One of the most neglected areas of our computer usage is protecting our computer systems at home from security threats and system maintenance.
The onslaught of virus and spyware attacks is exponentially increasing in both sophistication and severity of the implications of an infestation.
As more home users increasingly transition to online purchasing and banking, the information hackers have access can be absolutely frightening.
Home users can no longer be weak on the security of their systems.
Outdated anti-virus applications that have expired licenses are useless.
Not utilizing a firewall is like opening the door to your house.
Not blocking Spyware can cripple your system with the barrage of pop ups and potentially place you in a sticky position if at work and pornographic pop ups appear.
With new utilities that make it incredibly easy to implement, now is the best time ever to go forward with protecting yourself.
Of course most people think that the applications needed are expensive and therefore neglect the use of the tools.
This is not the case.
Below are excellent tools that have the same power as those you pay for and can all be downloaded from "download.
com" a site easily found with a Google search which is the end all when it comes to finding free applications without concern of downloading a sneaky virus or spyware application.
Want to take the step and protect yourself? Here are my choices for the best free applications...
which I personally use:

1. AVG Free Edition (367,738,572 Downloads) - AVG for home users provides a free version that doesn't compromise any of its functionality.
   With scheduling and automatic updates this application is a "set it and forget it".
   Once downloaded your computer gets an initial scan to check for existing issues and from that point forward scans for issues.
   It also provides a web browser guard that warns of suspicious sites.
   It also can scan downloads to make sure you are getting what you expect instead of a malicious application.
   
2. ZoneAlarm (50,148,489 downloads) - Firewalls block hackers from getting into your system through vulnerabilities.
   Think of it as a gate around your house.
   ZoneAlarm is easily installed and choosing the easy option makes it a simple "point and click" install.
   It's annoying at first as it learns what existing applications need access to the internet and which don't.
   If you see a message pop up asking for permission you simply check that the application should be accessing the internet.
   A good example is the first time you open Internet Explorer and asks you if you want to give it permission to do so.
   Beyond this annoyance that is actually a solid shield, the system auto-updates to constantly guard against new vulnerabilities.
   
3. Windows Security Essentials (1,595,782 Downloads) - This application is a failsafe for your other security applications.
   It checks for virus' and spyware and auto-updates.
   
4. Glary Utilities (22,243,411 Downloads) - Not a security application but the BEST tool for speeding up slow computers, eliminating errors that seem to constantly occur and do overall performance increases.
   It has a "point and click" button that once clicked does all the things needed to bring your system up to speed.
   Most people don't realize the amount of files taking up an incredible amount of space that worthless.
   This is a must have download!

To conclude, getting your system bullet proof and running smoothly can be an affordable and simple endeavor.
Using free applications doesn't mean skimping on quality, it means being prudent and strategic.
While no solution can fully protect you, installing security applications shouldn't be questioned.
The first time you lose control of Amazon and someone starts buying 60" televisions you'll understand the dangers of not protecting yourself.