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Free Software - anti-hacker stuff that keeps your computer safe.

To keep the 'bad guys' out of your PC, you need to do at least three things. Install a 'firewall' to keep them from connecting to your machine (via the Internet) and taking it over. Install an Anti-Virus program to prevent/eliminate infection, and install anti-spyware to prevent private information from being read. These four programs will take care of those issues and are free for home use.

You can TEST your security here.

ZoneAlarm Firewall - The ZoneAlarm firewall does an amazing job, and it's free. Get this ASAP. You'll be shocked at how often your PC gets scanned for attacks. After you get tired of the pop-up alerts, you can hit the "don't show this message" checkbox. Once installed, it works automatically.

AVG Anti-Virus - The AVG anti-virus can scan your files, e-mail, and check your system for Viruses. You have to manually download the update file (that's why it's free). Darn good. The commercial version (costs $$$) does more, and I'd suggest it for any business. It's free for personal use, and everyone should get this if you don't have an anti-virus. An out-of-date anti-virus is worthless, but these guys let you update it for free. Get it and use it. (Note: They have moved the link from time-to-time. I just updated it, but if you don't see the free version, search for it using Google.)

Ad-aware - Adware is sneaky stuff. It monitors your actions like a spy. In fact, it's often referred to as 'spyware'. LavaSoft's AdAware finds it and cleans it off. Every day, I find 10 to 20 spyware or tracking programs.

Spybot Search & Destroy - It found 6 spyware programs, and patched my registry for two Internet Explorer security holes the above programs missed. Good stuff. It's free, but he would like a donation to fund his work. Good idea. You best read the tutorial before you use it. It's pretty aggressive and some programs might stop working if you use it without reading the tutorial. It's not hard and can fix a computer that's really messed up.

When you get finished, TEST your security here.

A great site for neat tools and news is Gibson Research Crop.

Stuff that just works better - you don't have to get it

Mozilla Firefox - a free browser. It's got a lot of really good features. The best part is when you're reading a page and see a link you want to read later, you 'right click' on the link and pick 'Open Link in New Tab'. While you continue reading, it loads the new page in the background, and puts a tab at the top of the window. When you finish the page you're on, just click on the tab to change to the new page. Sounds minor, but wait until you try it. If you have a three-button mouse, you can click on the middle button and do the same thing. Warning - it's beta (unfinished) so there are a few bugs, so don't whine if you have a problem or two.

Acrobat Reader - Adobe PDF files are all over the web. Here's a link to the free reader. I think it's been replaced with Adobe Reader, but until I try it, I can't recommend it. I know Acrobat works and is pretty fast.

Fun stuff - take a peek

Does your phone number spell anything? Here's a site you can enter your phone number and see what words it spells. PhoneSpell.com

Science Toys - This is a really cool site. While you might call them toys, this site shows you how to make neat science stuff, like an electric motor (5 minutes), crystal radios and (gasp!) a Gauss Rifle. It's all amazingly easy and if you have a kid nearby, you can pretend you're teaching him or her. This site sells the most powerful magnets in the world, and a metal that melts in warm water. Really worth seeing. If nothing else, order four of the magnets and build a rail gun. You'll amaze your drinking buddies, and win bets.

The Most Powerful Diesel Engine in the World - If you like engines, you must check this out. How about 108,920 hp at 102 rpm. You won't believe how big it is. The crankshaft weighs 300 tons, all by itself.

PC parts

You like you're buddy's PC with the window on the side? Make him turn green with envy with a clear acrylic case.

Want to build your own PC? Great site to learn all about PCs - Anandtech. Lots of parts at ZipZoomFly.com and NewEgg.com, but both cater to experts - don't expect ANY tech support. What's with those names?

Best motherboards - ASUS. These guys build really first class stuff. Sure, you've never heard of them, but they build a lot of stuff with other people's name on it.

Links to cool stuff...