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| Introduction | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| On this page you will find truly free anti-virus software, free firewalls, free email protection software, free virus prevention software, tests of anti-virus programs, links to specialized anti-virus sites, information about virus prevention, useful evaluation versions of anti-virus software, etc. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Contents | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Virus Scanners | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Virus scanners operate by searching your harddisk(s) for files which might be infected
by a virus. This method is never 100% secure, since only known viruses (or known virus patterns) are detected.
If an infection has been detected in a certain file, the virus scanner might be able to clean the file,
but very often this is not the case. In that case, you can try another scanner to clean the file, you can try to
replace the file or - as a last resort - delete it. However, if many important operating system files are affected, it might be the best solution to reformat the harddisk and install the operating system from scratch. There are even viruses can not be cleaned by mere hard-disk reformatting. E.g. so-called boot-viruses infect the boot-sector of disks, and will very often not be removed by simply reformatting the harddisk. A number of virus scanners listed on this page is able to repair a boot-sector. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Avast! | Anti-virus program for Windows. The home edition is freeware for noncommercial users. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| AVG Free edition | Free edition of the AVG anti-virus program for Windows and Linux. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Avira Antivir | Free anti-virus software for Windows, Linux, Free BSD and Solaris. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| BitDefender | Freeware virus scanner for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Clam AV | Freeware, open source, for Linux. Clam AntiVirus is a GPL anti-virus toolkit for UNIX. The main purpose of this software is the integration with mail servers (attachment scanning). The package provides a flexible and scalable multi-threaded daemon, a command line scanner, and a tool for automatic updating via Internet. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ClamWin | Freeware, open-source anti-virus program for Windows. This virus scanner is less intrusive than most other ones. It also gives you more control over the scanning process. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comodo Anti-Virus | Free anti-virus program for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| FProt | Free anti-virus program for Linux, FreeBSD and Solaris (personal use only). Evaluation versions for all usage types on Windows and corporate usage on Linux, BSD and Solaris. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| HandyBits | Free for personal use. Virus 'scanner integrator'. After performing an auto-search for installed virus scanners, it will scan your files using all found installed virus scanners. This can be useful, since some antiviral programs are good for one type of viruses, other programs for other viruses. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Security Essentials | Free anti-virus program from Microsoft. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PC Tools AntiVirus | Free anti-virus program for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ThreatExpert | ThreatExpert can detect viruses and other malware residing inside your computer's memory.
It does not attempt to remove them from your harddisk though. Freeware for Windows.
There is a 32 bit edition and a
64 bit edition. This virus scanner does not run in the background, it only performs its duty when you tell it to do so - which is a thing we like. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ThreatFire | Protects against viruses, worms, trojans and other spyware, designed to be a complement to your current anti-virus software.
ThreatFire does not need to know anything about a virus before it can protect you against it.
This is because the program looks at the behaviour of an infected program (instead of the contents of the infected file).
The basic version is free. Note from the editors: after testing the software we found that it generates a lot of false alarms on legitimate software. Nevertheless we think that this program can be useful provided you know how to interpret these alarms. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Online Virus & Trojan Scanners | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Most of the virus and trojan scanners in this section do not need to be downloaded or installed, they run from inside your Webbrowser. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| GFI online Trojan Scanner | Freeware online Trojan scanner. This program runs in your browser (Internet Explorer only, Windows), no explicit installation is required. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Jotti | Freeware online virus scanner. You can upload a single file which will be scanned by around 20 virus scanners. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Kaspersky | Free online virus scanner and a free scanner to check out a single file. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| McAfee's Virusscan Online | Online virus scanner by McAffee | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Panda Active Scan | Ffree tool for detecting and eliminating viruses from your computer. Installs as an ActiveX control in your Web browser (Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher). | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PC Pitstop | A large number of online computer and Internet related tests for Windows, including a virus scan and spyware test. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Symantec Security Check | A number of online tests (run in your Web browser), including a virus scan. Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher required. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TrendMicro HouseCall | Free virus scanner which runs directly in your Web browser (Windows only). | ||||||||||||||||||||
| VirusTotal | Recommended! Freeware online virus/malware scanner. You can upload a single suspicious file which will be scanned by around 30 well-known virus scanners. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-free Virus Scanners | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The programs below you can try out for free for a certain time. During this trial period they can be very helpful. You need to spend a little bit of money should you decide to use them beyond that period. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Command AntiVirus | 30-day trial versions for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| eSafe | Anti-virus software for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| InVircible | Detects viruses, Worms, Trojans, Hacking tools, backdoors, etc. utilizing generic methods: without needing a virus-pattern database. An example of a generic virus-detection method is: detecting code installing itself to be activated at system startup or 'shell open'. InVircible uses many different generic methods simultaneously. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| k7computing | Virus scanner and spyware protection for around $ 22 USD on Windows 32 and 64 bit. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Kaspersky | 30-day trial versions available for Windows.
