The wonks at ExtremeTech have posted a page that centralizes all the info on testing, probing, hacking, and antihacking they can think of. Go to www.extremetech.com/syscheck/ for lots of up-to-date info. (If the above link doesn't work, try www.extremetech.com/category2/0,3971,13370,00.asp.) You should also be aware of the various kinds of spyware, stealthware, and other Web-based intrusions out there; look for listings on my Browser Add-ons and Bookmark Handlers page. I've also written an article for SitePoint about spyware and other malicious or "snitchware" products; you can read it here: AdWare and UnderWare.

On another front, personal firewalls have become a hot topic as more and more users realize they need to have one installed. I've written a review of ZoneAlarm for a previous site newsletter. Additionally, a Web site at www.iopus.com/guides/free-firewall.htm reviews and recommends firewalls for personal use.

1st Email Anti-Virus 3.0 protects you from a variety of e-mail threats, including iframe, MIME header, CLSID extension and script attacks. It is compatible with any POP3 e-mail client, such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape and Eudora. $19 from www.zzee.com/enh/.

123 Password Recovery 3.01 allows you to read any of your passwords that are covered by asterisks by simply dragging the special cursor over such a password field. Free from www.iopus.com/.

2Lock! 1.0 keeps your desktop secure, and records unauthorized keystrokes. $15 from www.zoranjuric.com/2lock/.

A Squared works alongside your antivirus program to protect you from spy- and malware. Free from www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/.

ABI Coder 3.5.8 allows you to encrypt files and folders with 448-bit Blowfish and 168-bit 3DES encryption algorithms. It also allows you to create self-decrypting files, so you can send or transfer encrypted files to people that do not have ABI-Coder software installed on their computers. It even changes the icons of encrypted files, allowing you to easily see which files are secured. Free from www.abisoft.net/.

Access Denied 3.10 is aptly named; it denies access to your PC to anyone without the proper password. It also logs in all access attempts. $20 from www.tusm.ru:8101/john/; don't let the Russian Webmaster's slightly tenuous grasp of English put you off.

Access Manager 1.3 keeps your passwords safe in one place. It manages not just Web site passwords, but also private PIN numbers, computer logon, door entry and alarm codes, e-mails, software access, and telephone banking codes. Free from www.citi-software.co.uk/am/.

Active E-Mail Monitor 1.9 filters both viruses and spam from your e-mail account. $20 from www.emailmon.com/.

Ad-Aware SE finds and deletes "spyware" from your PC that may have been placed on your machine without your knowledge. Similar in function to Steve Gibson's OptOut, this utility finds spyware from Web3000, Gator, Cydoor, Radiate/Aureate, Conducent/TimeSink, and CometCursor, among many others. (Note: Gibson has retired his OptOut program in favor of Ad-aware.) The Personal edition is free from www.lavasoft.de or www.lavasoftusa.com/; the Professional and Plus editions will cost you. An essential program for any Web user.

Advanced ZIP Password Recovery 3.53 hunts down the passwords to ZIP archives. $30 from www.elcomsoft.com/.

Agnitum Outpost 1.0.1551.1038 is a free, open-source firewall that, according to early tests, does a solid job. There's a free and a $40 version, and for most of us, the free one should do the job. Find out more at www.agnitum.com/products/outpost/. Version 2.0 is in beta as I type this.

AI Roboform 3.9.89 is a free password manager and form filler-outer that does not send your info to commercial databases, unlike, say, Gator. Find out more from www.siber.com/roboform.

Akala EXE Lock 3.20 password protects any program currently residing on your hard drive. Any attempt to run a protected program launches a dialogue box that asks for the password. Failure to provide the correct password prevents the program from fully launching. $30 from www.zero2000.com/.

All-in-One Secretmaker 3.9.4 combines seven programs for fighting spam, stopping pop ups, clearing cookies, erasing trackers, and catching worms into one download. Free from secretmaker.com/.

Ani Secure Monitor 1.0 is a screensaver-style system lock-up utility which requires a username and password to access. If the wrong information is used, a lock-out screen slides into place and locks up everything until the correct information is supplied. Use Ani Secure Monitor with care because if you lock up your computer, and then can't unlock it, you may have to delete the entire Registry and reload Windows (followed by reloading all of your other programs!). Uck. Free from www.sofotex.com/download/software/9557.html.

AntiFrethem Free Removal Tool from BitDefender 1.0 removes the Frethem virus from your PC. Free from www.bitdefender.com/html/free_tools.php, along with a host of other specific virus removal tools.

AntiLirva Free Removal Tool from BitDefender 1.0 removes the Lirva virus from your PC. Free from www.bitdefender.com/html/free_tools.php.

AntiVir Personal Edition 6.15.05.55 is a free, full-featured antivirus utility from www.free-av.com/. The TechTV boys like this one. Win ME users may have problems installing it, though AV claims that there are no issues with ME.

AntiVirus eXpert 2000 Desktop 5.7 is a $39 antivirus utility from www.antivirusexpert.com/main_site.html.

AntiVirus Personal 4.0 has many different components for monitoring and scanning a system, checking mail and scripts, and downloading and applying updates. You can manually run a virus scan on your files and e-mail, or schedule scans for predetermined times and selected folders. The Pro version is $99, and a "lite" version is $20; both can be had from from www.kaspersky.com/index.html.

Armor2net Personal Firewall 3.12 provides Internet security by examining every packet that arrives, protecting you from viruses, Trojans, worms, and more. $20 from www.armor2net.com/.

Asterisk Key 5.5 unlocks the code and translates the ***** into the password you selected for the login. Free from www.lostpassword.com/asterisk.htm.

AVAST32 4.1 is a cheap, powerful, and flexible antivirus program, which even scans IM clients. $29 to keep from www.avast.com/. AvastHOME is now free for personal use.

AVG Anti-Virus System 6.0 is a strong antivirus utility that scans any digital source of information as well as prevents new viruses from sneaking into your system. Free, for the moment, from www.grisoft.com/html/us_index.cfm.

AxCrypt 1.4 is a powerful file encryption program. It integrates directly with Windows Explorer, enabling encryption, decryption, viewing, and editing of any file. AxCrypt uses the AES-128 and SHA-1 algorithms, which comply with US Government and Internet standards. Free from axcrypt.sourceforge.net/.

Backwork 2.1 is an anti-Trojan Horse program. What's that? A Trojan Horse is a variety of virus program that can maliciously overwrite code, allow snoops into your computer, and generally ruin your day. Backwork is "cardware" for private users, which means that the creators would appreciate a postcard from you. Get the details from www.framework.nl/backwork/eng/index.html (don't let the creator's tentative grasp of English throw you).

Bartware Personal Firewall is a freeware firewall that blocks unwanted traffic. You can specify any local ports, remote ports and IP addresses you want to block or allow. You can also forward traffic to a remote computer. It blocks up to 434 known trojans, worms and key loggers and auto updates the port definitions automatically on start up. You can now select if you want to allow it, block it or allow or block it once. It asks you what you want to do with unknown IP’s/connections. Free from www.cherubijntje.org/bartware.

BCWipe 3 wipes the free space on your hard drive, rendering deleted files unrecoverable. $40 from www.jetico.com/.

BehindTheAsterisks 1.0 is a free utility that reveals the passwords used in your Windows setup. Play nice with this one. Check it out from www.direct.spb.ru/bta.html.

BitDefender for MIRC protects your system from viruses transmitted through MIRC, the Internet chat system. Also available for Yahoo! IM and MSN Messenger. Free from www.bitdefender.com/index.php.

BitDefender MS-DOS 7.0 is a DOS-based antivirus utility. Free from www.bitdefender.com/html/freeware_products.php.

BitDefender for Instant Messaging is actually a number of independent utilities designed to work with ICQ, MSN, Yahoo! IM, NetMeeting, and MIRC respectively. Free from www.bitdefender.com/html/freeware_products.php.

BlackICE PC Protection 3.5 is a $40 security and hack-tracking utility that protects your DSL connection from being hacked. Check it out at www.networkice.com/. Note: XP/2K users need to download the patch from www.iss.net/support/consumer/BI_downloads.php, as they're vulnerable to a security hole otherwise. Earlier versions of BlackIce are also vulnerable to crackers sending avalanches of "pings;" versions 2.9 and above handle the problem.

BoDetect 3.5 removes and repairs Trojan Horse entries from your machine without requiring a restart, and monitors your system to prevent further infection. Infected files are stored in a safe location to prevent them from accidentally running again. $30 from www.cbsoftsolutions.com/.

