PC Manufacturers

Dell

Highly recommended manufacturer of PCs

HP

Another recommended giant

Anti Virus Software

Kaspersky Internet Security

Excellent value anti-virus with a 30 day free trial to see if you like it. I regard this software as the best in the business and install it on all the computers I fix or build. It has the highest virus detection rate and doesn't slow your computer down a lot, which is a common problem with other anti-virus software.

McAffee

Another recommended anti virus giant

Useful Free Stuff

Live Earth

See the earth as never before, in 3D and its free!

Google Earth

View the Earth from space

computer health

Windows Defender

Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected and minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.

Spybot - Search & Destroy spyware

Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.

Windows Live OneCare safety scanner

Get a free PC safety scan Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a free service designed to help ensure the health of your PC. Check for and remove viruses Get rid of junk on your hard disk Improve your PC's performance New: Windows Vista users, try the beta edition of the scanner, just for Windows Vista.