Based partly on my experience and mostly on your feedback on Windows Guides and Windows Forums over the years, here’s the list for 2012 (AVG and Panda Cloud made the honorable mentions list at the bottom of this guide):

• Microsoft Security Essentials (Great for all users)
• Avira Free Antivirus (Great for casual users)
• Avast Free Antivirus (Great for geeks)
• Comodo Antivirus (Great for geeks/gamers)

Next, we briefly review each application and highlight the best and worst of what each has to offer.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with	System
5 out of 5

PROS: Quick installation and updates. Three scan options (Quick, Full, Custom) provide easy control and total protection. Real-time scanning is unobtrusive and thorough. Small system footprint with low CPU and memory usage even mid-scan. Supported by Microsoft, a company committed to keeping Windows as secure as possible. No advertisements with MSE add icing to the cake. CONS: If your PC is not on at the start of the scheduled scan, it often wont pick up when you turn your PC on, which means you can go two or more weeks (using the standard schedule) without a full virus scan. VERDICT: I use this on all my PCs and always put it on friends’ PCs if they have an expired version of Norton, McAfee etc. If you’re one of the shrinking group that doesn’t have this installed already, give it a try! VERSION REVIEWED: 2.1.1116.0 DOWNLOAD: Microsoft Security Essentials How to use Microsoft Security Essentials

Avira Free Antivirus

Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with	System
4 out of 5

PROS: Along with most modern web browsers, Avira comes with phishing protection (WebGuard), which helps protect you from inadvertently giving away your personal information while browsing online. CONS: When testing, I found it gave a false positive for a utility that I’ve used for years. I know it’s not actually a virus because I coded it myself; perhaps it didn’t like my rushed coding! Bugs you about upgrading the full version (although not as much as AVG.) VERDICT: Avira comes with all the standard anti-virus features and uses very little resources. If you’re the kind of person who uses email, browses the web, works with office documents, and not much else, this might be a good choice for you. VERSION REVIEWED: 12.0.0.849 DOWNLOAD: Avira Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus

Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with	System
4.5 out of 5

PROS: “WebRep” protects you from unwanted sharing of personal information via phishing attempts. This feature also comes with Avira and can save you the cost and time resulting in losing your identity. Provides email protection with select email clients. IM shield protects you from vulnerabilities when using Instant Messaging software. CONS: Busy, dark interface. Multiple prompts to upgrade. Not much else! VERDICT: Solid all-rounder designed for the tech user who doesn’t mind lots of options and superfluous information. VERSION REVIEWED: 6.0.1367 DOWNLOAD: Avast Free Antivirus

Comodo Antivirus

Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with	System
4 out of 5

PROS: Couples well with Comodo Firewall and provides excellent anti-virus protection. The auto sandbox feature ensures a detectedvirus will never get loose on your PC. CONS: Somewhat complicated interface. Please be careful when you install the application. Using Comodo as your DNS will protect you if a site is spoofed; however, it’s important to know that you will be sending the names of each domain (i.e. mintywhite.com) you visit for name resolution. VERDICT: I don’t recommend this software for new users; however, if you’re tech savvy Comodo and Avast! are more likely to satisfy your virus fighting needs over MSE and Avira. VERSION REVIEWED: Comodo Antivirus 2012 DOWNLOAD: Comodo Antivirus

Honorable mentions:

• AVG Free
• Panda Cloud Antivirus

These two almost made the list but each fell short in different areas: AVG, as always, runs slowly and comes with ads (that you can disable.) Panda is an excellent program but always lagged, sat idle during scans for me (it also comes with an unwanted Yahoo toolbar that you have to uncheck to not install.) Panda nearly made the top list for 2012 but was beaten by four great contenders (Panda joined three of the current top four back in 2010.)

Which free anti-malware programs do you use that I missed?

Windows Guides’ Rating	User Rating	Compatible with	System
5 out of 5	Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

This new tool is NOT a new antivirus or malware detector, but a tool to use once the problem is a fact. So naturally I would advice you to download it now, and keep it on a flash drive, or a CD. The only problem I foresee is to remember where that CD was put or on which usb pen you stored it.