BPS Spyware and Adware Remover 2.4 hunts down and removes a number of ad- and spyware utilities on your machine. $29 from www.bulletproofsoft.com/.

BugMeNot is a Web-based utility that allows you to access thousands of "registration-only" sites without actually registering. Enter the URL of the site that asks you for a registration and BugMeNot will provide you with a username and password. Very cool, and free at www.bugmenot.com/.

Bugnosis 1.3 analyzes Web pages you visit and alerts you when it finds Web bugs (invisible graphics that can monitor your surfing habits). If it finds a possible Web bug, it alerts you and makes the culprit visible. Works with Internet Explorer version 5.0 or later only. Free from www.bugnosis.org/.

Cain 2.5 is a password-cracking utility that reveals the passwords on your PC. Use this one with care. Free from www.oxid.it/.

Canary 1.80 is a free Web-monitoring utility that allows users to keep tabs on others' surfing habits. Useful for bosses whose employees like to spend more time on the Victoria's Secret site, or teachers who want to keep their kids on task and not on the DragonballZ site. Find out more from www.alphalink.com.au/~sergeb/Canary.htm. Works with both IE and Netscape. The Pro version costs $20, and adds a number of nice additional features.

Caption-It 1.0 reveals passwords without a muss or fuss. Free from www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Grid/5841/.

ChildProof is an easy way to keep your kids out of your tax files or your Gillian Anderson picture collection. You determine what files and programs are OK for your kids to access, and ChildProof allows them access to only those files. Get it from www.renasoft.com/childprf.html.

Cleaner 1.0 permanently deletes files from your hard drive, making them impossible to recover. Free from www.softcomplete.com/.

ClipSecure 1.1 is a text encryption utility that works with the clipboard. Use it with any text-based program and most e-mail clients to encrypt and decrypt text with one keystroke. It supports file encryption and many industry-accepted algorithms including AES (Rijndael). Free from www26.brinkster.com/belzecue/clipsecure.htm.

CodedDrag 1.52 lets you keep selected files, directories, or drives encrypted and thus hidden from prying eyes. Not useful for the home user? Gee, Archie, what happens when Edith finds all those nude pix of Pamela Lee you've been downloading? I thought so. Go to www.fim.uni-linz.ac.at/codeddrag/codedrag.htm quick, before Edith gets home.

CoffeeCup Password Wizard 4.0 uses Flash and Java technology to password-protect your files. $30 from www.coffeecup.com/java/password/.

CommView 3.3 isn't cheap at $99, but it closely monitors everything going into and out of your machine via the Internet. The tool shows what programs are sending what back to their servers, and what port is being used. The log entries will give you pause, that's for sure. Find out more at www.tamos.com/. It requires an Ethernet network card supporting the NDIS 3.0 driver standard, or a standard dial-up adapter.

Complete Cleanup 4.42 protects your privacy by identifying and removing cookies, cache files, Web history, and location URL history. It allows you to easily view and delete your temporary Internet files, and gives you the option of cleaning files on your system, including your Recent Documents list, your temp files folder, and files you've run or searched on within Windows. $30 from www.softdd.com/complete/index.htm.

CompuSec PC Security Suite 4.15 is security software that uses pre-boot authentication and full hard disk encryption as well as encryption of floppy disks and other removable media. 2K/XP only. Free from www.ce-infosys.com.sg/CeiProducts.asp.

Computer Watermark 1.0 writes your name and address (or any other information you want) on the entire free surface of your disk drives; in case your computer is stolen or you're required to prove ownership, this program marks it for you. $15 from www.computerwatermark.com/.

ConSeal PC Firewall is a $50 firewall utility that is reputed to work quite well for shareware. Give it a whirl from www.consealfirewall.com/.

Cryptainer LE 5.0.3.0 enables you to create a secure container on your PC, using powerful 448-bit strong encryption, without changing the way you work. Creates new virtual drive letter(s), and all files that are added to this drive are encrypted on the fly. Free from www.cypherix.co.uk/cryptainerle/index.htm.

CryptDefence 1.5 protects digital information on PCs. Uses a powerful cryptographic algorithm, MCD, which provides unlimited key length, multiple repeated encryption and multiple-line keys. $70 from www.cryptdefence.com/.

CryptMage 4.1f is a simple, but effective, file encryption tool that uses a proprietary algorithm to secure your files from preying eyes. Just select the password, the file to encrypt and you re done. Free from home.earthlink.net/~debaker1/.

Crypto for Windows 9x/NT 3.5 is a strong, yet simple file security program. You decide what files and folders need encryption, and the program does the dirty work. You still need to remember the password, though. $20 to keep from www.gregorybraun.com/.

CryptoBuddy 1.0 lets you protect and encrypt files and data. $30 from www.rtsz.com/cryptobuddy.shtml.

Cryptext 3.40 encrypts your documents through a simple right-click menu option. Easy and free from www.pcug.org.au/~njpayne/.

CryptoBuddy 1.0 is an efficient, easy-to-use encryption software that lets you protect and encrypt files and data. $30 from www.rtsz.com/cryptobuddy.shtml.

CSPassword 6.0 is a free password manager that handles all of your passwords, requiring you to remember just the one. Find out more at www.chrisseaton.com/software/cspassword/.

CyPost Navaho Lock with Voice 3.0 provides up to 168-bit encryption to scramble files, e-mail, and voice messages for e-mail attachments. $50, but an ad-supported version is free; find out more from www.cypost.com/.

Darn Passwords 1.1 is a $15 utility from www.emmasoft.com/ that takes the profanity out of passwords. You remember one, the program remembers the others.

Dead Man's Switch is a grim little program that expects to be reset every so often. Once it's not, it assumes you're dead (hence the name) and begins running a series of automated tasks, including deleting of selected files, sending obituary e-mails to friends, loved ones, and bill collectors, and posting to Web sites, presumably announcing your untimely demise. Interesting concept, and free from daisyman.arsware.org/dms/.

DefendGate SmartFix Security Center 4.4 is a security and system repair tool that handles a number of bugs and problems, including spyware protection. Produced by the folks at www.smartalec2000.com/, but they want you to download it from . Either way, it's $10 to keep.

Desklock keeps unauthorized users from running selected programs without knowledge of the secret on/off switch. You can lock out access to specific files or entire hard drives. $34 from members.aol.com/iSVProduct/dlock.htm.

DeskTop Security disables all keyboard keys so that no one can access your desktop without knowing the 'key' (password), and gives an audible alert if the wrong key is entered. It effectively locks up the keyboard and prevents unauthorized use of the computer. Won't keep anyone with any knowledge out of your computer, but will work well enough against nosy but un-savvy folks. Free from public1-leds3-4-cust118.leed.broadband.ntl.com/main.html.

Digital Patrol 4.0.65 is an effective anti-Trojan scanner capable of finding and deleting all known types of Trojan programs, Internet worms, script viruses and other harmful programs. $25 from www.antiviraldp.com/.

Disk Drive Secure Erase is a free file-deletion utility from a researcher at the Center for Magnetic Recording Research at the University of California, San Diego. Must be used by booting from a floppy with the program on it. Find out more at cmrr.ucsd.edu/hughes/subpgset.htm.

DiskSanitizer 1.0 ensures that when you format a hard drive disk, all the previous data on it is completely destroyed, including partitioning info. $75 to keep from EastTec: www.east-tec.com/dsksanit/.

Dr. Solomon's VirusScan 4.03 is a demo version of the highly regarded antivirus utility. Unfortunately, the online purchasing of this utility (from www.nai.com/) is a maddening process; I'd recommend downloading the demo from hotfiles.zdnet.com/cgi-bin/texis/swlib/hotfiles/info.html?fcode=0018FA or another shareware site, and letting the program itself steer you towards a purchase if you so desire.

Dreadlock Privacy 3.1 allows home and office users to keep Internet use, e-mail, and computer applications private. $15 from www.gneesis.com/.

DropIt lets you paste information into Web page forms. There's a free version and a $25 Pro version, both from www.spinnerbaker.com.

Dynamical Passwords 1.0 generates a host of passwords, all accessible by one single controlling password. Also sniffs out weaknesses in security systems. Free from advmathappl.com/.

Eicar Standard Anti-Virus Test File is a small, free download that runs a test program on your antivirus scanner and helps you familiarize yourself with the various warning messages and dialog boxes you're likely to encounter. Not for the novice, but highly useful. Find out more from www.eicar.org/anti_virus_test_file.htm.

