Personal Computer World

Sandboxie 3.32

Freeware

When you run a program on your computer, data flows from the hard disk to the program via read operations. The data is then processed and displayed, and finally flows back from the progam to the hard disk via write operations. Sandboxie changes the rules such that write operations do not make it back to your hard disk.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

TrueCrypt 6.1

Freeware

Software system for establishing and maintaining an on-the-fly-encrypted volume (data storage device). On-the-fly encryption means that data are automatically encrypted or decrypted right before they are loaded or saved, without any user intervention.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

Ashampoo AntiVirus 1.61

Freeware

Malicious hackers are creating new threats every day and an antivirus program is only as good as its updates. Ashampoo AntiVirus recognises over 470,000 different threats. It comes with a year of free updates and the virus signatures are updated several times a day with information on the latest threats.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

Spybot Search and Destroy 1.6

Freeware

Popular anti-spyware application. This major release contains a brand new user-interface, there are all sorts of other improvements to fight and protect against the latest spyware. This not only sniffs out and removes any hidden fiends, it can also immunise your system against over 400 different spies.

Requires: Windows 98SE, NT, 2000, XP or Vista

Webroot Desktop Firewall 5.8

Free for personal-use only
120 x 95 screengrab

Previously a commercial-grade software firewall that is now available for free. ItÆs superb for installing on your home computer, but it only ships with a free license for 1 PC. Register through Webroot in order to obtain a free serial code.

Requires: Windows XP or Vista

Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool 2.3

Freeware

Download this small tool and your PC will be scanned and checked for malicious software. Should any be found it is automatically removed, and a full report displayed on-screen at the end of the scan. You must have administrator access in order to run this software on your PC.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista