Ad-Aware 2007 Free 7.0.2.1
Freeware
120 x 95 screengrab Free utility scans your PC to identify and remove any adware or spyware components. For the uninitiated, adware or spyware is unwanted software that can be installed on your PC, either with other software or when you visit websites (cookies etc).

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

Autoruns 8.73
Freeware
120 x 95 screengrab Will show a comprehensive list of every item that launches when you boot your computer. It will display the origin of the items, the order in which they launch and which items start every time or occasionally, such as an antivirus application.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

Belarc Advisor 7.2t 7.2.20.4
Freeware
120 x 95 screengrab Run this software and your PC will be analysed before you are presented with a detailed audit of your PC. The data is well presented and split into sections, detailing everything from the operating system and any installed Hotfixes from Microsoft, to software licences and processor details.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

Auslogics Disk Defrag 1.2.6.228
Freeware
120 x 95 screengrab Disk fragmentation leads to system slowdowns, PC crashes, slow startup and shutdown and sometimes to system failures. SDesigned for fast optimisation of today's modern hard disks. Get the maximum performance out of your drive.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

AVG Anti-Virus Free 7.5.485a1117
Freeware
120 x 95 screengrab The word 'free' often equates to an inferior product but, in this case, there is no doubt that this is a professional product. Split into three sections and a Control Centre, AVG Anti-virus protects against viruses in a number of key areas.

Requires: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

BitDefender Free 10
Freeware
120 x 95 screengrab Ssome of the commercial brands have started to release free versions of their anti-virus and anti-spyware tools. Microsoft set a trend with their free Windows Defender anti-spyware tool. PC Tools released an Anti-Virus tool for free and now BitDefender have updated their free Anti-Virus tool.

Requires: Windows 98SE, 2000, Me or XP