Recommendations - Firewalls
Microsoft Anti Spyware/Windows Defender
This was first released as “Microsoft Anti Spyware”. The new version is named “Windows Defender (Beta 2)”. To quote from the Microsoft site, “This is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, and a new streamlined interface that minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.” To download and install the program you can use this link: Microsoft Windows Defender.
They have a pretty good tutorial on how to use it. Please note that if you already have Microsoft Anti Spyware installed on your machine then you should still do this download. Installing Windows Defender will look after all updates automatically.
Zonelabs for providing firewall protection
Zonelabs provide this excellent program free of charge.
There are add-on options which you don’t really need if you’ve followed
our advice above. You can download it using this link:
Zone Labs
Then click on the “Download” button, click on the top of the ZoneAlarm “FREE” column and
then follow the instructions.
Zonelabs asks for your email address and then emails you a link from which do the actual download.
When installing you will be given the option of installing with lots of extra items. Just click on the column that just has the Zonelabs firewall. There are tutorials also.