Windows safe mode

Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs don’t run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed.

Safe mode is useful for troubleshooting problems with programs and drivers that might not start correctly or that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. If a problem doesn’t reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a recently installed program, device, or driver prevents Windows from running correctly, you can start your computer in safe mode and then remove the program that’s causing the problem.

To launch Safe mode, repeatedly tap the F8 key on your keyboard when restarting your computer.  Highlight the safe mode option when presented with a list of choices.

Microsoft Windows Sysinternals utility “Autoruns”

This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and when you start various built-in Windows applications like Internet Explorer, Explorer and media players. These programs and drivers include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. Autoruns reports Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond other autostart utilities.

MalwareBytes Anti-Malware Free

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (MBAM) is an application for computers running under the Microsoft Windows operating system that finds and removes malware. MBAM is primarily a scanner that scans and removes malicious software.

Computer viruses are malicious computer programs (‘malware‘) that get installed on a computer and either do things or take things that are not in the computer user’s best interests.

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Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus has an excellent interface – it’s clean, clear and configurable – and in just a few clicks you can set it up the way you like.  Be careful not to install the bundled Google Toolbar and make sure to disable ‘performance issues’ scans that will invite you to install paid software components.  The testing labs give Avast mid-range scores; Avast Free Antivirus may not quite offer the best protection, but its interface is one of the best around.

AVG Free

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is also a good choice for average users and does a decent job of protecting your computer.

Avira Free Anti-Virus

Avira Free Anti-Virus is a well known name and performs well compared to even commercial grade virus scanning software.  The software is easy to install, has a small footprint and is not overly intrusive.  You will get the occasional popup inviting you to install additional (paid) components like Browser Safety, Speedup, AntiTheft and Identity Safeguard, but that is all.  We like how you can temporarily pause the real-time protection component and the compact size of the product overall.  This is one of the best security freebies around.

Panda Free Antivirus

Panda Free Antivirus isn’t quite as powerful as the market leaders, but it still offers very capable protection and some valuable bonus features. If you’re looking for a simple package which anyone can use then it’s a sensible choice.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) is Microsoft’s anti-virus software for Windows 7 (and older).  Windows 8 has its own built-in AV component -Windows Defender- which will take over the role of virus protection from Microsoft Security Essentials.

Windows Defender

Like most free antivirus software, Windows Defender offers real-time protection and will alert you when it detects malware trying to install itself on your computer. Other than that, Windows Defender offers a bare minimum of anti-malware features, without extra bells and whistles.