If you haven't had spyware bite you yet, be prepared: it will happen. There are so many variations of spyware, trojans, worms, etc., floating around on the Internet, and they're all multiplying like rabbits. This stuff can cause problems that are obvious to you, but in many cases, the effects are unseen at first. You've probably used programs such as Spybot - Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware to clean out this junk in the past. A new program called a2 (a-squared) will also help you get rid of the baddies.

The software is useful in identifying and removing the previously mentioned problems. You can have it search in specific folders, or the entire drive. When the scan starts, it runs a process memory scan to see if there is any garbage in all of your running programs and services. An integrated update component helps you to stay ahead of the game. The program seemed to do very well at finding and eradicating known problems. While this free version does not include the background guard and analysis tools of its big brother, it's still a worthy tool. If spyware seems to bite you on a regular basis, bite back with a2.

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ABI Software Development

{Password storage} Access Manager 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. Its look and feel is based on Microsoft Outlook's design and it uses Blowfish encryption for securing password information. Each password can have notes associated with it along with links to Web sites and e- mail addresses. If you're sick and tired of thinking of new passwords, it'll automatically generate one for you. Organize passwords into types and categories. Jump to a password by entering the first letter of its description, or find it by entering a part of its name. You can also print a full password list for storage in a safe place (and your desk doesn't count as a safe place). Think bank vault or someplace with a key. If you are using Windows 95 or 98, or NT4, check that you have Windows Installer and MDAC (Microsoft Data Access Components) v2.5 SP2 installed on your computer. Check your MDAC version or download MDAC 2.5 . Both are free downloads.

To use the program, download one of the following files and save the executable to your floppy disk. If you have a bootable floppy disk, download "killdisk.zip;" if you need to create a bootable floppy disk, download "killdiskfloppysetup.zip".

Download    killdiskfloppysetup.exe
Download    killdisk.zip

Advanced Anti Keylogger is a powerful but easy-to-use anti-spy software to prohibit and control operation of any keylogger tool. It does not rely on a spyware database or requires updates, but rather intercepts any attempt to intercept or hook keyword activity. Since many programs use these techniques for perfectly legitimate functions (hotkeys, keyboard shortcuts, etc.) it offers a rule-based mode, that works similar to a firewall for your keyboard by prompting you each time a hook is detected; you have then the option to allow or deny the action. A built-in rules manager allows you to view the list of allowed or blocked applications, and change status for each. You can optionally run the program in a high-security mode, which will block all keyboard interception, good or bad.

Advanced Hide Folders enables you to completely hide folders and files on your computer. The hidden files cannot be accessed unless the folders are unlocked with a password from within the program. You can simply drag and drop folders from Windows or add files by mask (e.g., hide all JPG files). In addition, as an added security measure, you can also lock the hidden files. Advanced Hide Folders also prevents access to your confidential files via MRU features (e.g., list of Most Recently Used documents in MS Office). Additional features include hotkey operation and optional stealth mode. The program is easy to use and has a professional interface.

avast! Home Edition is a complete anti-virus package that is free for registered home non-commercial users. It contains an on-demand scanner with two interfaces (Simple for novices, and Advanced for experienced users), an on-access scanner with Standard Shield (which protects against execution and opening malware programs) and an embedded e-mail scanner, which scans incoming and outgoing e-mail messages. avast! Home integrates with the Windows Explorer right-click menu, and also includes a special screen saver that is able to scan your system while your computer is not in use. Updates are incremental, and frequently made available for manual or scheduled download. You'll download a 90-days demo; if you would like to continue free usage beyond that time, you'll need to register from the home page to obtain a free activation key by e- mail.

Installation and use: automatic installation procedure. Bootminder runs quietly in the background until you forget to remove your floppy! Easy un-install instructions. For more information you can visit the
Bootminder homepage.
bootminder.zip (109 Kb)

Browser Hijack Blaster protects your system from browser hijackers and spyware that alters your Internet Explorer settings. It runs in the system tray and silently monitors the settings for IE Homepage, IE Default Page, IE Search Page, and BHOs (Browser Helper Objects). If any of these settings are changed, it will intercept and warn you, giving you the option to undo the changes.

ClipSecure v1.1 [335k] W9x/2k/XP FREE

CompuSec PC Security Suite is security software that uses pre-boot authentication and full hard disk encryption as well as encryption of floppy disks and other removable media. The pre-boot access control requires you to enter your UserID and password before the system will boot up. There are two encryption methods available: one that will keep your data encrypted prior to boot, and one that will encrypt data on the fly. If the data is encrypted before boot, your hard disk can only be accessed with the proper password (even removing the hard drive would still keep it protected). The Full Hard Disk Encryption uses AES with fast encryption speeds to keep your data private and secure. The program can also encrypt floppies and other removable media, so that the files are only accessible by the authorized user. It currently only supports a single-user pre-boot logon. CompuSec PC Security Suite is completely free, and not limited in features. The developers also create hardware e-identity devices that are compatible with the software and allow logon with a USB or Smartcard key instead of typing a password. Since the software needs to modify the Master Boot Record, it is important that you disable any anti-virus software during installation, otherwise the install will fail.

Cryptainer PE enables you to create a secure container on your PC, using powerful 448-bit strong encryption - without changing the way you work. The software creates new virtual drive letter(s), and all files that are added to this drive are encrypted on-the-fly. The drive letter is accessible through Windows Explorer just like any other drive - as long as you are logged into the Cryptainer PE interface. If the program is terminated, the files in the secure drive are no longer accessible to other users - you can access them at any time by logging in with your password. Using this method, you can automatically keep a secure area, that can only be accessed by you, without having to encrypt individual files manually - just log in once. In addition, Cryptainer LE allows you to send files with encrypted e-mail messages, using self-decrypting EXE attachments that do not require any software to be installed by the recipient. The free version is limited to a container size of 5 MB, however you can create an unlimited number of such 5 MB containers.

Crypto Anywhere is a secure, portable e-mail program that is small enough to fit on a single floppy or USB key chain drive. It allows you to send secure e-mail messages from anywhere, without the need to install any software. The program offers the choice of self- decrypting messages (receiver only needs the password) or public key encryption (receiver needs decryption software). Crypto Anywhere implements strong encryption algorithms based on RSA public key encryption, the Twofish block cipher, and the ISAAC random number generator. Additional features include support for attachments, secure friends list (stored keys), message decryption, and more. Crypto Anywhere is easy to use and free for personal use. Commercial version requires registration.

DataDestroyer allows you to safely remove sensitive data so that it cannot be retrieved by any known methods. It offers a normal delete which will prevent common recovery software from undeleting the data, and also an "Extra Safe Delete" mode, which takes longer and overwrites the data multiple times, but is almost certain to keep your files deleted for good.

Digital Identity is a secure password manager with additional steganography features to hide data, files, or passwords inside of image files. The interface is easy to use, and allows you to add multiple passwords accounts to a searchable list. You can let passwords expire, automatically generate secure passwords (with strength indicator) and also export them to text or HTML format. Passwords can be copied to the clipboard, and if a Web link is associated with an entry, you can launch the site as well. Additional features include database backup, auto-locking and more.

Download v2.0
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Note from Bo: The author, Miguel, reports that, "the right password is checked now (take a look at the readme for all that's new etc, or visit the site)"