They can track your surfing habits, abuse your Internet connection by sending this data to a third party, profile your shopping preferences, hijack your browser start page or pages, alter important system files, and can do this without your knowledge or permission. The security and privacy implications of these exploits should be quite obvious and undesirable on any system or network!

We have listed some of the FREE software programs and information that may be of use to the Internet Surfer.

3 Must Have Programs: 1. Firewall   2. Anti-Virus software   3. Spyware Tools

E-Mail:

MailWasher - The Reliable Free Spam Blocker. MailWasher is free to use and won't ever expire. Use this powerful spam filter /spam blocker software, to effectively stop email spam. Discover the safe way to stop unwanted e-mails before they get to your computer.

Firewalls:

ZoneAlarm - FREE firewall #1 pick - ZoneAlarm is the award-winning PC firewall that keeps your personal data and privacy safe from Internet hackers and data thieves. It will render your computer invisible to hackers’ probes. Hackers run scanning programs over the Internet, looking for computers with electronic openings, called ports. A good firewall such as ZoneAlarm makes your computer invisible to the scanners.

The goal of these intruders is to place a Trojan horse on your computer. The rogue program uses the open port previously identified by a scanner. However, ZoneAlarm blocks those transmissions. They can only go through if you agree. Always say no, unless you recognize the program.
Cost: Free for personal use.

Anti-Virus Software:

AVG Antivirus from Grisoft - This antivirus program not only protects your computer against viruses, worms and malicious code - it's free! AVG AntiVirus allows you to scan on demand or at scheduled times. It also features an e-mail scanner that supports most e-mail programs such as Outlook Express and Eudora.
Cost: Free

avast! from ALWIL Software - avast! 4 Home Edition is a FREE full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users. It provides constant protection against viruses and will automatically update your virus files.
Cost: Free

Spyware & Adware:

Ad-Aware - Ad ware will comprehensively scan your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known datamining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components.  Standard addition is a free download.
Cost: Free

SpyBot - Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer. Spyware is a relatively new kind of threat that common anti-virus applications do not yet cover.  Free download and if you like it and can spare a few bucks, please make a donation to the author.
Cost: Free

SpywareBlaster - SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.  Free download and if you like it and can spare a few bucks, please make a donation to the author.
Cost: Free