Protects against: trojans, backdoors, logic bombs, macro viruses, etc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| McAfee | 30-day anti-virus evaluation versions. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NOD32 | Anti-virus evaluation versions for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Norman | Anti-virus and firewall trial versions for Windows and Linux. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Norton Anti Virus | Anti-virus trial versions. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Panda Software | Anti-virus trial versions. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Protector PLUS | 30-day anti-virus evaluation versions. Versions for Windows (all flavours), DOS and Netware. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| QuickHeal | 30-day anti-virus evaluation versions. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Solo | Detection and removal of viruses. The system integrity checker protects against Internet Worms, Backdoor programs, malicious VB and Java scripts. 30-day anti-virus trial versions. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sophos | Anti-virus trial versions and protection software for Windows, Smartphones, Unix, Exchange, Lotus Domino | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Firewalls | |||||||||||||||||||||
| AppArmor | Security suite for Linux, freeware, open-source. AppArmor is also very useful for preventing scripts and programs running on Webservers from being hacked and exploited. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| AS3 Personal Firewall | Free firewall for Windows (32bit). | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Ashampoo | Offers a free firewall for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comodo | Free firewall + anti-virus for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Core Force | Open-source firewall, packet-sniffer and security framework for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Firestarter | Freeware open-source firewall for Linux with graphical user-interface. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| FortKnox Personal Firewall | Free firewall for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GhostWall | Free firewall for Windows (both 32bit and 64bit). | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Home PC Firewall Guide | Independent reviews of Internet security and privacy-related products. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| IPCop | A Linux distribution which can turn an old or a new PC into a dedicated firewall. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Iptables-tutorial | Tutorial for the Linux iptables firewall configuration program. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Linux/BSD firewalls | A list of free firewall software which runs on Linux, FreeBSD and/or OpenBSD. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| MoBlock | Freeware for Linux. A linux console application that blocks connections from/to hosts listed in a file. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Netdefender | Freeware open-source firewall for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Omniquad Personal Firewall Freeware | Free firewall for Windows. Although the site looks like it has been abandoned you can still download the firewall. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Outpost Firewall Free | Free firewall for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PC Tools Firewall Plus | A free personal firewall for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PeerGardian OS X | Freeware open-source firewall for MAC OS X. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PeerGuardian for Windows | Small yet powerful firewall. Freeware, open-source for Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, and 2003, in 32-bit and 64-bit. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| R-Firewall | Freeware firewall for Windows, with many features. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| SoftPerfect | Free personal firewall for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunbelt Personal Firewall | Free firewall for Windows. The version offered for download is the full 30-day trial version as well as the feature-limited free version. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Vista Firewall Control | A freeware application which makes the configuration of the built-in firewall of Windows Vista and Windows 7 easier. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Zone Alarm Free Firewall | Free basic PC desktop firewall for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Non-free firewalls | |||||||||||||||||||||
| AVS Firewall | Firewall for Windows (32-bit only) with registry protection, ad-blocking, parental control. rules, view/control traffic, alerts, multilingual support. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Jetico Personal Firewall | Firewall for Windows XP, Vista and 200X (32-bit and 64-bit). One-time registration fee: $ 39.95 / EU 39.95. Since the registration fee is not a subscription, this firewall is actually quite reasonably priced compared to the other non-free firewalls listed here. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ESET Smart Security | Firewall for Windows. The subscription fee is around $ 60 per year. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Kerio WinRoute Firewall | Multi-user firewall suite for companies starting at around $ 200. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Lavasoft | Firewall for Windows, subscription fee $29.95 per year. There does not seem to be an evaluation version available though. It would be nice to be able to try it out before deciding to subscribe to it or not. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Online Armor | Firewall for Windows. Subscription fee: $39.95 per year. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Network Security Tools | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shields Up! | Website which tests your computer ports for vulnerabilities from outside attacks through the Internet. Navigation is rather cumersome on this site. To access the 'Shields up' service, first click on the 'Shields up' logo, then scroll to the paragraph 'Hot Spots', click on the entry 'Shields up!', finally click on the 'proceed' button. In the 'Shields up' screen, click on 'All Service Ports', or 'Common Ports'. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Port Scanner | For Windows. Scans ports and port ranges by using TCP packets. It can determine available hosts and open ports and other important characteristics. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Virus Prevention | |||||||||||||||||||||
| AnalogX | AnalogX Script Defender protects against script viruses (those viruses using e.g. Visual Basic Script, Java Script). Gives a warning when scripts are executed. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Bootminder | If you still use floppies, then this handy freeware utility might prove invaluable. Bootminder prevents your computer from being infected by boot-viruses. Bootminder warns you when your A: drive contains a floppy just before Windows shutdown. This way, you won't start up your computer the next time with a potentially infected floppy still in it. Result: no boot-virus infection. Freeware for Windows. Created by Freebyte.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Panda USB and AutoRun Vaccine | The Panda USB and Autorun Vaccine is a free utility which prevents software from starting up automatically (and often without the user knowing)
from USB sticks and CD-Roms. Note: many Windows releases have a huge security problem in the sense that autorun (for CD's, USB sticks, etc.) cannot be easily disabled totally. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Virus Removal tools | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Each site listed here harbours numerous small and free utilities which are specialized into removing specific virus types from your system. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Free Email Protection | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Inbox | Inbox deletes and filters spams, viruses and other unwanted emails directly on the mail server before they reach your email program. Freeware for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GFI Email security test | Due to the unsafe design of some email programs, email viruses now are able to infect computer systems just by email.
