If you’ve been following the Komando Downloads section for a while now, you’re most likely familiar with all the free productivity software tools that we feature regularly. From photo editors, graphics programs, utilities, games and other essential apps, there’s always something for everyone.
Productivity software, utilities, and games are nice to have but there’s another important category of software you shouldn’t ignore – security. Security is so important that it is usually the first thing that needs to be checked on any new computer.
Windows 10 already has built-in antivirus and firewall software but if you want to go beyond what these default programs give you, here are three more downloads for optimum Windows security.
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall
ZoneAlarm is a free, downloadable firewall and antivirus that is highly configurable and effective against many kinds of cyberattacks. Once installed, it will monitor all of your computer’s incoming and outgoing traffic with an option to go invisible by using Full Stealth Mode. It will also monitor programs for any malicious activity and behavior.
In addition, ZoneAlarm’s free firewall offers personal data and identity protection.
Click here to download ZoneAlarm’s Free Firewall.
Note: Please keep in mind that newer Windows machines already have a built-in firewall. It is not recommended having two firewalls running simultaneously on the same machine. If you want to try out ZoneAlarm’s free firewall, please turn off Windows Firewall.
Microsoft Security Essentials
If you’re running Windows 8 or 10, you may have noticed that your system already has built-in antivirus and malware protection software called Windows Defender. It’s actually a decent program for guarding your PC against virus and malware threats.
However, Windows Defender is not available for Windows 7 machines. If you’re looking to protect an older Windows 7 machine, you can download the comparable Microsoft Security Essentials.
Similar to Windows Defender, this free download will guard your Windows 7 PC against the latest virus and malware threats while providing real-time protection.
Click here to download Microsoft Security Essentials.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
When it comes to computer security, there are so many things to think about. You need antivirus software, anti-spyware programs and a firewall, but if you think security ends there, you’re sadly mistaken.
The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer is a free download that will help you assess your computer’s security. It will make sure Windows and Office are updated with all the necessary security patches.
You can also learn about other security issues that you might otherwise overlook. For example, it will check for multiple administrator accounts to see if other users have more control over the machine than they should.
And what about your account password? If your password is weak, others might be able to access your account. The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer will alert you if account passwords aren’t strong enough.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer gives you a detailed assessment that will be quite lengthy. Take the time to read it thoroughly and fix any problems listed. It is another tool in your arsenal to protect your machine.
Warning: This is a tool geared toward advanced users. Following some of its recommendations could break other programs or Windows if done incorrectly. Before you make any changes to your system, be sure you understand what you are doing.
Click here to download the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer.