Recommended Software and Security Resources for your computer

By
Brandon Nash: Home and Small Business Computer Specialist

Anti Virus

Housecall
If you think your computer has a virus, try this free online anti virus program
http://housecall.trendmicro.com

Free AVG
Free anti virus software
http://free.grisoft.com

Microsoft Security Essentials
Free anti virus software provided free by Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx

Adware/Spyware Removal

Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free
One of the best adware/spyware removal programs that I have ever used. I use this more often that any other.
Updated link for Adaware 2007
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Windows Update

Make sure your computer has all of the latest service packs and security updates
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
http://update.microsoft.com/

Password Security

An excellent article on password security
http://www.securityfocus.com/infocus/1537

Securitystats.com Password Strength Meter
Check the strength of your password here. Basically, you type something in and it tells if that will be a strong or a weak password.
http://www.securitystats.com/tools/password.php

Tips For Creating Strong Passwords You Can Remember
http://netsecurity.about.com/cs/generalsecurity/a/aa112103b.htm