Free PC software tools are what people turn to when money is tight and their computers need fixing or performance boosts. Now, do not go on believing that just because they are offered for free, they probably are not effective. Most of these software programs are quite good at delivering what they promise. There are plenty of decent free PC software tools floating around on the Web that are available for download, which you can use right this minute.

Free PC Software Tools - Are They Worth Your Time?

If you are having trouble deciding on which free PC software tools or products to get, the list below might help. It includes the 10 categories of extremely popular applications that people use on a regular basis.

• Antivirus software. The free edition AVG Antivirus 7 has undergone constant improvement since its release in 1991. It updates and scans everything PC-related automatically, and utilizes minimal system resources. Equally good is the Avast antivirus program. It features a media player-type interface. However, unlike AVG, it does require regular re-registration.
• Browser protection software utilities. One example is Sandboxie, which creates something like a “sandbox” that completely separates users’ Internet activities from other computer components. These files can be deleted when done or cleared for permanent saving. This program works only for Windows 2000 and up.

SpywareBlaster can be used for earlier versions of Windows. It modifies several settings on the PC to prevent infection. Manual updates for this program are free, . The paid service update costs about $10 yearly.

• Trojan remover/scanner software. The AVG anti-spyware is great for detecting Trojans and spyware.
• Utilities for intrusion detection and prevention. Cyberhawk offers extra protection for PCs and does not cost anything to use. Experienced users could opt for Blink Personal, but setting it up and using it is a bit tough.
• Software suites . Thunderbird can sub for Outlook, OpenOffice for MS Office XP, 7-zip for the Winzip and The Gimp for the Adobe Photoshop. Users can avail of many features found in pricey programs minus spending a dime.
• Web browsers. Version 2 Mozilla Firefox is a safer web browser to use compared to Internet Explorer 7. It has none of the security attacks associated with IE7. It has around 1,000 free extensions that allow for great browser customization. Opera is another free browser worth checking out. Considered the fastest among common web browsers, its standard features are able to cover many of the extensions provided by Firefox.
• Scumware/Adware/Spyware removers. Spyware Terminator works with all Windows versions. The Microsoft Windows Defender comes in free beta and has solid protection capabilities. However, it tends to eat up considerable processing power and needs to be run on XP SP2 legal versions.
• Firewalls. The Sunbelt Kerio Personal firewall works great, but once the 30-day trial is over, it asks the user to purchase it every time it launches. Still, this is a minor inconvenience given what it can do for the PC for FREE. Comodo firewall is another good product as it supports the sharing of Internet connection.
• Rootkit Scanners and Removers. BlackLight is considered one of the least complicated and most useful detectors out today. SysInternals RootkitRevealer is perfect for more advanced PC users.
• Anonymous surfing services. Keeping all online activities anonymous is easy with JAP. Although Tor somewhat slows down surfing, it does provide anonymous email, P2P, IRC chat, IM and browsing so it is still worth considering.
• Free search toolbars. These allow users to conduct Internet searches minus having to access the homepage of search engines first. The best ones are those that feature popup blocking, anti-spyware capabilities and web-form spellcheckers.

If paid programs are out of the question, free PC software tools are the next best thing. Most of them serve up features found in most expensive advanced software tools. The Internet contains a boatload of info on such free PC software tools. Learn more about what works and what does not by scanning reviews of these free PC software tools online.