Encryption Plus Folders Freeware performs on-the-fly encryption; just put your confidential files in a single folder and point-and-click. Free from www.pcguardian.com/folders_download/index.html.

Eraser 2003 4.0 is an EastTec program that completely eliminates deleted files from your hard drive, going farther than the usual "delete file" command, which can leave the file accessible for knowledgeable snoops. $40 from www.east-tec.com/eraser/index.htm.

ESafe Desktop 3.1 is a package of Internet security programs that protect your system from viruses along with Internet thugs and hackers. For a limited time, this package -- containing a fully functional antivirus utility and personal firewall software -- is free for home users from www.esafe.com/ (click on the eSafe button and be prepared to poke around). This, folks, is a good deal; even though the antivirus performance isn't quite up to snuff, there's plenty of other security features to like.

eScan Personal Edition for Windows 95/98/ME 3.0 checks content in e-mails, attachments and Web pages for viruses, restricted words and phrases, and embedded objects such as Java applets before they reach the recipient. It not only protects your systems from e-mail-based bombs but also provides a host of features to maximize Internet bandwidth. A demo version is free from www.mspl.net/, but as the site requires you to log in before obtaining a price, I can't quote one.

Evidence Eliminator 5.052 is a security utility with more permanence and functionality than most. It not only clears your tracks from whatever PC you're using, it performs file wipes that make it almost impossible for anyone to retrace your activities. Supports Windows and lots of Web apps, including browsers and chat/IM utilities. $75 to keep from www.evidence-eliminator.com/.

ExeLock Express 1.01 locks specific programs away from unwanted users. Works on any .EXE program, but DON'T forget your passwork. Free from www.stratusburg.com/default.asp?pg=ExeLockExpress.

Extreme Password Generator Pro 1.3 is a password generator utility that helps users generate strong, difficult to crack, random passwords. $13 from www.maros-tools.com/products/EPGPro/.

Eyemage IIE 1.0 lets you hide encrypted information in .BMP graphics files. Free from www.proporta.com/eyemage/.

EZ Antivirus 6.1 looks at the code behind the files entering your computer, alerting you to the files that "act" like viruses. It monitors your system, examining compressed files, macros, and .EXE files that may be harboring damaging code. $25 to keep from my-etrust.com/index.cfm.

F-PROT for DOS 3.08 is an old warhorse of an antivirus program, reliable, powerful, and frequently updated. It's also free for the download (for individual users) from www.f-prot.com/products/corporate_users/win/. Its only "drawback" is that it runs from the DOS prompt, not through Windows...but then again, you know you need a virus program that runs independently of Windows, right? There's also F-PROT for Windows 3.14b, available from the same site, but it costs $25 to keep.

F-Secure Antivirus Klez Removal Tool is a tool for purging the Klez virus off of your machine. Free from www.f-secure.com/v-descs/klez_e.shtml.

Family Key Logger 2.30 monitors your computer's every keystroke, and even logs what window that keystroke was made in. $29 from www.spyarsenal.com/familykeylogger/.

FileGuardian 1.0.1 is a basic file encryption program that integrates with the Windows operating system. Utilizes a 128-bit key for the Advanced Encryption Standard. (One key is used to encrypt and decrypt all your files, eliminating the need to remember multiple keys.) $40 from www.inozsoftware.com/.

FilterGate 4.08 is an expensive ($35) cookie and ad filter that didn't do so well in a recent test. See for yourself at www.filtergate.com/.

Filseclab Personal Firewall is a free, open-source firewall program. Find out more from www.filseclab.com/eng/products/firewall.htm.

Folder Guard 4.14 provides strong security for your selected files and folders, making them invisible or read-only, as you like. You can also control access to Control Panel and system files, and prevent unauthorized use of your PC. $50 from www.winability.com/folderguard/.

Folder Password Expert 1.0 lets you restrict access to the folders that contain your sensitive data. $40 from www.folder-password-expert.com/.

Forgotten Mailbox Password 1.0 recovers forgotten mailbox passwords that are shown as a series of asterisks in the email client. $20 to keep from www.zzee.com/fmp/.

FormatSecure 1.5, an EastTec product, ensures that when you format a disk, be it floppy, hard, or CD, all the previous data on it is completely destroyed. $30 to keep from www.east-tec.com/erprod/formatsc/.

The Game Deputy searches for all games on your machine, and then lets you set restrictions on their availability -- which games can be played and for how long. Good for parents whose kids are failing math but aceing Resident Evil XIX. Even reports back on what games were played when. The site is pretty coy about releasing information on version number and price, but the demo is free for 30 days if you're interested from www.deputysoftware.com/deputy/game_deputy.asp.

GarbageMan 6.0 is a heavy-duty spam filter specifically designed for AOL e-mail. $8 to keep from www.waveop.com/garbageman/.

Gate Keeper 1.0 lets an administrator (or parent, or irritated spouse) create a password-protected set of apps for each user of a PC. A particular user can only access those apps that they have access to; in fact, these are the only apps that fire up when the computer is started. $18 from republika.pl/marszczx/gatekeep.html.

Gator 6.0 was formerly one of the most advertised freeware programs on the Web. The good news is that it is a quite useful little utility, saving data for forms that need filling out, saving passwords, and providing a modicum of data encryption for your PC. The bad news is that Gator users get saturated with advertising, both through using the program and through spam mail. If ads don't bother you, check it out at www.gator.com/. If you're worried, check out www.cexx.org/gator.htm before you try it out. Be warned: Gator collects tons of personal information and disseminates it to anyone who pays for the usage. Worse, it alters Web page displays to show ads that Gator is paid to distribute. Not recommended. Find out more about Gator at www.pcpitstop.com/gator/.

Gladiator AntiVirus 1.5.0 is a professional virus and Trojan scanner, designed to detect and identify known viruses, worms, Trojans, backdoors, and macro viruses within boot sectors, main boot records, partition tables, and memory. It also detects and unpacks runtime- packed trojans/worms/backdoors -- an important feature. Free from www.gladiator-antivirus.com/.

Go1984 2 is a surveillance program designed for any camera that can plug into your computer. Also can be used for video conferencing. $40 from go1984.de/en/.

HackerWacker 2000 PE 4.10 is a multi-featured security program that monitors your PC's usage, provides a firewall, and other features to keep the bad guys out of your data. $30 from www.hackerwacker.com/hackerwacker/Default.htm or www.streiff-is.com/sis/. Check both sites for the lighter "Freewack" version.

Hide Files 2.3 is a security program for hiding files and folders you don't want to share with others, or files and folders that contain confidential or personal information. Free from www.spydex.com/hidefiles.html.

HouseCall is a free Web-based antivirus utility that works through your browser (either Netscape or MSIE). Download and install the small utility, then visit housecall.trendmicro.com/ and let its scanner hunt through your system for unwanted guests. You have the option of automatically cleaning the critters off your drive, simply identifying infected files, or deleting infected files altogether. If you don't mind letting the computers at TrendMicro snoop through your PC, this might appeal to you. It's done a good job for me -- the first time I ran it, it found two viruses on my system that my usual, PC-based virus scanner missed, and I've used it numerous times since then. Not the fastest scan around, but thorough.

Icon Lock-it 2000 is a $40 security utility that lets you easily lock and unlock files on a shared workstation. Find out more at www.moonvalley.com/.

iLock 2.7 is a $29 goodie from www.ilock.com/ that replaces your Windows Explorer shell with a security-intensive shell that restricts access to icons, provides for password-restricted access to various Windows functions, and even lets you hide files or drives from the Save As or Find dialogs. Pretty good security for a nice price.

InDefense 2.10 is another powerful antivirus utility. This one uses "SmartModule" technology to eliminate the need to constantly update virus signatures. Unfortunately, only the demo version is free; the real thing costs $79 from www.indefense.com/.

Info Keep 1.25 is a $25 password manager from www.infokeep.net/ that keeps up with your passwords, but costs you 7MB of hard disk space. Also allows for data file creation and automated backups.

InoculateIT Personal Edition 5.0 is a heck of a deal: a state-of-the-art antivirus scanner that is yours free for the download. You need to register and download it from antivirus.cai.com/ in order to get on their mailing list for virus updates, etc. It doesn't scan e-mail and downloads while they're downloading, but it does just about anything else you want your antivirus program to do. Note: Computer Associates is no longer providing InoculateIT for free, but they are continuing to provide support to customers who already have the program installed. Instead, they are offering ETrust EZAntiVirus for $20 from my.etrust.com/. I imagine the InoculateIT utility is still available from most download sites.