In addition to help solve boot problems, Microsoft also promise that this new tool can be used to solve problems regarding your current anti-virus program whether it cannot be installed or that windows cannot detect it.

What it does

The Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper Tool first scans your boot sector for any corrupted files or settings. It then scans your system for any known malware or infections.

64 bit and 32 bit

Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper Tool comes in both flavours (32 and 64 bit) and supports XP (SP3), Vista and 7.
Get more information here: http://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

Download

Download 32 Bit Version

Download 64 Bit Version

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software.

The software is designed to be downloaded for one-time use and expires after 10 days–requiring you to go back to the site and download the latest version with current virus-checking definitions.

You can perform three types of scans:

• Quick – Good for a first run but may not be enough to find an obscure virus.
• Full – Thorough: takes the longest but will find hidden infections.
• Custom - Targeted scanning if you don’t want to include certain files and folders to save time.

I performed a full scan and it took quite a while; however, thankfully, it didn’t find any viruses. If you use this program and it finds a virus, please let us know in the comments.

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner Microsoft via Windows Forums

Note: You’ll need to know if you’re using 32 or 64 bit Windows. If you don’t know, check this guide: Do I Have Windows 32 or 64-bit? How to Find Out

The lack of security may lay in an outdated browser version, but also in the plugins, add ons and what not installed. The over eager use of plugins (as done in MSIE and Firefox) is why I personally dread most browsers. Mostly because these plugins tend to clutter my “browsing space” but also due to the lack of security.

How do you know how safe your browser experience really is ?

The short answer is: BrowserCheck By Qualys

BrowserCheck by Qualys is a free tool that allow you to test your browser and plugins for known security issues, vulnerabilities  and outdated software.  But that’s not all. BrowserCheck also help you solve your discovered problems by offering links to the new and updated software you need to fix your Browser issues.

Clicking on each topic in the results page, will show you which driver, plugin and version BrowserCheck found on your system and what action they recommend you take.

All links is directed to the vendors / developers sites so you don’t risk downloading from an unknown or unsecure site. In other words, the BrowserCheck is not scamming you to use a certain software or paid subscription.

On my first run I found that not only was my browser outdated (by a couple of days), but so were my Flash-, Pdf-, Quicktime and Java plugin. I was able to download and solve these issues within 5 minutes, and now I’m browsing even more secure than before. Now it’s your turn…

https://browsercheck.qualys.com/

Setup a Proxy Server using Google App Engine

This tutorial has been on my mind off and on for several months now. Joining the team here at Windows Guides has given me the opportunity to finally post it. After my son asked me a few weeks ago for a good proxy I thought maybe I dedicate this and the next tutorial to him.

This is a long yet not a really difficult tutorial if you follow along. I have done my best to simplify it as much as possible. May I suggest you read the whole thing and get your downloads together before you start.

Google Account Setup

In order to set up your new proxy you will need to have a Google account.

Google app engine

Go to Google app engine and sign-in using your Google account.

Verify Account by SMS

Click the “Create an Application” button. Since this is your first time, Google will send a verification code via SMS to your mobile phone number.

If you get to this point and find your carrier not listed. You can sign up for a phone number at Google voice and register with the number you choose from Google Voice.

Authentication Code Has Been Sent.

Type the code you were sent to create apps with Google App Engine. Click the Send button.

Choose a Domain. Agree to the Google Terms.

Choose a domain name that will host your proxy server. Use a something unique to you, this is your permanent  sub-domain name. Then make sure the domain is available, agree to the Google Terms and click save. The sub-domain is also your App ID and will uniquely identify your proxy application.

For this example, we’ll use jttm-server-prox as the App ID though you are free to choose any other unique name. The jttm being my sons initials and unique to him.

Application Registered Successfully.

Once you have agreed to the terms your and everything is set, the Application Registered Successfully window will appear. Your ID is registered and waiting for you to use it for the first time. There are a couple of pieces missing yet from the puzzle so let’s get jiggy with it.

