Disclaimer: On this page you will find links to software that are mostly free to download and use.  As always, while we offer these links in the best faith, Joliet SeniorNet Learning Center cannot be held responsible for any mishaps that may occur while downloading or using this software.  In other words, download and use at your own risk.

AVG Technologies USA, Inc.: AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. 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. AVG Free is easy to use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements. 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 8.0.173 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

Spybot - Search & Destroy - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.  Version 1.6 features improved speed for on-demand scans, support for a dozen different browsers, and easier on-access use.

CCleaner:  CCleaner is a system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system--allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It cleans: Internet Explorer (temporary files, URL history, cookies, autocomplete form history, index.dat); Firefox (temporary files, URL history, cookies, download history); Windows (Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files, and Log files); Registry cleaner (advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including file extensions, ActiveX controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, application paths, icons, and invalid shortcuts. So comes with a comprehensive backup feature.

ZoneAlarm:  ZoneAlarm is designed to protect your DSL- or cable-connected PC from hackers. This program includes four interlocking security services: a firewall, an application control, an Internet lock, and Zones. The firewall controls the door to your computer and allows only traffic you understand and initiate. The Internet lock blocks Internet traffic while your computer is unattended or while you're not using the Internet, and it can be activated automatically with your computer's screensaver or after a set period of inactivity. Zones monitor all activity on your computer and alert you when a new application attempts to access the Internet. Version 7.0.483 is a bug fixing release.  Note:ZoneAlarm is free for individual and not-for-profit charitable entity use (excluding governmental entities and educational institutions). Advanced features

Open Office:  OpenOffice.org is both an open-source product and a project. The product is a multiplatform office productivity suite. It includes desktop applications such as a word processor, a spreadsheet program, a presentation manager, and a drawing program, with a user interface and feature set similar to those of other office suites. OpenOffice.org also works transparently with a variety of file formats, including those of Microsoft Office. Localizations of OpenOffice.org are available in 27 languages, with more being constantly added by the community. OpenOffice.org runs on Solaris, Linux (including PPC Linux), and Windows. Written in C++ and with documented APIs licensed under the LGPL and SISSL open-source protocols, OpenOffice.org allows any knowledgeable developer to benefit from the source.  Version 3 includes support for Office 2007 files, improvement to the Commenting/Notes feature, multi-page views, spreadsheet collaboration, and other bug-fixes and updates.

Mozilla:  Mozilla Firefox is a fast, full-featured Web browser. Firefox includes pop-up blocking; tab-browsing; integrated Google search; simplified privacy controls; a streamlined browser window that shows you more of the page than any other browser; and a number of additional features that work with you to help you get the most out of your time online.  Version 3.0.3 fixes a problem where users were unable to retrieve saved passwords or save new passwords.

Adobe Systems:  Adobe Reader allows more securely view, print, search, sign, verify, and collaborate on PDF documents, online as well as offline, from your home or office. Reader has a completely redesigned interface, new tools, and new options for viewing information more efficiently. Access to an online, real-time meeting in seconds.  Reader is integrated with Adobe Connect software, which enables users to instantly communicate and accelerate approvals with virtually anyone, anywhere, at any time. Add more security to your documents, forms, and drawings with digital signatures. Leverage Adobe LiveCycle Policy Server and the new Adobe Online Services Document Center to enforce access rights at the document level.  Version 9 includes compatibility with Acrobat.com for enhanced web-based collaboration and other features, built-in multimedia support, a streamlined interface, support for searching all PDFs on a drive, and more.

Lavasoft:  Ad-Aware 2008  With the ability to scan your RAM, Registry, hard drives, and external storage devices for known data-mining, advertising, and tracking components, Ad-Aware 2008 can clean your system easily, allowing you to maintain a higher degree of privacy while you surf the Web.Ad-Aware 2008 includes an improved threat detection, enhanced rootkit removal system, faster updates, Lavasoft ThreatWork to submit suspicious files for analysis, and is now compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista.

 WinZip Computing: WinZip is the original and most popular of all Windows ZIP file utilities. Wizard/Classic interfaces accommodate both first-time and experienced users. With WinZip you can quickly and easily compress and decompress files, folders, and entire folder trees to save storage space and reduce e-mail-transmission time, as well as encrypt and decrypt your sensitive documents. Features include tight integration with Windows Explorer, support for most Internet file formats, and one-click zipping and e-mail. WinZip 12 adds new features for JPEG compression, the ability to ZIP files directly from a digital camera, an enhanced thumbnail view, a built-in image viewer, support for the LZMA compression method, customizable password policies, more encyption options, and other new features.  Note: WinZip is now bundled with Google Toolbar and Google Desktop Search. Installation of these components is optional.