The following is a list of software that we find essential to preserve the Security integrity of a Windows XP System.
They are all free to use for non-commercial purposes
Ad-Aware 2007 Free remains the most popular anti-spyware product for computer users around the world, with nearly one million downloads every week. Our free anti-spyware version provides you with advanced protection against spyware that secretly attaches and takes control of your computer, resulting in aggressive advertising pop-ups, sluggish computer activity, even identity theft through stolen bank details, passwords, and credit card account numbers.
Features:
* Redesigned Engine - Benefit from superior program flexibility and more accurate scanning methods with all-new program architecture.
* Improved Code Sequence Identification (CSI) Technology - Boost your privacy protection with precise detection of embedded malware, including known and emerging threats.
* Incremental Definition File Updates - Save precious time and resources with smaller update files resulting in faster download times.
* TrackSweep - Control privacy by erasing tracks left behind while surfing the Web on Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera, with one easy click.
* Multiple Browser Support - Choose Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Opera with expanded browser support.
* New Straightforward User Interface - Effortlessly maneuver the complexities of malware detection and removal with our new user-friendly interface.
* User-Controlled Spyware Removal - Decide for yourself what to delete from your system and what to keep.
* Extensive Detection Database - Stay protected with regular updates from the extensive library of identified and analyzed spyware.
* System Restore Point - Easily revert to your clean system to recover from a spyware attack.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com
ClamWin is a Free Antivirus for Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and 2003.
ClamWin Free Antivirus comes with an easy installer and open source code. You may download and use it absolutely free of charge.
Features:
* High detection rates for viruses and spyware;
* Scanning Scheduler;
* Automatic downloads of regularly updated Virus Database.
* Standalone virus scanner and right-click menu integration to Microsoft Windows Explorer;
* Addin to Microsoft Outlook to remove virus-infected attachments automatically.
http://www.clamwin.com/
ZoneAlarm is a Network and Program Firewall.
It delivers proactive firewall protection with multiple layers of security that stop inbound, outbound, and program attacks while remaining completely invisible to hackers.
Features:
* Guards the network perimeter from inbound and outbound threats with the world's #1 firewall
* Prevents spyware and other malicious programs from sending your personal information across the Internet
* Full stealth mode to keep you concealed from anyone on the Internet
* Protects your programs from malware
* Identify and filter over 100,000 applications for constant protection against threats
* Monitor program installation, registry changes and file access down to your PC's core
* Monitor additional program actions for more thorough protection
* Prevents malicious software from damaging files in your core Windows operating system
http://www.zonealarm.com/