Download the Python 2.6.6 MSI installer.

It’s time to create and upload the proxy server application to Google App Engine. Go to python.org, download the 2.6.6 MSI installer.

Opening python-2.6.6 msi.

Check the save file radio button and then click save file.

Save the file to your desktop.

Save the installer to your desktop.

Python 2.6.6 Icon

Now click the cute little icon to get your install started. Accepting all the defaults in the install seems to make life much easier.

Do you want to run this file?

Of course we do, Click the run button.

Select whether to install Python 2.6.6 for all users of this computer.

You can switch whether to allow other users to use the Python program or not, we are just accepting the defaults, Click Next.

Select Destination Directory.

Again we are just accepting the defaults. Click next. Note: If you change the destination you will alter other parts of the tutorial.

Customize Python 2.6.6.

No need to change anything here. Click next.

Installing Python 2.6.6.

Wait for it.

Completing the Python 2.6.6 Installer.

Click the Finish button and Python is installed. Now we need to install the Google App Engine itself.

Google App Engine SDK

Once Python is installed, go to Google.com, download the Google App Engine SDK for Python and install it accepting all the defaults throughout the install.

GoogleAppEngine-1.4.22 msi.

Click on the save radio button then click save file. Save it to your desktop same as you did the Python 2.6.6. installer.

GoogleApps icon.

Click the new Google App icon to start the install.

Do you want to run this file?

Click the Run button.

Google App Engine Setup.

Click Next.

End-User License Agreement

Check I accept the terms in the License Agreement box and click the Next button.

Destination Folder.

Accept the defaults here and click the Next button. Note: If you change the destination folder you will alter the tutorial in the final stages.

Ready to install Google App Engine.

Shucks, isn’t that why we’re here. Click the Install button.

Installing Google App Engine.

Again we wait for it. A few seconds later.

Completed the Google App Engine Setup Wizard.

Poof, Click the Finish button and the App Engine is installed. Now lets work it.

Google App Engine Icon.

Start the Google App Engine Launcher program from the new jet engine icon now on your desktop. Notice in the background.

Warning Prerequisites for App Engine Development are missing!

A warning window will appear, this is ok since we haven’t set App Engine up yet. Just click the OK button to close this and go to the next step.

Google App Launcher.

With Google App Launcher window open we need to do some set up here.

Preferences.

Click Edit, then Preferences from the drop down menu. Set the correct values (See screenshot above). You can type these values in or browse to the correct folder and find the value that way. Note: If you use a different version of Python the Python Path will change. Also if you changed any install path on either install this is changed.

Here are the paths just in case you can’t see them in the screenshot. Just copy and paste.
C:\Python26\pythonw.exe      C:\Program Files\Google\google_appengine      C:\Windows\notpad.exe Click ok when finished.

Download this zip file and extract the file to a folder on your desktop. The zip file contains a couple of text files written in HTML and Python that you can read and edit with notepad. These will be uploaded in the next step.

Add Existing Application.

Back at your App Engine Launcher. Click File then Add Existing Application from the drop down under the Google App Launcher program and browse to the directory or folder that you just created from the zip file you downloaded.

Your_App_ID

Single click Your_App_ID to highlight it, Click the Edit button and replace “YOUR_APP_ID” with the ID sub-domain that you reserved earlier. The one I created is jttm-server-prox.

YOUR_APP_ID 2

You should end up with something like this except with your sub-domain name you created earlier. Getting excited we’re almost finished.

Deploy Application to Google.

Click the Deploy tab then type in your Google credentials and Click the OK button.

Deployment to Google.

Deployment to Google window will come up; let it work its magic.

Deployment to Google Finished.

The last message is pretty straight forward, Just X out.

Open a browser and type in your address like so… http://jttm-server-prox.appspot.com/ replacing with your ID.

You can edit the main.html file that came in the zip file with notepad to change the appearance of your proxy server. Once you make a change then you hit the deploy button on the Google App Engine Launcher.

