Build your own free security suite

Do-it-all suites are the name of the security game these days. Sure, you can gather free programs that cover the bases much as a suite would, but who wants to bother with finding out which apps work together and which ones might leave you pulling your hair out?

We do. And what's more, we did--all so that you could have an easy-to-follow guide to building your own free suite.

We tested the following applications on Windows XP; not all of them work under Vista, but we've suggested replacements that you can consider if you're on the newer OS. Bear in mind that these downloads are free only for home use.

Your Antivirus Base

For our free collection we went with AVG Free 8.0. It installs easily, and it works under XP and Vista. Its ads for its paid version don't get in the way, and since it ferrets out spyware and adware, you don't need to install a separate antispyware program. Also, it generally does well in signature-based detection tests from organizations such as AV-Test.org (those tests typically evaluate the paid product, but the free and paid versions use the same signature-based scanner).

AVG Free does have some limitations: Though the app will detect and block rootkits (stealth technology used to hide other malware) before they invade your PC, it won't detect or remove a rootkit that has already successfully infiltrated your computer. Furthermore, its ability to detect new threats that don't yet have a full signature generally isn't that great.

But hey, it's free. When you install it, you'll be prompted to install a browser toolbar, but you don't need to do so to get AVG's LinkScanner feature, which checks for attack code on Web search results and puts a safety indicator icon next to each one. (Be sure to see Steve Bass's discussion of a potential LinkScanner-related slowdown and how to fix it.)

If you use AVG, be aware of one potential gotcha: The free ThreatFire malware detection utility seems like a great pairing, since ThreatFire does a fine job of detecting new malware without a signature and also detects and removes rootkits. But the current version, 3.5, conflicts with AVG and will cause system lockups. PC Tools, maker of ThreatFire, says that it's working on a fix, but for now you should avoid using the two together.

An Outbound Firewall

After installing antivirus software, many people replace the Windows XP firewall with a third-party firewall to regulate outbound traffic. This strategy can stop malware that has already invaded your PC from sending stolen data to a crook, but even free ones come at a price: You'll almost always have to deal with some annoying pop-ups when a new, unknown (to the firewall) program attempts to connect to the Internet.

Still, if you're willing to tolerate the pop-ups, outbound blocking can provide good protection. To get it, we chose Online Armor Personal Firewall Free. Though there aren't any universally accepted firewall tests, Online Armor did well in the extensive Firewall Challenge by Matousec.com, a security testing group. This program is also easier to use than many other free firewalls.

For more PC news, visit PC World. Story copyright PC World Communications, Inc.