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Build Your Own (Free) Security Suite for Windows

By Mary Landesman, About.com

Security suites typically combine antivirus, antispyware, and a firewall with value-added features such as antispam and phishing filters. But full blown suites can be pricey. Fortunately for those on a budget, it is entirely possible to build your own security suite without spending a dime.

Component one: Antivirus
Choose from one of the following free antivirus scanners:

  • Avira AntiVir Personal (recommended)
  • AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
  • Avast! 4 Home Edition

    Component two: Antispyware
    Choose from one of the following free antispyware scanners:

  • Spyware Doctor Starter Edition (recommended)
  • AVG Anti-Spyware Free Edition
  • link url=http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html]Spybot Search & Destroy[/link]

    Component three: Firewall
    Choose from one of the following free firewalls:
    Comodo Firewall Pro
    PC Tools Firewall Plus
    ZoneAlarm Free

    Component four:
    Choose from any one of the Top 13 Free Spam Filters for Windows recommended by About.com email guide Heinz Tschabitscher.

    Component five: Antiphishing Filter
    Install the free Netcraft Phishing Toolbar

    Component six: Popup Blocker
    Newer versions of browsers either come equipped with popup blockers or offer free add-ons. If your browser doesn't offer this, install either the free Google Toolbar or the free Yahoo Toolbar, both of which offer the side benefit of more efficient searching.

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