This is a really simple program with no security except obscurity involved. You’ll find some website will not work well. I’m working on a secure proxy for the next tutorial so keep an eye open.

Well it was good for me; was it good for you? See you next time.

Rick Mizell

Python 2.6.6 MSI installer

Google App Engine SDK

zip file

SUPERAntiSpyware

A few weeks ago Mike Duncan, Director of Business Development at SUPERAntiSpyware.com asked me to take a peek at their software. Being the Geek that never sleeps and challenge accepted off we go on passage into the world of SUPERAntiSpyware.

The results of the testing are beyond the scope of where this post leads but let’s say this, SUPERAntiSpyware has replaced the previous Anti-Malware software installed on this geeks PC’s and no computer leaves this shop without a free version installed.

The masses of features that come with the Free Version launch SUPERAntiSpyware right to top of the class adding the features you get from the website itself make the grade an A+.

Never saying SUPERAntiSpyware is the greatest and  should absolutely never be your only layer of protection. Multiple layers of security software should exist and SUPERAntiSpyware is designed to exemplify and accolade other security applications.

Ed note: You can install this right along side your current anti-malware program (i.e. Microsoft Security Essentials) but avoid running scans with both programs at the same time as there will be conflicts.

With SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition you receive:

• Quick, complete and custom Scanning of your hard drives, removable drives, memory and registry.
• Top notch detection and removal of any Adware, Malware, Trojans, Worms, Spyware, Hi-Jack Protection, Key-Loggers.
• Trust items and exclude folder where you can place trusted or excluded folder and files to help speed up scans.

BootSafe that simplifies the process of booting into safe mode and Repairs allow you to fix and or repair items that may have been damaged by the gremlins attacking your system.

Rick’s Tip: The repair option can be used to fix the listed problems on PC’s that are not or previously infected. These applications such as Task Manager just for one reason or another no longer work. Quick fixed for me a few times this week alone.

SUPERAntiSpyware Online Scan detects and removes spyware/malware infections. The scanner doesn’t install anything on your Start Menu or Program Files and does not need to be uninstalled.

The SUPERAntiSpyware Portable Scan is free for personal use. The scanner contains the latest definitions so you don’t need Internet access on the infected system to scan. If your running SUPERAntiSpyware Portable from Portable Apps you can still update.

Threat Research Center is a list of new threats discovered and removed today that were not detected by other anti-malware/spyware programs.

If you don’t like downloading anything from the Internet a CD can be purchased. An extra fully registered copy of SUPERAntiSpyware Professional as well as an Upgrade to a lifetime subscription of SUPERAntiSpyware can be found through the order page.

Volume and site licensing for SUPERAntiSpyware to Corporate/Enterprise as well as special quotes to educational and non-profit organizations can be found at the Volume/Site Licensing Information page.

If you ever need to manually update your definitions exit SUPERAntiSpyware, and then click the link at the bottom of the Database Definition Information page. Save the file to your desktop or where ever you can find it then click it to run the installer. Once the installation is complete, exit and restart SUPERAntiSpyware for the new definitions to be active.

Often spyware will attack the very software you are using to protect your computer. With SUPERAntiSpyware you can download two .exe files, RUNSAS.EXE and SASSAFERUN.COM disguised variably to sham the spyware and launch SUPERAntiSpyware.

Rick’s Tip: Change the name to “iexplore.exe” without the quotes. Most malware wants access to the internet so will allow Internet explorer to run. If a failure to execute dialog box appears, move the box out of the way and try again.

Obviously everything loaded into SUPERAntiSpyware can’t be mentioned here so a complete with screen-shot  documentation and help are available.

Download SUPERAntiSpyware

Now, more than ever, we carry more digital information on thumb drives and, in many cases, this information is sensitive and, in the wrong hands, could be used in ways we’d like to avoid. In this guide, I’ll show you how to encrypt your USB drive so that only you can access your data.

