How to protect your computer from Malware for free

Yes, that’s right you don’t have to spend any money at all to protect your computer from viruses, malware, Trojans, and other assorted bad guys. Here is how:

Linux:
First off if you’re running the Linux OS of any kind then you don’t need any virus protection software. I don’t want to go into great detail about Linux security, all you really need to know is that permissions on Linux make it impossible for viruses or Trojans to execute without your permission.

MAC OSX:
Today, the number of viruses actively attacking OSX users is about none.
However, that doesn’t mean it will stay that way forever or that you won’t be passing a windows virus on to your mom in an email attachment. ClamXav is a free virus checker for Mac OS X.

Windows:
Microsoft designed Windows to enable outsiders to execute software on your system. Microsoft justifies this by saying it enriches the user experience if a Web site can do "cool" things on your desktop.  In reality the only people being enriched are the companies selling you security products for your Windows based computer.
Viruses, Trojans, and general malware in Windows are usually spread by email clients, browsers, or Instant Messages. These programs will accept these nasties from other computers, and then place them on your system. The malware authors then execute the programs to do their bidding without asking for your permission.
Now how do we go about protecting our Windows based machines for free?

Update your browser:

• First step is to make sure that your browser is updated. Browsers security is a cat and mouse game so check to make sure you are updated. In Firefox this is done by clicking help and then clicking update in top menu of the browser.

Next Firewalls:

• What is a firewall? A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications.
• Do you need a firewall? Yes, but you may already have one installed. If you have a router connected to the internet connection coming into your house it probably has a built in firewall. Check your documentation. If that is the case then you are good to go.

• If not and you have Windows XP or newer then simply turn on the built in firewall. Windows with complain to you if it isn't turned on and help you. It will also complain to you even if you have a firewall in your router, I just ignore the complaint.
• If you have Windows installed that is older than XP or if you want to try a different firewall then you will need to download a free firewall program. Here are a couple of them: Comodo or Outpost 

Next Antivirus software:


My favorite is Avast Antivirus software. Avast will provides a great barrier against nasties coming into your computer. I love it when you end up at some web site that tries to upload malware to you, it pops up a big warning and allows you to abort the connection. It provides real time scanning and free updates.
Avira is also a very good choice, I'm running it on my Windows 2000 machine. The only thing that is a little annoying is a page that pops up occasionally trying to get you to upgrade to their pay version. 

Next: Anti-malware software:

So you have a firewall and anti-virus software running why would you need anything else? Well sometimes tracking cookies are sending information to unscrupulous people or a new trojan horse made it past the antivirus program. It's always good to have a second opinion anyway. Here are two very good free programs than you can use to do a scan anytime you wish: 
Malwarbytes
SUPERAntiSpyware

OK, there you go all the free software you need to protect your computer from bad guys. I only use free software for my security and am very happy with the results.