Essential Software

There are a couple of guides to aid in the usage of some of the more important programs featured on this page. The guides cover updating, cleaning and scanning. Please see the "Guides" page for more information.

Anti-Virus Software:

avast!
Over 100 million people have avast protecting their computers, making avast one of the world's leading - and most trusted - antivirus programs.
Get It Here | avast! Homepage

(PLEASE NOTE: During installation you may want to choose the option of not installing Google Chrome if you have no desire to try a different web browser. Doing this is fine and what I do when installing avast! on peoples computers, it's up to you though.)

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Anti-Malware Software:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
In our product we have compiled a number of new technologies that are designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent malware. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware can detect and remove malware that even the most well known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to detect.
Get It Here | Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Homepage

SpywareBlaster
SpywareBlaster can help keep your system secure, without interfering with the "good side" of the web. And unlike other programs, SpywareBlaster does not have to remain running in the background. It works alongside the programs you have to help secure your system.
Get It Here | SpywareBlaster Homepage

SUPERAntiSpyware
Detect and Remove Spyware, Adware and Remove Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers, Parasites, Rootkits, Rogue Security Products and many other types of threats.
Get It Here | SUPERAntiSpyware Homepage

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Cleaning Software:

ATF-Cleaner.exe
ATF-Cleaner.exe was once upon a time just my personal temp file cleaner. There became a need for a good temp file cleaner that could do the job safely and without removing files that are crucial to windows, so I decided I'd share it with the public. ATF-Cleaners options are fairly straight forward and its simplicity is part of its charm..
Get It Here | ATF-Cleaner.exe Homepage

CCleaner
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. I personally download the bottom option on the downloads page, the Slim version.
Get It Here | CCleaner Homepage

JavaRa
JavaRa is a simple tool that does a simple job: it removes old and redundant versions of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Simply select "Check for Updates" or "Remove Older Version" to begin.
Get It Here | JavaRa Homepage

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Misc Software:

Filehippo.com Update Checker
The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to FileHippo.com to see if there are any newer releases. These are then neatly displayed in your browser for you to download. I personally download the bottom option on the downloads page, the version without the installer.
Get It Here | Filehippo.com Update Checker Homepage

MyDefrag
MyDefrag is a disk defragmenter and optimizer (a maintenance utility to make your harddisk faster) for Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, 2008, Win7, and for X64.
Get It Here | MyDefrag Homepage

StartUpLite
StartUpLite is a lightweight and simple to use application that allows you to speed up your system startup, safely and efficiently. The program allows you to disable or remove unnecessary startup entries from your computer. By using StartUpLite, you can dramatically help shorten your startup time with only a few clicks of the mouse.
Get It Here | StartUpLite Homepage