Once infected, a computer system can spread the virus further by sending malicious emails to other systems without any human interference.
Well designed email programs do not display these vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, commercial success is not related to good design... Virus scanners (please see above) can offer good protection against email viruses by scanning each incoming mail, but will never protect against 100% of all attacks, since it is impossible to know and detect each and every possible type of virus. Therefore, even when you have a real-time virus scanner, it is wise to get some information on the vulnerabilities and strengths of your email program. The GFI site tests your email program by sending you number of emails that probe your mail system. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Protecting Microsoft Outlook against Viruses | Some Outlook and Outlook express versions are very vulnerable to virus attacks through email. Several versions of Outlook and Outlook Express can execute malicious scripts or programs hidden inside emails sent to you without warning. This site provides information on how to protect your computer from Outlook-related viruses. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Anti-Rootkit Software | |||||||||||||||||||||
| A rootkit is a set of utilities which can run hidden on a computer system, often with the intention of providing secret access to (and control over) the computer's operating system. Usually hackers, viruses, worms and other malicious entities use rootkits to hide their presence on infected systems. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sophos Anti-Rootkit | Free rootkit detection and removal tool for Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| chrootkit | Free anti-rootkit program for Linux, MAC, BSD, Solarix and other Unix versions. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Rootkit Hook Analyzer | Identifies all processes which are 'hooked' into the operating system kernel ('kernel hooks').
Some of these hooks may be legitimate, some might be malicious. Suitable for Windows XP, 2000 and 2003. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| RootkitRevealer | A free root kit detection utility for Windows NT 4 and higher which detects all persistent rootkits. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Rootkit Hunter | A free rootkit scanner for Linux and BSD. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GMER | A free application that detects and removes rootkits. For Windows. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free anti-Trojan tools + information | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojans are programs, which - like viruses - can be active on your computer without your knowledge.
In general Trojans do not replicate though. Trojans are dangerous, since they can transmit secret information, such as
passwords, credit card information, company secrets, confidential information, personal letters, etc. Also: trojans can delete files, open backdoors, connect secretly to external sites. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| a-squared Free | Freeware trojan scanner.
Complementary product to antivirus software which is specialized in protection against harmful software.