IntegrityCheck 1.03 is a security utility that checks over your PC's security profile, particularly hunting for open ports and backdoor trojans. Free from www.spytech-web.com/icheck.htm.

Internet Access Scheduler 2.0 is a firewall that offers user-level access controls for Windows 9x/ME. Enhances the standard Windows access management and, once installed, administrators can assign permissions to TCP/IP connections. $25 from www.winutility.com/ias/.

Interscope BlackBox 3.0 is a powerful and flexible security suite that encrypts, hides, and/or irretrievably deletes designated files. Not for the casual user, but those of us with serious security needs might want to slide over to www.essentialdetails.com/blackbox/default.asp and check this one out. A shareware version is available for $15, and the CD-ROM can be had for $20.

Invisible Files 2000 is a $30 utility that hides selected files on your hard drives. Not just for keeping those pics of Cindy Margolis (who is this chick, anyway?) or Antonio Sabato from your significant other. Surf over (secretly) to www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Sector/8095/if2000.html for the skinny.

Invisible Secrets 3.1 encrypts data and files for safe keeping or for secure transfer across the net, as well as hides them in places that on the surface appear totally innocent, such as picture or sound files, or web pages. $35 to keep from www.neobytesolutions.com/invsecr/.

iProtect 1.4 is for the truly paranoid among us. Hide, lock, or encrypt just about any file on your computer, or permanently delete files you don't ever want the world to see. $80 is a small price to pay for this level of security. Slip over to www.iss3.com/ for the lowdown.

Jammerr 3.01 is a free desktop security program that offers three levels of security, from a basic level preventing unauthorized bootups, to the highest level, which asks for passwords before any program can be launched. Check it out at members.xoom.com/jet4home/.

KazaaBegone gets Kazaa off of your computer once and for all. Free from www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html.

Kerio Personal Firewall is an open-source variant of Tiny Personal Firewall, $45 from www.kerio.com/. The big-boy version costs $300, so unless you need the kind of protection such a firewall offers, you might try the personal version first.

Key Thief 1.1 captures and logs the keystrokes sent to your computer from your keyboard. A "Keyword" feature takes a shot of the entire computer screen and saves it as a .jpg image for later viewing. All of this activity happens in the background, hidden from the person using the computer at that time. $25 from www.idigitaltech.com/software/.

Keyboard Logger Lite 1.1 records keystrokes made on your computer on every window, even on password protected boxes, to expose everything being typed (e-mails, messages, documents, Web pages, usernames, passwords, etc). Not nearly as undetectable as the author would like you to believe, but worthwhile if you're working with computer illiterates or as an upfront, "I'm watching you" deal. Free from www.panterasoft.com/key-logger/index.php.

Krypton 1.01 allows you to encode files of any type into WAV 16, 8 bit, stereo, mono sounds and bitmaps, as well as ciphering with open key or password protected keys. So what good is it? Well, you could hide all of your passwords in an innocent wallpaper or sound file. Formerly avaiable from www.sontrexsoft.com/, but is currently AWOL.

LeakTest is a free, Web-based service that checks your system for spyware, Trojan Horses, and the like. A Steve Gibson product, from www.grc.com/.

Lock n Safe 4.2.0 restricts keyboard input, preventing the user from switching tasks. The Ctrl+Esc, Alt+Tab, Alt+Ctrl+Del, and hot keys commands are disabled while the password window is displayed. The keyboard will only work to enter your password, and the mouse is locked in the password window once locked. $17 from hotwired.hypermart.net/product.html.

LoginControl 3.1 allows you to manage all your login information from a single interface. All you need to remember is a single password and you can access all your account details, organized into categories. The site itself is Spanish only, but you can figure it out. Free from www.pandreonline.com/productos/logincontrol/.

LockGear Enterprise 1.0 is an easy-to-use software utility that lets you password-protect your system from unauthorized access when you are away from your workplace. $17 from www.softros.com/lockgear.php.

MailDefense 1.0 is a simple and effective protective program to keep mail-borne viruses and other nasties out of your machine. $29 from www.indefense.com/.

Masking Password Generator 2.0.8 is an industrial-strength password generator for both individual home computer users and large corporations. It generates strong, difficult-to-crack random numbers or passwords. $10 from www.accusolve.biz/mpwgen.html.

McAfee Firewall 4.0 is a good firewall utility for personal use; $30 from www.mcafee-at-home.com/products/firewall/default.asp.

McAfee Stinger 2.2.7 provides extra help in detecting and removing viruses. While Stinger is not a substitute for full antivirus protection, it helps you deal with an infected system. The program includes process scanning, digitally signed DAT files, and scan performance optimizations. Free from vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/.

McAfee Student Survival Kit is a package composed of McAfee's virus scanner, backup utility, ad cleaner, Windows cleaning, e-mail encryption, etc. I've hunted around McAfee's Web site without finding a reference to this goodie, so your best bet is to download this from the ZDNet site at www.zdnet.com/downloads/lpad/survivalkit.html and let the program itself lead you through the trial period and possible registration.

McAfee VirusScan 7.0 is a virus scanner from one of the most famous names in the business. Detects and eliminates viruses and works to repair viral damage. $50 to keep from www.nai.com/down/version_av.asp. Warning: AOL users are finding that the earlier 4.0 version refuses to play nice with AOL's software; AOL users should go to support.nai.com/forums/index.html, hunt down the Internet Services section, and click on the Download Support link for more info.

Memoirs2000 Pro 2.11 lets you create, organize, and encrypt any info you choose. $25 to keep from www.secureaction.com/.

Microsoft's Security Screen Savers are free screen savers that help remind users of basic security practices. The package contains two different screen savers. Get yours from www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?ReleaseID=26684.

MouseLock 1.61 traps your mouse inside a virtual "corral" on your screen, preventing others from moving it around while you're away from your desk. The program also protects your desktop from unauthorized rebooting and resetting by disabling special key combinations such as Alt-Tab, Ctrl-Esc, Ctrl-Alt-Delete, and others. $15 from segobit.virtualave.net/ml.htm.

MRU Blaster 1.3 is an application that was made to detect and clean MRU (most recently used) lists on your computer. These lists are virtual paper trails of your computer activity. With MRU-Blaster, you can search out and destroy these lists. Comes with a scheduler if you want it to silently scan and clean your computer at regularly scheduled intervals. Free from www.wilderssecurity.com/mrublaster.html.

Webroot Desktop Firewall, formerly My Firewall Plus, provides corporate-strength protection against hackers, viruses, Trojans, and more. $30 for a year's coverage from www.webroot.com/.

NecroFile 0.84.6255 overwrites deleted files with mock data, thus making them irretrievable. Free from www.necrocosm.com/.

Net-Commando 2000 Lite is a firewall and antivirus package that keeps snoops from rummaging around in your data. A desktop lock and other security features are also provided. $20 to keep from www.deltadesignuk.com/NCLITE/nclite.htm.

NetUnits 1.68 is a small utility that allows you to control computer usage using per-user weekly quotas. Free from www.noonsoon.com/infodocb.htm.

NetWatcher 2.0 invisibly tracks sites visited with your Web browser (IE, Netscape or MSN) to ensure that there is no unauthorized use, or that children do not visit inappropriate sites. Free from kbn.netfirms.com/.

Neverhack 1.2 is a $15 utility that keeps unauthorized snoops from hacking into your system by regularly changing your passwords and scanning for known snooper programs such as BackOrifice. Try it from www.neverhack.com/nh_info.htm.

Norman Virus Control 5.20 (which absorbed ThunderBYTE antiviral products), from www.norman.no/index.shtml, is a well-known and powerful antivirus utility. The demo expires in 30 days, after which you'll have to ante up $60 to keep it. ThunderBYTE users, that utility is no longer in production, nor is it being supported by Norman. The buzz on this utility is that it's well-supported and does a fine job of eradicating viruses from PCs, but it isn't the easiest utility to use.

Norton AntiVirus 2003, from www.symantec.com/avcenter/, is a trial version of the highly rated antivirus program.

Norton Internet Security 2003 provides protection for cable or DSL users who want to keep the crackers and yahoos out of their machines. The demo is free from www.symantec.com/; it'll cost you $70 for the full-featured version, but look on the Net for sales and rebates.

