[rockrr]

Sorry that I can't remember who assembled the list, but here's some links to "safer" computing software than what come with Microsoft:

FREE PC PROTECTION:
(Not an exhaustive list. Your results may vary. Void where prohibited. For entertainment purposes only. No wagering, please. Whattayawantfernuthin'.)
(Thanks, but "Buy a Mac" doesn't qualify as "FREE PC protection")

• Alternative browsers:
  • Mozilla
  • Opera
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition: Free anti-viral protection
• Popup ad killers:

   

  • Bayden Systems Popup Popper: Blocks popup ads well in MSIE
  • Shoot the Messenger: Close that friggin' Messenger in Windows XP
• Spyware removers:
  • Spybot S&D
  • AdAware
• MailWasher: Good for pre-screening & bouncing SPAM
• Windows Update: At least install the critical ones
• ZoneAlarm: Excellent Firewall

   

  • Test your firewall from without with ShieldsUP!
  • Test your firewall from within with LeakTest
• LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Explore Linux as an alternative OS, without installing it on your hard drive, via a free bootable CD-ROM! Download Knoppix (or one of these other Linux distributions), burn the ISO file onto a CD-ROM, and reboot with the CD-ROM in its drive. If you later want to install Knoppix on your hard drive, here are some tips.

[Ben Chad]

Mark for reference. Thanks for the post.