Free Privacy and Anonymous Surfing Services
In this category, we review the Internet's best free privacy services, including those sites that allow you to surf in "anonymous mode", thereby avoiding being picked up by Web site trackers and ensuring you remain invisible. If you happen to stumble across an outdated link, we'd very much appreciate it if you could report it. Also be sure to visit our Free Security Software section for programs to help keep you safe and secure on the Net.
PC Tools Firewall Plus Free Edition - This free firewall program, designed for Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and Server 2003, protects you from harmful intrusions when you're surfing the Web or working on a computer network. Firewall Plus includes advanced features but is also suitable for novices, with its intuitive and easy-to-understand interface. "Smart Updates" will ensure your firewall is kept updated to deal with the latest threats.
Lavasoft Ad-aware Free - The most popular free anti-spyware utility, this complete solution detects and removes all kinds of dodgy files, including trojans, worms and "malware" (malicious software purposely designed to harm computers). It even helps to protect you from identity theft. Ad-aware thoroughly scans your system registry and other folders to safely delete any rogue packages that may be attempting to relay information about your surfing habits to advertising companies. Inexperienced computer users will also find Ad-aware easy to use. Its "wizard style" interface allows for the step-by-step deletion of spyware.
> With over a quarter of a billion downloads, Ad-aware is considered the anti-spyware program of choice for home computer users.
> You may download updates free of charge to ensure the program is capable of detecting the latest threats to your system.
> The program has recently been updated with the release of Ad-Aware 2008, which now supports Windows Vista.
The-Cloak - A fine anonymous surfing tool that hides your identify from sites you visit, blocks cookies from entering your PC, allows you to remove Java applets and even post to message boards in complete privacy. The-Cloak carries everything from its own servers, meaning your IP address is never disclosed, sometimes even your local time isn't given away. It's a useful, although fairly basic free service.
Cyber Defender Free - A free, advert-supported Internet security suite. This freeware program offers anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing, pop-up blocking, spam blocker and password alert capabilities to help you stay secure on the Net. CyberDefenderFREE claims to inoculate viruses faster than other security solution because of its patent-pending Early Detection technology, which relays threats via a peer to peer distribution network. (11 MB)
Comodo Free Firewall - A free and award-winning personal firewall, offering a reliable level of protection against hacker attacks. Comodo secures against both internal and external threats, making your system far more secure than if you only used the bundled firewall application with Microsoft Windows. This program also prevents Trojan intrusions and safeguards your PC from personal data theft. Functions on Win 2000, XP and 2003.
ZoneAlarm - ZoneAlarm is widely regarded as the most popular freeware firewall. This program protects your computer from malicious hacker attacks, viruses and intruders. It will also notify you of any attempted break-ins and then advise on how to deal with them. As a user, you can customise your level of protection and also surf the Internet in "stealth mode", invisible from the outside world.
> Whilst ZoneAlarm is a reliable firewall for home usage, users of older computers have often complained of the program hogging system resources. A system specification of Windows 2000 Pro/XP, with a Pentium III (450 MHz) processor or higher is recommended.
> ZoneAlarm is free for individual and not-for-profit charitable entity use (excluding governmental entities and educational institutions).
Ashampoo Free - This free firewall helps to protect your computer system from hacker attacks and other security threats. The program's Configuration Assistant, complete with "wizard style" interface, allows users to set up the appropriate level of protection with minimal hassle. Ashampoo has an impressive number of features and monitors both incoming and outgoing traffic. Local and network activity can also be monitored. Size 3.8 MB.
Spyware Blaster - Are you wary about spyware? You needn't be if you install SpywareBlaster. Unlike similar programs that scan, detect and then clean your computer of any programs attempting to monitor your actions, SpywareBlaster takes a different route and prevents them from being installed in the first place. Nobody has to put up with spyware thanks to this clever little program.
Windows Defender - This free program developed by Microsoft provides a range of countermeasures to help protect you from spyware and similar security threats. Windows Defender's simple interface is a joy to use and enables you to both monitor and protect vulnerable system areas. The program can detect spyware before it causes any harm or eliminate rogue files once they become installed on your computer.
> Microsoft provides automatic definition updates for Windows Defender to ensure the most recent security threats can be counteracted. To benefit from this, you must update the definition file regularly.
> Unlike other "anti spyware" programs, Windows Defender constantly runs in the background and springs into action if a security threat is identified.
Cookie Monster - Follow the "Utilities" link at this site then scroll down to access the Cookie Monster information section. This program is a neat freeware utility, created so that you may have full control over cookies left on your computer. It allows you to scrutinise all cookies on your machine then delete the ones you don't want and save the ones you wish to keep (e.g. log-in details).
ScramDisk - ScramDisk is a program that allows the creation and use of virtual encrypted drives. You create a container file on an existing hard drive which is allocated a specific password. This container can then be mounted by the ScramDisk software which creates a new drive letter to represent the drive. Only the correct password allows access. Without it, files are inaccessible.
Scrub XP - ScrubXP runs automatically when you start up your computer and offers a number of features, ideal for keeping your computer private. When activated, the program will delete all Internet Explorer History entries and temporary files, cookies and documents listed in the Windows "Start" menu. The Recycle Bin is also emptied and auto-complete on IE is refreshed. Follow the "Scrub XP" link (left hand nav bar).
CookieCruncher - This is one of the best known cookie-killer programs on the Internet. The idea behind this piece of kit is to stop the activity of cookies on your machine. After browsing, all cookies collected can be deleted instantly, meaning any site looking for the information it cached earlier won't find it. Note: Cookie Cruncher is always being updated and now is very easy to upgrade.
Handybits File Shredder - This cool program works in a similar way to a virtual shredding machine, permanently deleting your "sensitive" files so that they can never be retrieved. To use the program, you simply drag amd drop documents, etc. into a window, which in turn prompts you to confirm the deletion. If you accept to delete the document, it will be deleted, never to be read again.
HushMail - Provides an online e-mail service with extra security features. You can send e-mail to any person with an address but to take advantage of their high 1024 bit encryption, your recipient must also have a HushMail account. After the recent hiccup with "Hotmail hackers", you should seriously consider this if handling important e-mail. HushMail is robust, solid and reliable.