Check out these five free utilities programs that will keep your computer running smoothly.
AVG Anti-Virus
AVG Anti-Virus is one of the most highly regarded free antivirus programs currently available. AVG first appeared in 1991 and has been regularly updated to reflect current viruses that plague Web users. AVG Anti-Virus provides free virus-protection and antispyware scanning, although you'll have to upgrade to paid versions to block rootkit attacks and spam and to get a firewall, download protection and safe instant messaging.
AdAware
AdAware was one of the first spyware protection programs, providing protection against spyware, Trojans, adware and computer hijackers. AdAware updates regularly to include protection from the most recent spyware and adware threats. The free AdAware utility provides rootkit protection, protection from rogue applications, enhanced fraud-detection tools and protection from keyloggers and password thieves. If you upgrade to the paid AdAware utility, you'll also get antivirus protection, real-time detection instead of system scans and an extended threat-detection database.
DriverMax 4
DriverMax 4 is a driver management utility that can help you back up your Windows Vista or XP drivers and restore them in the event of a computer crash or bad installation. DriverMax 4 also helps you manage updated drivers, checking whether the driver versions you have are the most updated versions and downloading new versions for you as needed. If you have frequent computer problems or just want to be covered in the event of a crash, use DriverMax 4 to back up your drivers and easily reinstall them.
Azureus
Azureus is one of the best BitTorrent clients available, with tons of features that go beyond the basic upload/download features that other clients provide. Azureus gives you three different operation levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced, so you can use controls at your BitTorrent skill level. Packed with tons of features to customize torrent tracking and monitor speed and performance, Azureus leads the pack among beginner and advanced torrent users alike. The big complaint about Azureus is the amount of computer resources it consumes, although new versions continue to improve resource-management issues.
BitComet
BitComet is a highly popular, simple alternative to Azureus for BitTorrent downloading. BitComet is popular especially among novice torrent users for its simple interface, modeled heavily upon the Windows Explorer interface. The multipane setup includes a feature tree on the left, big buttons on the top, a torrent-search feature and torrent download and tracking information in the center and bottom panes. BitComet integrates a chat feature, bookmarking capabilities and tools for Internet Explorer and Firefox, rounding out the suite of offerings. The only downside that many users cite is the annoying advertising on the right-hand screen, missing or much less conspicuous in other BitTorrent clients.
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|&&| Our guide to utility software also provides options for free utility software. |
