The bad guys are out to get you. They want to gain access to your computer and steal your information. Or they want to add your computer to their zombie networks.

But there is free software that will help protect your machine.

FIREWALL

One of the best protections is a firewall. It will make your computer invisible on the Internet. The bad guys won't see it. Good firewalls also block outgoing transmissions so malicious software won't be able to phone home with your information.

The firewall in Microsoft's Windows XP is inadequate. It does not block outbound transmissions. But you can use ZoneAlarm, Outpost or GhostWall.

ANTI-SPYWARE

For some, spyware has become a bigger nuisance than viruses. It slows down your computer. It can also track browsing habits and show pop-up ads.

Some spyware programs include keyloggers. These nasty programs record keystrokes or take snapshots of your screen.

You need multiple anti-spyware programs. Each defines spyware differently. Thus, one program won't capture all threats. I use three.

Spybot-Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware, Windows Defender and SpywareBlaster are good anti-spyware programs. Ad-Aware isn't compatible with Vista.

ANTI-VIRUS

Hackers' motives have changed: They want to make money. So attacks have become more discreet.

That doesn't mean you can check viruses off your list of security concerns. New viruses emerge every day. So anti-virus software is another piece of the puzzle.

AVG, Avast and PC Tools AntiVirus are good, free anti-virus programs. PC Tools is one of my radio show advertisers.

WEB PROTECTION

Malicious Web sites are proliferating. They spread spyware, Trojans and viruses. Some will download malware without any interaction. Others attack your machine with malicious scripts.

It helps to know if a site is safe before you visit it. McAfee SiteAdvisor and GeoTrust's TrustWatch are two browser add-ins that will help.

OTHER TOOLS

Microsoft's Windows Sysinternals is a handy suite of programs. There are more than 50 small programs in all. These are helpful if you suspect your computer is infected.

Process Explorer is an advanced version of Windows Task Manager. It shows programs and processes running on your computer. Use it to help find and stop malware.

RootkitRevealer will help you discover rootkits on your computer. Rootkits are a type of malware that can make themselves invisible. RootkitRevealer sniffs out some of their common tricks.

SDelete is a file shredder. Data recovery tools can't read the shredded files. Delete individual programs or entire folders. SDelete also takes care of files you've deleted from the Recycle Bin.

You'll find links to these programs at www.komando.com/news.