The Web is one place where it actually may be a good idea to be a little cautious, because "they" may really be watching you. Many people surf around unaware that they might be leaving a trail of information about themselves scattered across the Net. Most cyber surfers are also unaware of how vulnerable their E-mails are to snoops and hackers.
Every time you visit a site, it's possible that you're leaving a trail of personal data. When you surf the Web, send E-mail or post to newsgroups, be sure to protect your privacy.
The free services and freeware programs listed below will help you keep your privacy while online and offline.

Spybot, Search and Destroy

Spybot - 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 1.4 has the first native multi-installation scanner, noticeably faster than the previous version during scans, and has improved the tools and updated the interface.
Download Now

Lavasoft, AD-AWARE SE

Ad-Aware Personal provides advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components. This software is downloadable free of charge.

	Scans fixed and removable drives, memory and Windows registry
	Detects known and unknown variants of malware by using the Code Sequence Identification (CSI) technology
	Removes aggressive spyware and malicious content
	Takes advantage of a fully featured quarantine support
	Logs information about scans and malicious content removals

Download Now

ZoneAlarm, Security Suite

ZoneAlarm Security Suite is the easy-to-use, comprehensive security solution that is based on the world's best firewall to keep out hackers, viruses, worms, and other threats. It combines popular firewall with antivirus protection, Web site filtering, privacy protection, and instant-messaging security.

Version 6.1.744 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

Download Now

Webroot, Spy Sweeper

Protect your PC with the leading anti-spyware software

• Recommended more than any other anti-spyware product
• Most technologically advanced spyware research system in the world
• Easy-to-use features ensure all users get maximum protection
• FREE world-class customer support
• 100% Guaranteed

Why Spy Sweeper Is the Right Choice
Spy Sweeper detects, removes and blocks even the most vicious spies. As spyware continuously grows more sophisticated you need anti-spyware protection that not only detects and removes the latest generation of spies but also blocks new threats before they can infect your PC.

Only Spy Sweeper can dynamically disarm and defeat these spies without requiring a pre-defined signature. Its unique 360 degree protection makes sure your personal information remains confidential, your PC runs smoothly, and your identity stays secure.

Free online scan

GlobalScape, CUTE-FTP

CuteFTP Home transfers files between your PC and remote computers. Whether you're publishing a Web page; downloading the latest digital images, music, and software; or transferring large files between your home and office, CuteFTP Home will get the job done quickly and easily, even if you're a beginner. Features include an easy-to-use interface, a connection wizard, automatic-transfer-resume functionality, a built-in HTML editor, a transfer queue, directory comparison, custom commands, firewall and proxy options, path bookmarks, and filtered listings.

Cute FTP Professional is a powerful FTP client for Windows. It enables you to connect and transfer files securely using SFTP (Secure Shell/SSH), FTPS (Secure Socket Layer (SSL) over FTP) and one-time passwords. You can transfer files quickly using CuteFTP Professional's multipart transfer and simultaneous connections. Easily manage and maintain your Web site with the built-in HTML editor, as well as the Folder Synchronization, Folder Monitor, Site Backup, and Compression tools. Cute FTP Professional also lets you schedule, automate, and prioritize transfers using a transfer queue.

Download FTP Home Now       Download FTP Professional Now

Links to other useful software products.

• MailWasher 
  This handy freeware E-mail management program lets you fight back against spammers and E-mail viruses and helps protect your privacy. MailWasher lets you check and manage your E-mails before you download them. You can also use it to bounce E-mails back to spammers, so that it looks as though your E-mail address is no longer valid. (For Windows).
  
• Surf-Aid.com 
  Are you worried about your privacy on the Web? Here's a free, anonymous Web surfing service that is easy to use and lets you hide your IP address (your computer's unique identification code). You can also use this service to access sites that are blocked by a firewall.
  
• GoPast.net 
  This free service lets you surf the Web anonymously through a proxy server. The service is easy to use and includes many features that let you customize your surfing experience.
  
• SpySurfing 
  This is a handy free service that lets you surf the Web anonymously through a proxy server. SpySurfing also lets you bypass filters and helps you steer clear of spyware.
  
• Ghostphrase 
  Worried that someone is monitoring your E-mail? Here's a free program that encrypts your data, which you can send as an E-mail attachment using any E-mail client. Note: your recipient will also need a copy of Ghostphrase to decrypt your message. Ghostphrase employs three passwords, as well as a mouse-clicked keyboard (which makes it impossible for others to log your keystrokes). (For Windows).
  
• AnonMail 
  Concerned about snoops reading your E-mail messages? A useful Web-based E-mail service, AnonMail offers free 2048-bit encrypted E-mail and gives you a SSL secured connection. AnonMail includes lots of helpful options, including anti-spam features and secure document storage and sharing.
  
• myTrashMail.com 
  This free service offers temporary, disposable E-mail accounts that you can use to protect your privacy and also reduce the spam you receive. It's a handy service to use when you're reluctant to use your main, primary E-mail address when you're prompted to enter an E-mail address online.
  
• SpyPry Anti-Spy program 
  This useful freeware program scans and removes spyware programs from your computer. Note that your PC can be vulnerable to spyware even if you have a firewall and/or antivirus program, as spyware can be "piggybacked" via networks, E-mail and software downloads. (For Windows).
  
• Userbeam Proxynet 
  This site offers a proxy service that lets you surf the Web anonymously, for free. Note: the site is in German; to use the service, click the "Surf Anonym for Free" button.
  
• Eraser 
  Are you worried about prying eyes browsing through sensitive content on your hard drive? (Even if you delete such data, it can be easily recovered by an experienced user). Eraser, an excellent free program, offers an advanced security tool, which allows you to remove private data from your hard drive by overwriting it several times with "carefully selected patterns." (For Windows).
  
• BugMeNot.com 
  These days, more and more sites (such as NYTimes.com) pester you to register before you can access their content. Even more annoyingly, the registration process often requires you to divulge personal info. A handy free service, BugMeNot.com, lets you easily bypass mandatory registration at nearly 100,000 sites.
  
• ProxyLord 
  This free anonymous proxy service lets you protect your privacy when you're online. ProxyLord allows you to surf anonymously and masks your IP address. The service also lets you access blocked Web sites and removes ads from sites.
  
• PC Security Test 
  How secure is your computer? This freeware program checks your computer's security against viruses, spyware and hackers and grades the effectiveness of your protection software (including anti-virus programs, spyware scanners, and firewalls). (For Windows).
  
• MisterPrivacy.com 
  Are you looking to protect your online privacy? This is a free service that lets you surf the Web anonymously. MisterPrivacy.com also helps protect you from various online hazards, including harmful scripts, banners, cookies, Web viruses, worms, cyberstalkers, and more.
  

Attention telephone users:

Download Telephone User guides and Programming Manuals Here