I originally started this post at SeedWiki a year or so ago, but, I discovered how unreliable it can be to depend on someone else to host your thoughts. So, below is the same information, that I now control...

Every semester I have  a discussion on Computer Ethics and the like.... This discussion always ends to the questions of how can I NOT use illegal software when I need it. This page has developed from those discussions and is included here for my own documentation. Like it, love it, or leave it... the choice is yours.

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Antivirus Software
If you don't have Antivirus software OR if you've let the subscription on the McAffee or Norton (Symantec) Antivirus that came with your PC lapse, then your computer is in real danger of a virus and/or being taken over by an intruder. However, you do have some FREE options.

Removing viruses and malware can be very time consuming and extremely aggravating. The best protection is smart surfing and an up-to-date antivirus client, but, things happen. When they do, remove the computer from the Internet immediately and begin the removal process. Sometimes a reinstall of the antivirus client and a manual update may be required. I have attempted to give links for manual updates wherever possible.

AVG Free Edition for Windows
Used and loved by millions (literally). This is by far the most recommended free antivirus solution. If you don't want to pay then this is probably where you will end up. You may need to manually install any virus updates first from here.

avast! 4Home Edition
Those people who don't recommend AVG probably recommend avast! 'Nuff said. Manual updates available from here.

ClamWin Free Antivirus
To be thorough I'm also including ClamWin. This an excellent alternative for a Linux box, but there is one major drawback to this software that must be mentioned on a MS Window's box. From ClamWin's site:
"Please note that ClamWin Free Antivirus does not include an on-access real-time scanner, that is, you need to manually scan a file in order to detect a virus or spyware. Microsoft Outlook Addin, however will delete a virus-infected attachment automatically."

AntiSpyware Solutions
Spyware (or better termed Malware) has become a HUGE problem for the home PC user. Part of the problems stem from the way users surf. DON'T CLICK POP-UP ADS, DON'T DOWNLOAD NON-REPUTABLE SOFTWARE. See also "Prevent Spyware" from Dell.com. Whatever you call this software, it can be either annoying or dangerous.

There are some very good FREE antispyware solutions, but, there are also some "rogue" antispyware solutions out there as well. No solution is perfect and no one piece of software will remove all spyware. Using a combination of products will usually fix what ails your computer.

My advice to anyone who asks is to try using any or all of the following programs to remove/prevent spyware. If these solutions don't solve your spyware problems, either reformat and reinstall your Operating System or take the computer to a professional.

If a computer already has malware, it should be taken off the Internet IMMEDIATELY and should only be reconnected to the Internet after the malware has been removed. Whenever possible attempt to remove malware while in Safe Mode. Safe Mode provides the best environment to remove memory resident programs. You will probably need to do a manual update of the antispyware product after an install since the computer should not be connected to the Internet. I have attempted to provide manual update links whenever possible.

Spybot S&D
This is one of the oldest and most-used spyware removal tools. A great product and I tend to use this first when malware is already on the computer from Safe Mode. This is one of the few spyware removal tools which will work in Safe Mode. You may need to manually update the definitions from here.

Malwarebtes' Anti-Malware (MBAM)
After a recent malware infestation on my own computer. (Thanks to me helping out someone else but forgetting to scan my flash drive afterwards) This has EASILY become my favorite anti-malware program to date. This program also works in Safe Mode, and was the ONLY program which successfully removed the last issue I had. Spybot still reigns supreme to me, but, MbAM will also reside on my computer. Manual updates are provided here.

Ad-Aware SE Personal
Another excellent tool to remove malware if it's already on the computer. Again should be used with the computer offline if it already has malware. Manual updates are available here.

Windows Defender
This is the official SpyWare removal and prevention tool from Microsoft. Provided you are using a LEGAL copy of Windows 2000 or Windows XP. There is probably no easier way to remove MOST of the spyware out there today. Now, I'm not a huge fan of everything Microsoft does, but, if you're using a legal copy of XP or Vista then you should be using this software, period.

Secretmaker
I've never actually used this product, but, it comes well recommended. This may be useful for those individuals who may still be running Windows Me or Windows 9x.

Personal Firewall Software
A firewall is the last defense against malware and crackers. Every computer connected to the Internet should have one. Especially if that computer is a laptop which connects to public access points through wireless connections. Windows XP Service Pack 2 included a firewall that is adequate for most users. However, most computer professionals recommend an alternative to the Windows Firewall. Only one firewall software should be used per computer.

Comodo Free Firewall
I've recently switched my own personal firewall to Comodo. ZoneAlarm (below) is a great firewall, but, they are always trying to get people to upgrade... annoying. Comodo also makes other free products including a free Antivirus as well.

ZoneAlarm
One of the most recommended personal firewalls. Easy to use. Be aware that when installing you will have to allow a lot of programs in the beginning. Eventually, ZoneAlarm will learn which programs are safe to allow access to the Internet.

Agnitum Outpost Firewall
I've never used this either, but, again comes highly recommended.

Web Browsers
When Microsoft introduced the new Internet Explorer 7, they came a long way in allowing their users a much safer browsing experience. However, using an alternative web browser is one way to prevent malware infections. There are a variety of alternatives, but, the most popular are presented below:

Firefox
Rediscover the web.
Opera
Better browsing. Feel free.
SeaMonkey
All-in-one Internet application suite.  Web-browser, advanced e-mail and newsgroup client, IRC chat client, and HTML editing made simple -- all your Internet needs in one application.
Maxthon
Maxthon is a browser that is built on the same technologies that Internet Explorer uses which means it is essentially a clone of IE and is just as susceptible to malware and viruses as Internet Explorer. However it does incorporate a lot of really cool features from other alternative browsers. I am using this browser when I HAVE to use Internet Explorer on a particular site.

Additional Essential Software
Windows is a great Operating System, but, it lacks some things. Below is a list of FREE legal software which might help.

CCleaner
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization and privacy tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history.

OpenOffice.org
A free office suite. If your computer did not come with Microsoft Office, this suite can open and save Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. A real life saver for those who don't want to spend $400 or more on Office.

FOSS (Free and Open Source Software)
A variety of free software is available on the Internet to make Windows more useful. The sources are numerous and waaay too many to list. I usually read magazines like MaximumPC or visit blogs like Lifehacker or Download Squad for recommendations. Other sources include compilations like:

• Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society's OSSWIN CD
• The OSSwin project: Open Source for Windows!
  
• I want a Freeware Utility to ... 300+ common problems solved
• A list of free (not necessarily FOSS) software. Looks like it's constantly updated.
• Open Source Freeware : 400+ free applications and utilities
• A list of Open Source software from above.

Games
My students never play games.... yeah, right. The sites below are reputable solutions for free games.

Libre Game Wiki
The Free (libre) Game Encyclopedia. Lots of categories, lots of games.

Games1.org
Digg.com has featured many of the most addictive flash games that are out there. After playing them once and then trying to find them again I decided it would be nice to have them all in one easy to find place. The "best" arcade games that have been featured on the front page of Digg.com are below. Here you go, enjoy!

101 Free Games: The Best Free Games on the Web from 1UP.com
Just because I know you want to know...