Each of these sites has some free offerings. But you must look at them carefully before downloading. Some sites allow you to sample the wares before purchasing, and others are simply free. Regardless, it is essential you take precautions when using a computer. These sites offer everything from spam stoppers to firewalls and virus protection. Take your time and be careful.

Because each computer has different programs, The Horace Mann Companies and Reach Every Child cannot take responsibility if any of these downloads are defective or cause your computer a problem.

Learn more about programs and computers right here at Reach Every Child.

• REC Computers

Anti-virus software download sites

About.com Free Virus Protection
Alternative browsers to avoid virus problems

avast! 4 Home
Full-featured anti-virus package designed for home users

Freebyte's Guide to Free Anti-virus Software
Good site -- free firewalls, virus protection and more

Free-Firewall.org

TheFreeSite.com Anti-virus Programs
List of and comments about free protection programs

Free Firewall & Security Software
Trojan protectors and more

Free Virus Checker
And good advice

Panda ActiveScan

Spyware

Ad-Aware SE Personal
"Scan your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known data mining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components."

Spybot Search & Destroy
Remove spyware from your computer

Spyware Guide

Spyware Guide Product List

What is spyware?

Two large download sites

Both of these offer samples and some free software. Use the search engine to find the protection you want and read about it before you decide.

ZDNet

CNET.com