Listed below are links to free software for your home computer that will protect you from viruses, spyware, malware, and other programs that can slow down or harm your computer.
For best results install and run all of these programs and do a full system scan with each of them to get your pc in good condition. Then update and run a full scan with each of them at least once a month (more often if you are a heavy internet user).
Antivirus:
Microsoft Security Essentials (
MSE) is a free program for home users that protects your PC from viruses.
Spyware Protection:
Spybot S & D is a program that immunizies your PC against harmful software that can slow down, harm and even send personal information to others. Click the "Download" link in the left hand menu.
Ad-Aware is another program that when used in tandem with Spybot can almost guarentee that your system will be safe.
Other Software:
CCleaner deletes temporary files all over your hard drive, thus saving space on your hard drive.
Academic Software:
Academic Superstore is an online store that allows students, faculty and staff of schools to be able to purchase some software at discounted prices. See the eligibility link on the site to see what you will need to provide in order to get the discount.