Norton Web Services is a freebie from www.nortonweb.com/ that scans your system for viruses and checks for outdated software and security holes.

Norton Secret Stuff is a freebie that encrypts and password-protects your e-mail. Go to www.symantec.com/trialware/ to download this one.

Omniquad AntiSpy 3.5 is a spyware prevention tool with a number of different programs, including a firewall, pop-up blocker, and more. The basic set is free; the entire suite is $59, both from www.omniquad.com/.

OptOut 0.99 is an unusual, and formerly quite necessary, little piece of freeware. According to the home page at grc.com/optout.htm, a company called Radiate Media, formerly Aureate, is working with a lot of shareware vendors and other Web sites to place tracking files on your computer. These files not only track your browsing habits, they clog your PC and slow down your machine's operation. This program claims to clean out the Radiate/Aureate "spyware" (the list of sites that work with Aureate is long and worrisome) and improve the functionality of your machine as well. After running it once, I found 4 questionable files on my PC. I let OptOut delete them and so far things are running smoothly. Reclaimed a little bit of hard drive, also. (Naturally Radiate Media strongly disputes these claims; they do, however, offer a utility at www.radiate.com/privacy/remover.html that will uninstall the Aureate DLL, as well as disable any free- or shareware associated with it.) Note: GRC has stopped updating OptOut, recommending instead that you use the popular and effective Ad-aware program.

Outpost 1.0 is a recently released personal firewall that compares favorably with ZoneAlarm for ease and efficacy of use. Free from www.agnitum.com.

P-Guard 1.03 uses strong and certified cryptographic services so you can encrypt any type of sensitive user data. Only the owner of the encrypted file may decrypt it. Free from www.softmajor.com/dm/pguard/info.html.

Panda Antivirus Titanium 2.00.02 is a highly regarded antivirus program that provides daily virus updates for the truly paranoid. Panda is a program much more well known in Europe than in America; Panda's Spanish creators are mounting a campaign to get Panda some more visibility across the big ditch. $59 to keep from www.pandasoftware.com/ (the Platinum 6.26 utility can be had for $25).

Panda Online Virus Scan is a free Web-based virus scan utility that runs completely without any downloading on your end. Check it out at www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/.

Paraben's Password Manager 2.1.2 is a $15 password-management utility from www.paraben.com/ that stores all of your PC passwords, ATM PINs, etc. in an encrypted file. Remember one "Master Password" and you're in.

Passcenter is a Web site that promises to keep all of your passwords safe for your perusal, eliminating the need for you to remember dozens of passwords. Free at www.passcenter.com.

PassCrypt 1.2 lets you store passwords, credit card numbers, and software registration codes while you're filling out Web forms. The password generator can create either simple or strong passwords for the requirements (number of characters, etc.) any site may have. The optional password protection encrypts your data with a military-strength Blowfish cipher. $15 from www.permutations.com/PassCrypt.html .

PassKeeper is a free password manager from www.passkeeper.com/ that remembers passwords for you. Highly recommended by several Net gurus.

PassMan 9.5 is another password management utility; this one will cost you $25 to keep from www.ijen.net/.

Password Agent 1.1.0 is a free password manager program that stores your passwords for easy access. Find out more from www.moonsoftware.com/pwagent.asp. The Unlimited version stores any number of passwords and costs $15; the free version stores up to 25.

Password Depot 1.1 is a user-friendly tool for the management of your passwords. It uses security algorithms such as BlowFish and Rijndael to encrypt your files and also includes a file shredder that allows you to fully destroy files created with the program. Features include a password generator, backup options, password expiration, search functions, import/export and more. Password Depot includes a browser bar that attaches to the top of your screen and provides quick access to all your passwords without taking up much screen space. The auto-complete feature can optionally automatically fill in username and password for you. This free version is limited to 20 password accounts - which should be sufficient for the average user. Find out more from www.password-depot.de/en/.

Password Keeper for Windows 4.6 stores up to 1000 passwords in a secure file, and retrieves them for use quickly and easily. $20 to keep from www.execpc.com/~sbd/.

Password Revealer is a utility that can show you most hidden passwords, especially those concealed by asterisks in a dialog box. Does not work with Win NT's User Manager or MSIE's site passwords. Granted, this utility has the potential for misuse, but it's also good for helping out those of us who just can't remember that damn password any more. Free from www.rekenwonder.com/revealer.htm.

Password Safe 2.04 is a free, reliable password storer that manages and hides your passwords. Try it from passwordsafe.sourceforge.net/.

Password Spectator 1.0 allows you to reveal passwords that are hidden behind ****** symbols. Free from www.refog.com/.

Password Tracker Deluxe 3.60 securely stores your passwords and enters them at the appropriate prompts. $25 from www.clrpc.com/ptd/.

PasswordPrompter is another free password-management utility, this one from PC Magazine at www.pcmag.com/utilities/. The source code is also available.

PC Lock 1.08 lets you lock down your PC within a specified time, or from startup. You can disable the function keys to prevent loading in Safe Mode (a favorite way for unfriendlies to bypass passwords and security options), have an alarm sound when unauthorized access is attempted, even give visitors the option to leave you a message without being able to access the computer's functions. Free from www.petsyb.com/.

PC LockUp 2.02 password-protects your PC and restricts others from using it while you are away. For multiple users, an allowed time schedule and duration can be defined for each user, so access can be restricted in definite hours. $27 from www.softheap.com/wlock.html.

PC-Center 1.0 is a suite of numerous security related utilities designed for personal use. $50 from www.verifiedsecurity.com/.

PC-cillin 2003 is Trend Micro's highly regarded antivirus utility, available as a demo version from www.antivirus.com/pc-cillin/; it'll cost you $50 for a fully functional, unlimited version.

PC-Timer 2.0 allows you to allot time for users for each program or for the entire PC. Want to restrict your kids to an hour of Net gaming a night? Employees to lunchtime browsing? This program lets you do just that. $30 from www.pctimer.com/.

PestPatrol 4.3 performs the same functions as Ad-Aware, namely identifying and removing spyware from your computer. $20 from www.pestpatrol.com/.

PGP for Personal Privacy 8.0, $39 from www.mcafee.com/, encrypts anything on your hard disk to keep prying eyes away. It also allows you to encrypt mail so that only the recipient can read it. Even better, it's free for non-commercial use from web.mit.edu/network/pgp.html (Canadian users, go to web.mit.edu/network/pgp-form-canada.html).

PicoZip Recovery Tool 1.0 helps you recover passwords from .ZIP files. Free from www.picozip.com/prt/index.html.

Pirem TopSecret 1.2.0.2 helps organize a collection of private passwords, hyperlinks, mails, comments, etc and encrypts them with the Blowfish cipher algorithm (cipher key is up to 448 bits). Free from www.pirem.com/topsecret.html.

Point Lock Pro 2.0 protects files and data on personal computer systems from intruders at keyboard level and hidden dangers that are inherent to being connected on a network. The program uses 128-bit encryption for password protection. Free from www.ahranta.com/02products_01plp.asp.

Port Blocker allows you to block the Internet port of most servers, making them unreachable to other computers on the Internet. Not a firewall per se, but will allow you to run a server that is only available on the local network, and will log any access attempts made by other machines that are attempting to use the blocked interface. By default, PortBlocker is configured to block the most common types of servers that might be on a system (FTP, HTTP, etc), so will not require any modification for most users. Free from www.analogx.com/contents/download/network/pblock.htm.

Port Detective 1.01 analyzes the ports in your system to find holes that hackers, crackers, and deranged teenagers can exploit. If you have a cable modem or xDSL modem, this utility will give you the details on what TCP/IP ports are open, in use, or blocked, and will tell you if you can run an Internet server. Free from www.portdetective.com.

PortsLock 1.1 is a firewall with user-level access controls. With PortsLock installed, administrators can assign permissions to TCP/IP connections just as they would in a hard disk NTFS partition. $50 from www.portslock.com/.

Power AntiVirus 2.5 is a strong shareware antivirus program. $25 from www.simtel.net/pub/dl/59363.html.

PowerCrypt 2000 4.3 is a file encoder to help ensure your files are safe by using a secure encryption algorithm. Free from www.ovsoft.com/powercry_eng.htm.

PowerRestrictor 0.1.5.3 lets you restrict access to Windows features such as display settings, network settings, desktop settings, printers, start-up, shutdown, registry, the clock and more. $18 from www.emesoft.se/.

