using your computer.

Immediate scanning, with just a right click you can check your files and folders.

By placing any infected files in quarantine, the risk of getting infected diminishes.

When launching a scan you may choose to create a report file where you can see statistics about the scan process.

I would recommend that you keep any existing AntiVirus that you have and disable the scheduled scanning with BitDefender and use it as an ‘on demand’ scanner. When using this method disable your existing AntiVirus prior to ‘on demand’ scanning to prevent false positive results.

System Requirements:
Pentium MMX 200 Mhz or higher processor
Minimum 64MB of RAM Memory (128MB recommended)
Minimum 40MB available hard disk space

Windows 98/NT-SP6/Me/2000/XP IE version 4.0 or higher

Click here, you will need to provide a valid email address for your download link.

© Free PC Security 2008

Technorati Tags: BitDefender Free, Free Tools, AntiVirus, Technology, PC Security, Free PC Security

WinPatrol 2007 Freeware Protection

Kill off unwanted background programs like worms, adware, and spyware.

Your PC is valuable and it needs something that is ever-vigilant, keeping an eye on the programs running on your PC and alerting you when something seems out of place.

WinPatrol does this guard job, keeping tabs on programs running on your PC (including the hidden ones) and alerting you if a program tries to install something unexpected, sets itself to run on startup, change your home page or install something it shouldn’t.

You can delete the offending programs, block their automatic startup or just monitor them to see what they do.

WinPatrol 2007 offers Delayed Start, a smart feature that helps Windows load faster. That’s because Delayed Start gives you a way to force non-essential programs to launch up to an hour after the system boots. That’s ideal for programs such as pop-up blockers or backup programs.

The free version of WinPatrol is fully functional and created by BillP Studios.

WinPatrol allows you to get a better understanding of what programs are being added to your computer.

It monitors important system areas that are commonly altered by many malicious programs. This includes the startup groups (registry and startup folder), cookies and active tasks. You can terminate processes and enable or disable startup programs. The cookie monitoring option allows you to automatically delete cookies based on a keyword found in the cookie name. Additional features include a WHOIS lookup tool and an option to alert you on changes. WinPatrol is easy to understand, yet quietly powerful. There is an optional upgrade to a Plus version.WinPatrol 14.0 now includes enhanced key logger detection for all users.The increase use of keyloggers has made this feature critical and needed to be available to all users.Detect and Review New Auto-Startup Programs Automatically

Disable Reoccuring Startup Programs

Monitor BHO’s and Tool Bars

Monitor Creation of Scheduled Tasks

Display and Kill Multiple Running Tasks

Monitor, Stop and Control Window Services

Manage and Automatically Remove Unwanted Cookies

Monitor IE Home and Search pages Monitor and Edit HOST FileDetect and Lock Changes to File Type AssociationsDetect and View Newly Created Hidden FilesTrack Date/Time when programs are first detected on your systemDelay Auto-Startup programs for quick bootupMultiple System Report Options

Undocumented or HIDDEN Registry Startup Keys

System Requirements: Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/Vista

Freeware Download Here 

Setup Download Size : 690 KB  (wpsetup.exe)
Actual Program Size  : 310 KB  (WinPatrol.exe)  / 550 KB (WinPatrolEx.exe)
WinPatrol does not contain any adware or spyware and offers downloads in other languages

© Free PC Security 2008

Free PC Security Test

Did you know that according to computer security experts, 20 minutes is the average time that an unprotected computer remains clean after connecting to the internet. After that, the computer is infected with a virus or spyware or is hacked.

PC Security Test is a free program for Windows that checks your 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).

This free security test simulates virus, spyware and hacking attacks and monitors the responses of your protection software. Don’t worry though, no real viruses are involved !

After the tests are complete, PC Security displays a security index and provides tips on improving PC Security.

Is your computer protected against spyware ?
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

Internet Explorer: a good target
Microsoft Internet Explorer is the world’s most popular web browser. It is also a major target for spyware and pop ups.

Some programs and web sites add toolbars to Internet Explorer that can be used to show unwanted web sites and advertising pop ups.

Others record and transmit your browsing habits. You can protect your computer against these kinds of threats with real-time scanning software.

To run the various tests you will need an active internet connection.  As the tests are running you may get alerts from your protection software, but there is NO danger to your PC.

The Standard Tests runs in 4 steps.

Step 1 will simulate virus, spyware and hacker attacks.

Step 2 Waits to see if your security programs react to these fictitous attacks.

Step 3 Displays the results and shows how secure your system really is as well as providing tips.

Step 4 Removes all fake infected files that were used during the tests.

You can also run email tests, Browser Security tests, Proof Mode which can show what a malicious program can do to your PC and how much of your private data is accessible.

You can download it for FREE here in .zip format.

System requirements:
32 MB RAM
800 x 600 display
Windows 95 / 98 / ME / 2000 / XP / Vista

© Free PC Security 2008