This guide covers the following steps:

1. Install TrueCrypt.
2. Use TrueCrypt to encrypt your thumb drive.
3. Access your encrypted data.

Install TrueCrypt

TrueCrypt can be used as a portable app, which is useful if you want to carry TrueCrypt around with you on the same drive with an encrypted container. I find using the containers isn’t the easiest solution so, in this guide, we’re going to install TrueCrypt on your PC and then use it to encrypt your whole thumb drive.

1. Download TrueCrypt and double click the installer to install it to your PC.
2. When asked, select Install to install the program files on your local machine.

Use TrueCrypt to Encrypt Your Thumb Drive

Once installed, you should insert your thumb drive into your PC and backup and data on the drive.

1. Open TrueCrypt and click a Create Volume.

2. Select Encrypt a non-system partition/drive and click Next.

3. Select Standard TrueCrypt volume and click Next.

4. Click Select Device…, click your thumb drive, click OK, and click Next.

5. Click Create encrypted volume and format it and click Next.

6. Select your encryption and hashing algorithms and click Next. I used the default options (I’m no encryption expert.) If you’d like to find out more about encryption and hashing algorithms, follow the links below:

• More information on Encryption Algorithms
• More information on Hash Algorithms

7. Click Next.

8. Set a password and click Next.

9. If your thumb drive is less than 4GB select FAT, if it’s over 4GB, select NTFS (the FAT file system doesn’t support files >4GB.) Click Format.

10. Make sure your files are backed up and click Yes.

11. Sit back and wait for your drive to be encrypted. This may take some time if you are on a slower PC and are formatting a drive that is large.

12. Once the encryption is complete, click OK.

Access Your Encrypted Data

Please note: Each time you insert your drive, Windows will ask you to format it–do not do this (Click Cancel.)

1. Insert your encrypted thumb drive, open TrueCrypt and select a drive letter. This drive letter will be used to access your data. Click Select Device.

2. Click your thumb drive and click OK.

3. Click Mount.

4. Type the password you set for the drive and click OK.

5. The drive will show up in the drives list.

6. Open Computer (Winkey+E) and double click the drive letter you just mounted.

Once you’ve finished with your data, go to TrueCrypt and click Dismount.

Download TrueCrypt

Download TrueCrypt

jv16 PowerTools is the ultimate Windows optimization and tune-up utility suite. The bottom line is that it keeps your computer running smooth, fast and greatly improves its overall stability. If you’re still (gasp!) using our old RegCleaner program, or an older version of PowerTools, it’s time to wake up and pay attention! PROS: Fast. Lightweight, Easy to Use. CONS:Not Free VERDICT:Overall the most reliable “optimization and tune-up utility suite” I have ever encountered. No matter if you are an experienced user or not – JV16 PowerTools will become your best friend – ensuring your computer a long and healthy life. PRICE: From $29,95 VERSION REVIEWED: 2.0.0.986 DOWNLOAD: JV16 Power Tools 2010

jv16 PowerTools 2010 is here and it’s sweet!

I’ll make no effort hiding the fact that this Suite is one of my all time favourites. I first discovered the program back in 2008, when searching for a tool to clean (and fix) my cluttered computer. Almost every tool promising to solve my computer problems, would somehow mess it up further, or was unsuccessful at solving it all. The reason I discovered was often that most problems lay in the registry. If you remove too much data from it, something is bound to crash, and removing too little, well… You know what happens … nothing.

Suite of tools

JV16 PowerTools isn’t just a registry tool, it’s a complete set of tools, designed for every part of your computer. When you boot JV16 PowerTools the program will assess your computer, displaying the approximate health of the system. The suite support 4 main areas (with several useful tools for each):

• Registry Tools
• File Tools
• System Tools
• Privacy Tools

Some of the functions are Backup/Restore Registry, Speed up Computer, Check for Viruses and Malware, Uninstall and File Cleanup and StartUp Control.

Registry Tools

The Registry tools consists of a Registry manager, Search and Replace, Cleaner, monitor and Compactor. To me The Registry Compactor has proven the most valuable. As the name suggests it compacts the registry, without removing data.  This is done by reconstructing the entire registry structure from scratch, eliminating all the empty spaces and other unneeded data. A cluttered and fragmented Registry will cause slow performance.