Privacy Bird makes it easy to find and scrutinize the privacy policies of any Web site you visit. Runs under Internet Explorer 5 and later. Free from www.privacybird.com/.

Privacy Cleaner Pro 3.20 cleans up all the unwanted history data on your computer. It allows you to erase the cache, cookies, history, typed URLs, autocomplete memory from your browsers, the Window's temp folder, run history, search history, open/save history, recent documents and more. $30 from linren.com/privacy/.

Privacy Companion 1.01 manages the cookies you collect in your Web surfing, as well as several other privacy-related tasks. Free from www.idcide.com.

Private Desktop 1.6 promises to keep your shared desktop secure, by creating a second desktop inaccessible without passwords. If you're sharing desktops through your company's LAN, you may well appreciate this one. $20 from www.tropsoft.com.

Privacy Sweeper 2.50 allows you to erase the cache, cookies, history, typed URLs, auto complete memory from your browsers and Window's temp folder, run history, search history, recent documents, network password, etc. $30 from www.zjsoftware.com/.

Privatefirewall 2.0 is a $15 firewall utility from www.privacyware.com/products.html that claims to be very simple to set up and use.

ProfileCopy is a backup program that saves your user profiles for your screensaver settings, event sounds, and colors. Not an absolute necessity, but probably worth the $14 to keep it. Try it from www.12ghosts.com/ghosts/profile.htm.

Protect Storage PassView 1.2 reveals the passwords collected in Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook. The tool shows only the passwords of the currently logged-on user. Warning: If someone has access to your local machine, he or she can use tools like this to steal your passwords. Free from www.nirsoft.net/.

Psychokey 1.0 can be used to remove the Password-Protection and to decrypt the password of a WIN95/98/ME screensaver. If you copy the 4 files included in the ZIP-File that you download to the main Directory of a CD-ROM, you will even be able to crack the Password-Protection of a running WIN95/98/ME screensaver but only if the CD-autorun-function of the protected System is activated. Free from www.psychoware.here.de/.

PWCache is a password-protected program that retrieves all the passwords that Windows stores for you. It shows what the passwords are for, their type, user name and the password itself. It can save and print the list. It won't decrypt passwords that are encrypted by Windows. Free from camtech2000.com/Pages/Useful.html.

Quick Hide Windows 1.0 hides your desktop -- or selected icons, etc. -- from prying eyes, as well as providing password-only access. Free from www.cronosoft.com/download/qhw/.

Random Password Generator 1.0 allows you to generate one or many secure, random passwords. Free from www.paehl.de/.

RedHand Pro 5.1 is a $99 security app that secretly records all activities performed on a PC while you're away. Multiple machines can be monitored from a single PC. Snoops, this one's for you. A demo is available from www.harddrivesoftware.com.

Safelock, a $36 security utility from sihs.bizland.com, password-protects your PC's files and settings from almost any changes made by outside parties.

SaveIt! 2.2 allows you to password protect any program or document. You can also restrict access based on the windows user account and disable password protection temporarily. Free from www.netcult.ch/neroes/?FRAME=en.

Screen Guard 2.0 provides different security policies for different users. You can manage policies using the profile created for every user. $15 from www.viewizard.com/SG/.

Script Defender 1.02 is a security program that keeps designated scripts from loading on your system. Useful for keeping virus- and worm-laden objects from infesting your computer. Free from www.analogx.com/contents/download/system.htm.

Script Sentry 2.1.0 checks for malicious Windows Scripting Host scripts, ShellScrap documents, HTA files, REG files, and Word and Excel macros. A valuable adjunct to your antivirus scanner, and free from www.jasons-toolbox.com/.

Secure Desktop keeps unwanted users off your PC when you're away; it even logs the attempts that are made to use it when you're not there. Especially useful for networked computers whose LANs are prone to being hacked. $30 from www.sybergen.com/.

SecureIt Pro 4.65 locks your computer when you're not there, preventing anyone else from accessing your desktop. You can set multiple passwords so that more than one user can unlock a computer, and even use a floppy disk as a "key" to lock and unlock your PC. Free from homepages.ihug.com.au/~ipex/index.htm.

Secret Space 1.0 lets you insert "secret" messages inside text documents. Certainly you can think of some interesting uses for this little goodie, which requires the VB Runtime files to run properly. $8 from www.andrewgray.com/i_sspace.htm.

Secure Address Book is a plug-in for Outlook that encrypts your address book, making it harder for viruses and worms to hijack your addresses. $35 to keep from www.y2kbrady.com/firewallreporting/.

SecurityPlus 1.33 is unique in that it can encrypt applications, as well as data files. Once you set up a quick list of secured programs, you can then run them from within SecurityPlus. $30 from www.softbytelabs.com/.

SecurityWorks 4.0 is a suite of security utilities for your desktop system. Useful for home or office, it'll cost you $100 from www.spytech-web.com/securityworks.shtml.

Sentinel 3.1.2.404 adds a Security tab to the File Properties dialog box that offers you the ability to hide, block, or log file and folder access from within the Windows File Properties menu. It also offers monitoring functionality that lets you keep track of activity on your hard drive. $35 from www.xproc.com/New/Sentinel/Sentinel.htm.

Settings Sentry 1.1 stops malicious Web pages, software and other types of sneakware from changing your Internet Explorer settings; works like a firewall for vulnerable Internet Explorer settings. $20 from www.spyblocker-software.com/ss/ss.htm.

ShellCrypt 1.0 lets you encrypt and hide personal files from prying eyes. Free from www.pcmag.com/utilities/.

ShieldsUP! isn't a program, it's a Web-based utility that lets you find out how vulnerable your system is to "denial of service" attacks from outside hackers. If you're open, GRC will offer you a copy of ZoneAlarm, a very highly regarded utility that emulates a firewall without many of a true firewall's drawbacks. ZoneAlarm is free for consumers and $20 for corporate users. Get all the info you can stand from www.grc.com.

Shredder 95 1.14 not only deletes files from your hard drive, it writes over the physical disk space they occupied to ensure that they cannot ever be retrieved. Good for the paranoid among us. $19 from www.gale-force.com/shredder/.

SiFEU 0.9 is a program that lets you encrypt files with strong Blowfish encryption and SHA-1 for calculating the hash sum of the password. Free from user.tninet.se/~xya429e/.

Sigaba Secure 3.1 is a Web-based mail encryption service that works with most major e-mail clients; free from www.sigaba.com/. Does not work with Win 95.

Slap 1.1.1.6 integrates with ZoneAlarm and BlackICE and allows you to send a response message "slap" to IP addresses that are scanning your ports. The program then sends a custom message (default: Leave me alone) to the originator of the scan. Free from www.securitysoftware.cc/.

Smart Whois 3.5 is a clever little utility that finds out all kinds of info about an IP address, home page, domain, and more. Useful for finding out who's pinging your firewall 293 times a day. $30 from www.tamos.com/index.shtml.

Solo Antivirus 2.5 scans for all existing viruses and contains a system integrity checker to protect you from new Internet worms, backdoor programs and malicious VB script and JavaScript. $25 from www.srnmicro.com/products/.

Sophos Anti-Virus for Win 95/98/ME, formerly called Sophos Sweep, is a popular European anti-virus utility, very well regarded on that side of the big ditch. An evaluation copy is free; you can order your own copy through www.sophos.com/, but they're coy about giving away details like prices and so forth on their site.

Spector Pro 4.0 monitors all activity on a computer and snaps screenshots at a frequency you designate, then provides you with a report on who's doing what to whom. Records everything: chat conversations, instant messages, e-mail messages, all Web sites visited, all applications run, and all keystrokes typed. $99 from www.spectorsoft.com/.

spIE 1.0 isn't the kind of utility I usually plug, but if you need to keep track of what others are doing on your PC's copy of Internet Explorer, fire up this sneaky little tool. Even the usual cache purge and history erasure won't fool this little critter. Good for paranoid parents and bosses who think their people are visiting Pamela Lee sites instead of doing their jobs. Free from www.satacoy.com/spie/main.htm.

SpyBot Search and Destroy 1.1 is an excellent program for finding and rooting out spyware and adware programs. Free from security.kolla.de/.

Spy Chaser is a free, highly regarded anti-spyware tool available from camtech2000.net/Pages/SpyChaser.html.

SpyChecker finds spyware on your PC. Several Web sites and software providers like to sneak little additions onto your machine to track your surfing habits and report back to HQ...sneaky, huh? Catch them in the act with this Web-based goodie. Free from www.spychecker.com/.

