A recent article about preventing hackers from breaking into your computer caused an overwhelming response by readers.

It seems everyone has an opinion about the best software and advice for keeping your computer safe from viruses and online predators. The following will help you increase your online security and usually without spending a dime!

Zone Alarm

Zone Alarm offers several versions of their popular firewall software with various options for increased security. The basic firewall software comes free of charge and ranks among the most highly rated firewalls available. The paid version helps you to eliminate everything from pop-up windows to unwanted advertising and also helps you track hackers back to their source.

Visit www.zonealarm.com to download your copy today, especially if you don't already carry a firewall on your system.

The Guru Of Security

Visit www.grc.com if you want a real "eye opener!" Frankly, some of the things I saw on this website shocked me. I had no idea so many potential problems existed for breaches in your online security.

But what also shocked me was how simple most of the "fixes" rate for securing your computer against attack. It became very apparent to me that most computer hackers don't exploit hardware or software weaknesses, they actually exploit our ignorance about the simple steps we should take to protect ourselves and others.

When you visit www.grc.com you'll see the site covers a lot of ground. Since you might find it easy to get sidetracked with all the interesting information, make sure to specifically check out the "Shields Up!" area. This section offers two comprehensive tests of your Internet connection to check for the typical points of entry used by hackers.

The first test, "Test My Shields," checks the security of your Internet connection itself and how much system and personal information others can obtain without your knowledge.

The second test, "Probe My Ports," attempts to find open ports on your computer and evaluate how and where a hacker could enter.

Both tests will help you spot the most common and obvious vulnerabilities most of us face when connected to the Internet. Also to its credit (and unlike similar sites), this website doesn't use these tests as a lead-in to try to sell you anything.

Free Anti-Virus Software

Visit www.grisoft.com to download a free anti-virus software package that rivals anything you could buy. The software comes with free updates on virus definitions (critical for up-to-date protection) and will even certify your outgoing email as virus free!

I have used this software myself and, though nothing rates perfect, I have found it rivals products costing $50 or more. If you don't carry virus protection software on your computer, stop this minute and go to www.grisoft.com to download the free version now.

With so many resources and advice available for free, no valid excuse exists for not immediately securing your computer against hackers, vandals, viruses and malicious code.