As someone who works in IT, I am strongly aware of the pitfalls and pratfalls that can befall an unprotected Windows OS on a PC platform. Many are uncertain of the options available to them for ensuring a smooth running computer, many of them free and non subscription based.
If you fall into this end user category and are interested in exploring some free and fully functional options, here are some suggestive links (all of which I have personally used) that will help ensure satisfactory protection for your Windows environment at no cost to you (naturally where applicable, select the "free" option" :
Malwarebytes Antispyware
http://malwarebytes.org/
PC Tools Spyware Doctor Starter Edition (works very effectively) - must be downloaded using the "Google Pack" option (look for the link on the left)
http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/google_pack/
Avira AntiVir (ranked the best in terms of performance and minimal impact on system resouces) - the free version has a pop-up advertisement window enticing users to upgrade to the full version - just close and disregard it).
http://www.free-av.com/
Another free and useful antivirus alternative I've used that is a close runner-up to Avira is AVG 8 Free Edition
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition?cmpid=fr_bn_free_670
Spybot S&D (must be run manually but it's good to use as an extra means of spyware protection - personally I would uncheck the 'Tea Timer' option during the installation process as it tends to be a bit overaggressive):
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Lavasoft Ad-Aware (just click the link for the free anniversary edition)
http://download.cnet.com/Ad-Aware-Anniversary-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5
IObit Smart Defrag (the absolute best free and fully functional defragmentation program available at present IMHO)
(just click the top MajorGeeks link):
http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=5318
Belarc Personal Advisor
Gives a useful and detailed synopsis of the various components and related aspects of your PC
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
Revo Uninstaller
Ensures complete removal of any installed Windows program - more detailed and effective than the integrated "Add-Remove Programs" option natively built into Windows
http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
Quicksys RegDefrag
An additional utility that is effective in optimizing the Windows registry
http://www.regdefrag.com/download-registry-defrag
In addition to the aforementioned, here are some non-utilitarian free Windows programs that perform very capably and are largely equivalent to pay based alternatives...
AbiWord Word Processor
A very quick and capable standalone word processor that gets the job done and more
http://www.abisource.com/
The OpenOffice Suite
An opensource fully comprehensive program suite that serves as a free and viable alternative to the pricey Microsoft Office platform
http://www.openoffice.org/
Ashampoo Free Burning Suite
Very useful for a variety of disc burning functions - no need to check the options for registration or updates during the install if undesired. Will *NOT* copy copy-protected DVDs. You need to investigate other options for that.
http://download.cnet.com/Ashampoo-Burning-Studio-Free/3000-2646_4-10776287.html
The Google Pack
Features a plethora of various assorted programs that are quite useful in scope. I particularly like Google Earth and PCTools Spyware Doctor among others...pick and choose what you wish to install (some programs may not be needed depending on what's already installed on your system)
http://pack.google.com/intl/en/pack_installer.html
Foxit PDF Reader
A faster and more compact alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader that uses a minimum of system resources (personally I would advise unchecking the Ask toolbar and other options related to it during the installation process)
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/
IrfanView
A very quick and effective viewer for graphic files
http://www.irfanview.com/
Paint.Net
A more "muscled" compliment to IranView and also useful for editing graphic files such as JPEGs, GIFs,BMPs, etc.
http://paint.net/
Audacity
A free and opensource program that is fully featured for editing audio files of any type. Audacity has great notoriety with musicians and studio engineers for its prowess in audio related tasks and applications
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Powerpoint Viewer 2007
Do you receive emails with Powerpoint attachments yet cannot open them for some reason? No need to buy Microsoft Office. Just download and install this and it will intercept and open any Powerpoint based file
http://download.cnet.com/PowerPoint-Viewer-2007/3000-18483_4-10742145.html
Pandora Recovery
Great for recovering recently deleted files
http://www.pandorarecovery.com/
Recuva
Functions in the same manner as Pandora Recovery - I personally use both
http://www.recuva.com/
CCleaner
A comprehensive program for cleaning your registry, performing uninstallations, and removing resident traces of websites you have visited ensuring privacy (I would advise unchecking the Yahoo options during the installation process)
http://www.ccleaner.com/download
The aforementioned programs are a sampling of a number I personally employ for maintaining optimal PC Windows performance. All of these programs are Windows exclusive (sorry Mac Users) and free for an indefinite period of use.
As with anything, use at your own risk and discretion and pay attention to the setup process to ensure proper installation.
Personally I have never had any problems with them as I have always used them in a diligent manner. I accept no responsibility or liability if you have any complications as I am not the creator of any of these programs but merely a user who has found them of merit. Please use and employ at your own risk. Any technical support issues or questions are the responsibility of the software creator unless otherwise stated.
That being said...I can confidently endorse the effectiveness and stability of these software applications on the basis of personal experience. Happy Computing!
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