SpyCop 4.52 is a countersurveillance program that scans your PC for keystroke loggers and other spyware programs, and removes them as desired. Three versions are available, including a free trial version, a $50 version for home use, and a $70 version for the workplace. Find out more from www.spycop.com/.

SpyDetect 2.5 is a $25 program that performs similarly to SpyCop above. Find out more from www.spydetect.com/home.htm.

SpySites includes a database of over 1,500 known spyware providers and other questionable sites, and guides you through the process of including them in IE's Restricted Zone and setting policies to prevent them from performing intrusive acts on your PC. By setting the policies for the restricted sites zone to a very high level of security, you can be assured that any web sites added to the Restricted sites zone cannot do certain things which could compromise your privacy and security such as installing and/or running ActiveX controls, Java applets, JavaScript, cookies, download and installation of desktop items, use of your email address as an anonymous FTP password, hijacking your home page and/or search page, installing their spyware without your knowledge, and more. Free (the Plus version is $20) from camtech2000.com/Pages/SpySites_Program.html.

SpyStopper 3.0 blocks the devices that are used to track and profile you. Blocks only those suspicious ads, cookies and scripts that are intrusive and may cause security and privacy concerns. $30 from www.itcompany.com/spystop.htm.

Spytech SpyAgent 4.3 is for those who really need to monitor computer usage. It enables you to log all keystrokes typed, windows and applications launched, websites visited, passwords used, IM conversations, and all Internet connections made. All logs are easily viewed with the built in log viewers and can be saved to a text format for e-mail transfer or printouts. SpyAgent can also capture all passwords as well as capture screenshots of the desktop at set time intervals. $50 from www.spytech-web.com/.

Spyware Begone Free Scan 2.0 is a web-based utility, also available for download, that finds and removes unwanted Spyware and Adware infections, including key loggers. It prevents identity and credit card theft, data corruption, hacker attacks and popup ads. Free from spywarebegone.com/freeware/index.html.

SpywareBlaster 3.2 prevents the installation of certain types of spyware. It works by setting the "kill bit" of well-known spyware ActiveX controls, such as Comet Cursor, Xupiter, and so on. After this has been done, the spyware will not run on your computer, and if you go to a page which would otherwise automatically install it, IE will recognise that the kill bit is set and refuse the installation. All other ActiveX controls will work fine. Note that if you have any software which uses spyware, that disabling it in this way may cause these programs to stop functioning. It's probably best to run Ad-Aware first to detect the spyware and which programs they come from, and then to install SpywareBlaster afterwards. Free (donations requested) from www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html.

StartStop 1.0 restricts the usage of programs that run on your computer. Good for locking kids or co-workers out of particular programs, or restricting the time your teenage son can play Diablo. Free from www.tfi-technology.com/.

Stealth is a sneaky little utility that creates a hidden virtual drive on your hard disk. When Stealth isn't running, the drive is non-functional. Crank up the program, enter the password, and you're in a part of the disk only you know about and can access. A new version should be available now, that not only hides your data but encrypts it. $20 from www.megashock.net/stealth/info.htm.

Stealth Keyboard Interceptor Pro 4.0 has one of the sexier titles in the shareware catalogs. It keeps track of keyboard strokes, mouse clicks, and system key operations during a logged session. You can use the info to reconstruct a computing session to find out what caused a crash or who downloaded the nude pics of your aunt. $60 to keep from www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Sector/8095/skin98as.html.

Steganos is a utility that lets you hide data on your hard disk; not only is the file encrypted, it's hidden, thus avoiding the question, "Why'dja encrypt that file? What's in it?" A free demo version is available from www.centurionsoft.com/, the full version costs $35 to download or $40 on a CD. If you really like it, Steganos 3 Security Suite ups the ante even more, and costs $60.

Steganos Crypt&Go 1.5 isn't related to the above product, I think. What it does do is encrypts sensitive data for transmission via the Internet, and compresses it to boot. $149 to keep from www.demcom.com/en/cng/.

Stellar Wipe overwrites data and wipes internet traces using secure data destruction methods. The personal version is free; the pro version is $40 to keep from www.stellarinfo.com/file-eraser.htm.

Sure Delete 4.2.3 removes every vestige of a deleted file from your hard drive. Does the same with directory trees. Free from www.concentric.net/~ledvich/dw/sdel.html.

SurfinGuard Pro 5.7 Beta 2 intercepts all the active content downloaded onto your machine -- e-mail attachments, Java applets, scripts, ActiveX files, and .EXE programs. It flags the item and drops it into a "holding area" for your attention. It'll even allow you to see what the suspicious bit is trying to do to your machine, and stop it before it gets started. Slick, and free from www.finjan.com/. Quite useful as an adjunct to your antivirus and firewall utilities.

Sygate Personal Firewall 5.5 is a powerful, free ($40 for the Pro version) firewall utility for personal PCs. The documentation makes it easy for even the less initiate to use, though it still isn't easy. Check it out at www.sygate.com/.

Symbol Commander 3.0 encrypts and stores your passwords for Web sites and e-mail accounts, then lets you draw a symbol on screen to quickly and easily enter them later without typing a thing. $30 from www.sensiva.com/, and obviously requires a touch screen. Some Toshiba and Sotec Tablet PCs are shipping with Symbol Commander bundled in.

System Security Suite 1.02 completely eliminates selected kinds of user activity on your computer and can help get rid of potentially harmful programs (such as keyloggers and Internet spies). Lots of features, and free from www.igorshpak.net/.

System Shield 2.0 provides military-strength defense against unauthorized attempts at recovering private or confidential information on your computer. Uses methods approved by the U.S. Department of Defense to ensure that all files that have been deleted are permanently disposed of, beyond any possible recovery. Works by proactively finding files that have been deleted and eliminating the data that was once held within them, as well as permanently erasing all evidence that they ever existed on your system in the first place. $40 from www.iolo.com/ss/.

TaskGuard 2000 is an $80 security program from www.moonlight-software.com/taskguard.htm that monitors activity on your PC when you're away. It also lets you disable any Windows program and locks others out of sensitive areas.

Tauscan is a virus scanning utility that keeps your PC free of Trojan horse programs. $30 to keep from www.agnitum.com/.

Tiny Personal Firewall 2.0.14 is a free (for personal/home use) firewall utility available from www.tinysoftware.com/index.php. It's almost 100% manual, making it ideal for advanced users and tough for the less knowledgeable among us.

TDS-2: Trojan Defence Suite 2.8.2 scans your machine for over 520 known Trojan horse viruses, including the "I Love You" variants. Free demo; the fully functional program is $33 from tds.diamondcs.com/au/.

Textbck 3.0uses 192-bit encryption to safely and securely encrypt files, making this program strong enough for government use; also has the ability to send your encrypted items via email. $25 from www.bckwks.com/Textbck.htm.

Tiny Personal Firewall 5.5.1298 from www.tinysoftware.com/ is another strong, free-of-charge firewall program. Like the others, it features a Pro version ($50) that most of us won't need.

Trojan Remover 4.4.4 keeps an eye out for Trojan horse infestations. $25 from www.simplysup.com.

TSS Office Lock, a freebie from www.wopr.com, stiffens MSWord and MSExcel's paltry password protection.

TypeItIn is a little goodie that will paste in any information you like into a Web page form. The free version is ad-supported, while the Professional version is more powerful but costs $17.50 to keep. Get more info at www.wavget.com/typeitin.html.

TZ Personal Firewall is a nice firewall for a paltry $15. Try it out from www.trackzapper.com/.

User Logger 2.9 keeps track of what users are doing on their machines. Free from chemware.co.nz/.

V-Go Universal Password 1.5 is a free password utility that remembers all of your passwords for you. All you have to do is remember the V-Go password, and it does the rest. Sniff it out from www.passlogix.com.

Vault 2.0 is a cheap ($6) way to keep the unwashed and unauthorized off of your PC. Get the lowdown from ashore.hypermart.net/products.htm.

VCatch Virus Catcher 3.7 checks all the files sent or downloaded to your computer via e-mail and Web applications. Powerful, automatically updated, and free from www.vcatch.com/index.html.

Verschwindibus 1.7 is a simple, low-level security program: when you press the hotkey, it blanks your screen. Good for those of us who get tired of prying eyes staring over our shoulder. Free from www.cfs-technologies.com/.