Antivirus software often features an inadequate protection against Trojans, Dialers and Spyware. This program fills this gap. The non-free personal edition has additional features, such as continous background trojan-scanning and automatic updates. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GFI online Trojan Scanner | Freeware online Trojan scanner. This program runs in your browser (Internet Explorer only, Windows), no explicit installation is required. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Whitepaper: how to protect against Trojans | Trojans - and how to protect your network against them. This white paper outlines what Trojans are and why they pose a danger to corporate networks. As early as 2001, an eWeek article reported that tens of thousands of machines are infected with Trojans. This is still the case today. More... | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Virus- Spyware- and Trojan- scanner tests | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Check out these sites if you want too see which scanning programs offer the best protection or find out whether your scanner is effective. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| The PCMan Website | Free virus scanner test. This service tests your Virus Protection online see if your installed virus scanner detects the test string. This test virus was developed by the European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research (EICAR). This is just a test it is NOT a real virus but a harmless string of characters. This string is used to verify the effectiveness of your virus scanning software. If your virus scanner is set up and working properly it should intercept the downloading of these files. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Virus Information | |||||||||||||||||||||
| McAfee Virus Information Library | Detailed information on where viruses come from, how they infect your system, and how to remove them. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| AVP Virus Encyclopedia | News on viruses, virus listings alphabetically or by category. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| F-Secure Virus Information Center | News and information on viruses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GetVirusHelp.com | Site to help people understand today's computer viruses and assist them in cleaning their own systems. Information is presented in a Q & A format. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Symantec Virus database | Viruses listed alphabetically, threat list. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Trend Virus Map | Real-time World Virus Tracking Center. It shows a map with the regional distribution of viruses worldwide during the past 24 hours, past 7 days and past 30 days. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Trend Virus Information Center | Virus Encyclopedia. Very useful site containing extensive lists (and background information) on many viruses. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Virus Bulletin | Articles, resources and journal on developments in the field of computer viruses and anti-virus products | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Virus or Hoax? | The World Wide Web pages of 'Virus or Hoax ?' are created to give you basic information about viruses, hoaxes, Trojan Horses, macro viruses and Internet related viruses, such as worms and email bombs. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| VirusList.com | Virus encyclopedia, anti-virus software, events, facts and commentary. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Various anti-virus resources | |||||||||||||||||||||
| AntiVirus World | The latest virus news and related information. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| comp.virus | Newsgroup on anti-virus related issues. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Doug Muth's Anti-Virus Help Page | Lots of up-to-date information. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gladiator Security Forums | News and forums on security, firewalls, antivirus, trojans, spyware. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Security related Websites & Resources | |||||||||||||||||||||
| All Internet Security | Directory which is aimed at both PC and Macintosh users and security professionals. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Broadband Security forum | Discussion forum on security and privacy-related matters. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Essays on security and encryption | A large number of essays on security and encryption written by Bruce Schneier, who is one of the top encryption specialists in the world. He has has also written many useful books on the subject. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gruyere | Google codelab which shows how Web application vulnerabilities can be exploited and how to defend against these attacks. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The Hackers Choice | Papers, research and other resources related to computer security. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| HackingAlert.com | Expert Tips to Deal with Hacking. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Krebs on Security | Articles related to: online crime investigations, the latest threats, security updates, data breaches and cyber justice. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NewOrder | Computer security and networking portal. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Offensive Computing | Malicious code research, information and analysis | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ProcessLibrary.com | A free online library of processes is for everyone who needs to know the exact nature and purpose of every process that should, and should not, be running on their PC. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| SecurityFocus | This Website is designed to facilitate discussion on computer security related topics, create computer security awareness, and to provide a comprehensive database of computer security knowledge and resources to the public. It also hosts the BUGTRAQ mailing list. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Top 100 Network Security Tools | Lots of free network-related security tools. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Related Freebyte pages | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Anti-Spyware | Free utilities to detect and remove spyware. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Encryption and Computer Security | Free file, disk and email encryption software; free password managers, free data wiping tools, firewalls, computer vulnerability tests. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Anti-Spam Tools | Free spam-filter services, free anti-spam software, free spam-reporting services, free anti-spam email services, free server-side anti-spam tools, etc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free File and Disk Utilities | Disk catalog programs; backup, compression, split and zip programs; disk search engines, disk management utilities, remote file storage services, data recovery tools, data wipe tools, downloadable boot disks and more. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free System and Administrator utilities | Free process viewers, system analysis tools, network monitoring tools, registry tools, task schedulers. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Software created by Freebyte | Free Personal Information Managers, free File and Disk Utilities, free Address Books, free eBook Software and more. All created by Freebyte.com. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Technical Support | Free technical support for all computer-related issues: Hardware, software, PC, Windows, MAC, PDAs, Linux, drivers, Modems, dll's, virus. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free drivers, dll's, and bios upgrades | Find your missing system file (dll, vxd, ocx, driver, etc.) or BIOS upgrade, and download it for free. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Operating Systems | Free operating systems, such as: Linux, FreeBSD, Windows clones, emulators and much more. Also: interesting alternative commercial operating systems. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Free Programming Tools | Free programming tools for Windows, Linux, etc. Free C++, C, Delphi, Basic, Assembler, Cobol, Pascal, Java, SQL, Databases; links to free compilers, databases, interpreters, IDE's, installers, components, libraries, languages, helpfile generators and more. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Software sites | A large list of freeware sites, freebie sites, shareware sites and software search engines. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Information wanted! | |||||||||||||||||||||
| If you know of any free anti-virus software (not listed here), sites performing Virus scanner tests, or other useful anti-virus resources please let us know! | |||||||||||||||||||||
| About this page | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Last updated on January 06, 2011
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