Speed Up Your Computer

This feature let you tweak your Windows to increase performance. With the intuitive interface and well written information it is very easy to tweak your windows safely.

Clean and Fix My Computer

This is a new feature in the 2010 edition, which searches and repairs any problems it finds. It Scans the registry for registry errors, obsolete and leftover data, MRU and history data, unneeded and leftover files that may be deleted.

Verify my downloads are safe to run

Another new feature is the anti-virus and malware tool which primarily is made to scan your download folders. It can also be used to scan single files (by drag and drop) should you worry that it might be contaminated.

Fully remove software and leftovers

I truly hate it when an uninstaller only removes the main program files, leaving DLL’s temp-files and folders. This is especially annoying when finding empty folders in the Start-Menu. At a first glance the tool looks exactly like the Add/Remove Software feature of Windows Control Panel, or any other third party products. Don’t be fooled though! This tool does what you’d expect any uninstaller should do. No more left overs.

Other tools included in the suite

• File Finder
• File Recovery and cleaner
• File Organizer
• File Tool Duplicate and File Finder
• Directory Finder
• Startup Manager and Start Menu Tool
• Automation Tool
• Service Manager and System Optimizer
• History Cleaner
• System Cleaner and Disk Wiper

Overall verdict

jv16 PowerTools is a full Windows optimization utility suite containing 27 different main tools, and dozens of smaller tools. In my experience, JV16 PowerTools is all you’ll ever need and want.

Ease of use

Aside from the intuitive interface – the developers have put a lot of effort into making the system as easy to use as humanly possible. Whatever task you will get easy to understand help and labels, guiding you through every step. No matter if you are an experienced user or not – JV16 PowerTools will become your best friend – ensuring your computer a long and healthy life.

But don’t just take my word for it – Try it now free for 60 days

Download JV16 PowerTools

Here’s How:

First off, you need Administrator Rights to pull this off.

1. Click the Start orb and select Computer.
2. Right click the drive on which you want to set quotas.
3. Click Properties.
4. Click the Quota tab.
5. Click Show Quota Settings.
6. At the UAC prompt, click Continue.
7. Click Enable Quota Management and check the box that says Deny Disk Space to Users Exceeding Quota Limit.
8. Select Limit Disk Space.
9. Type in the amount of disk space that you want new users to have, and the amount of space remaining when you want the user to get a warning message.

Click OK

Windows Guides’ Rating	User Rating	Compatible with
4.5 out of 5	Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it.

PROS: Easy to use and provides direct, high-speed download links. Searches for beta updates. Can be used as a standalone without need for installation. CONS: Sends information about what programs are installed on your computer to FileHippo to check for updates. Some may see this as a privacy concern. VERDICT: If you want to get the latest updates (and betas), this program will keep you on top of things. PRICE: Free VERSION REVIEWED: 1.037 DOWNLOAD: FileHippo Update Checker

FileHippo Update Checker Features

As software ages, more and more security and performance holes are found; these holes leave you vulnerable to all kinds of nastiness like viruses, computer slowdowns, and just looking rather old fashioned. Many programs come with software updaters, but I find these slow your computer down and rear themselves at the most inconvenient times (like at startup) so I tend to disable or opt out of software checking for updates.

FileHippo Update Checker overcomes this problem by checking to ensure you have the latest version of all installed software on your PC. You can even run the program as a standalone app (download the standalone version from the download page):

The program scans your installed programs and retrives version numbers to check against the latest updates in their database:

I like to keep my software updated (although I often wait a week or so before upgrading to ensure there are no bugs etc. in the latest version); as you can see, I have five updates available and five beta updates.

I’ve been using this program to check for updates for over a year now and have never had problems with any of the downloads they provide. This is a solid piece of software and I highly recommend you download it.

Download FileHippo Update Checker

Download FileHippo Update Checker