Viralock prevents the spread of e-mail viruses by preventing them from leaving an infected computer. Aimed at individuals and small businesses, this program encrypts addresses found in e-mail programs so that a virus cannot replicate by sending itself out. Intended to complement current antivirus products, and works automatically and transparently in the background. $20 from www.sentrybay.com/.

Virus Trap 1.0 won't remove viruses from your system, but it will capture samples of it for transmission to an anti-virus company for identification. Not useful for all of us, but if you think trapping virus samples could be useful to you, try this free utility from www.diamondcs.com.au/vtrap.htm.

VirusScan Integrator 5.0 lets you scan the same file with multiple virus scanners without them falling over each other's feet. Free from www.handybits.com/.

VisualICE Report Utility 4.7 works with BlackICE to identify the bounders trying to penetrate your system. Free from www.visualizesoftware.com/.

VisualZone Report Utility 5.7 is a logfile analyzer that works with your firewall to help trace unwanted guests who try to peek inside your computer. Very complete, and free from www.visualizesoftware.com/.

Visual ZIP Password Recovery Processor 5.2 is a professional tool for recovering ZIP archive passwords. $30 from www.zipcure.com/.

W32.Klez Removal Tool is a freebie from Symantec that removes all known Klez variants from your computer. This is an essential. Scarf it up at securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/
data/w32.klez.removal.tool.html

The Warlock Project 2000 is a Win 98-only security utility that blocks unauthorized users from your machine with humorous messages. Free from home.adelphia.net/~fcid/cidsoft/cidhtml/warlock.htm.

WCPUID.EXE is a freebie from www.h-oda.com/ that gives you extremely thorough information about your CPU. Linux and FreeBSD versions are also available.

Webmaster Password Generator 1.0 is a powerful tool to generate large lists of random passwords. The passwords can be based on different criteria, including length, upper and lower case letters, numbers, special characters, and even custom strings. The generated passwords can be copied to the clipboard or saved in a text file. The program is suitable for home users to generate a few passwords, but it can also create lists containing thousands of passwords to be used with ISPs, Web sites, etc. Free from www.tropicdesigns.net/password-generator.html.

WebPasskey, from www.maxlock.com/, keeps your passwords safe and handy; it also autogenerates passwords and even fills out Web forms for you. Try the demo for 30 days, and purchase the unlock code for $30.

Whisper 32 1.12 is a free password manager from www.ivory.org/whisper.html that keeps up with your passwords, and creates new passwords when prompted.

Whois View 1.0 allows you to determine the owner of an IP block. Unlike regular WHOIS tools, WhoisView may be used to find information such as who owns a specified IP address block, who is the Web hosting provider for a Web site, who provides the DNS for a domain, etc. To make proper use of this software, you should know the difference between IP Block ownership and domain name ownership, or otherwise use a regular WHOIS tool. A command line version of the software is also available. I use this to keep track of who is pinging me while I'm online. Free from www.whoisview.com/.

Who's Watching Me? finds any tracking software installed on your system. Some corporations might not take kindly to your running this on their machines. $25 to keep from www.trapware.com/.

WildID is a Web-driven security site that encrypts your e-mails. You can set up multiple WildIDs with varying levels of information and security protocols. Free to use at www.wildid.com/.

Winalysis for 2K/XP is a security auditing tool for Windows computers and networks. The program can take snapshots of files, the registry, users, groups, services, scheduled jobs, security policies and more. Free from www.winalysis.com/.

Windows Security Officer 5.0 is a program that keeps unwanted users from accessing your PC when you're away from the keyboard. $25 from www.mybestsoft.com.

WinGuard 1.1 is a truly sneaky little security utility. Your password locks and unlocks a faux desktop that can be seen, but not touched without the secret password. It even disables the CTRL-ALT-DEL function, just in case they try to foil your plan that way. Free from wolfman.maxplanet.com/my_programs.htm.

WinLock Millennium 1.00a is a PC security package which provides users with good protection against pesky kiddies, nosy grandmas or any unwelcome users. Not recommended for Win ME, and will not work with XP. Free from www.windowspc.com/start.pl?page=/system/WinLock_Millennium.htm (homepage unavailable).

WinPatrol 7.0 combines a Startup/Active Tasks monitor and a way to sniff out worms, Trojan horses, cookies, adware, spyware and other malicious programs. Free (the Plus version is $20) from www.winpatrol.com/.

WinRoute Pro 4.1 is a router and security firewall program that allows you to set all of the computers in your network to a single Internet connection. You can connect through a dial-up line, digtal subscriber line, ISDN, cable modem, leased line, or DirecPC. The program supports all popular protocols, including HTTP, FTP, SMTP/POP3, ICQ, Telnet, and IRC. Not cheap -- the lite version is $79 and the pro version $149, but a worthy product. Find out more from www.tinysoftware.com/products.php.

Winsecure-IT 5.31 mimics the "lockout" function that the Ctrl+Alt+Del sequence provides on Win NT computers. For Win 95/98/ME systems, naturally, and free to boot. Check it out at www.sguft.com/default.asp?mode=ProductInfo"ID=2.

WinWarden 2.1.1241.30998 monitors all the surfing, accessed programs, and so forth from the System Tray. Useful for keeping an eye on what the kids are doing, though probably not secure enough for serious monitoring. Free from home.insightbb.com/~t7/winwarden.html.

Word for Windows Password Cracker lets forgetful Word users access password-protected documents even if they forgot the password. Also useful for other, more questionable jobs. This and lots of other "cracker" programs are available from spider.bokler.com/bokler/bsw_crak.html.

WormGuard 2.1 protects your system from "worms," nasty little programs that aren't always caught by the average antivirus program. $19 to keep from www.diamondcs.com.au.

Write All System Passwords 1.0 displays all passwords of the currently logged-on user directly from the PWL file. It allows you to see all of your passwords, and to modify or delete them as needed. I'd suggest you use this one on your own PC only -- i.e. NOT the PC at work -- and use it with caution. This free utility can be very useful, and very open to misuse. Check it out at www.iopus.com/overview.htm.

X-Cleaner Anti-SpyWare and Trace Cleaner 2.0 removes traces of documents you've opened, and detects and removes spyware from your computer. The program finds and removes adult content from your computer, and permanently erases files. In addition to covering your tracks, stops password theft and detect and removes dozens of commonly used spyware programs. $40 from www.xblock.com/.

Z-File Camouflage System is a $30 goodie that lets you create bitmapped images to secretly hide sensitive data files. Sort of a James Bondian take on "The Purloined Letter." Imagine your friends exclaiming, "Had I just known to click on Cindy Crawford's thong, I could have linked into Fred's secret address file!" Yeah, well, okay, but if this kind of thing appeals to you, check out www.in4sec.com/e_product.htm.

Zero Footprint Crypt 1.4 encrypts your files using the Blowfish algorithm. Comes with a built-in viewer for images, movies, sound and support for MP3 tags. Offers a unique way to view encrypted image files without decrypting them to a file, but to memory instead. Free from users.hol.gr/~kabriel/.

Zero Knowledge Systems Freedom 2.0 is a free security suite, including firewall, form filler, cookie manager, and ad manager; finicky to configure, and not easy to uninstall, but the price is right. Check it out at www.zeroknowledge.com.

Zone Alarm Pro Plus 5.0 is an excellent personal firewall utility for Web surfers who want protection against viruses and crackers. Get the lowdown from www.zonelabs.com/. This is one of the most raved-over utilities I've seen in recent memory; one expert says it's an absolute security must for DSL and cable users, and a good bet for dial-up users also. (Take a look at my newsletter that reviews ZoneAlarm.) The Pro version costs $50, and offers lots of enhanced features for power users and business/networked clients, while the free version is fine for most of us. Note: firewalls worth their salt aren't "install-and-go" programs. Like other firewalls, you'll have to do some "care and feeding" during the first few days after initial installation to configure ZoneAlarm to work with your preferences and needs. It's worth the initial effort. Also, some ZoneAlarm users are having problems with installation and configuration; ZoneAlarm is working to resolve these issues. Contact them at support@zonelabs.com, and check the following pages for support: for the free version, surf to www.zonelabs.com/services/support_za_install.htm, and for Pro owners, go to www.zonelabs.com/services/support_zap_install.htm. For help with installation and use, check out www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/stories/main/0,5594,2610364,00.html, and don't forget to try the users' forum at www.zonelabs.com/store/content/support/
userCommunity/userComm_agreement.jsp.

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