Click on the links below to get the utility program.
Program names show the latest version number.

1. Firewall - Zone Alarm   Free firewall or use Windows Firewall
2. Anti-virus programs - Avast Anti-virus v.0081001-0.   Free
(choose one) Avg 8.0   Free
Norton Anti-virus. ($$)
McAfee Anti-Virus. ($$)
3. To remove ad trackers - Ad-aware 2008 v7.1.0.11   Free
4. To remove spy robots - Spybot v1.6.0.30   Free
5. To check your computer status - Belarc Advisor v7.2v   Free
6. To update your computer clock - About Time v4.8   Free
7. To remember passwords - Any Password v1.44   Free
8. To clean your Registry - Registry Supreme Pro v1.8.0.472   ($$)
9. To optimize your performance - PC Pitstop Optimize2 v2.0.0.35   ($$)
10.To backup data to a portable Hard Disk - CMS BounceBack Pro   ($$)
11.To recover files from a disaster - Recover My Files v3.9.8.6081   ($$)
12.To remove common viruses initially - McAfee Stinger v10.0.1.602   Free
13.Windows XP - Run Windows Update v SP3 5.1.2600   Free
14.Java Engine - Run Java from Control Panel v6.7   Free
15.Internet Explorer - (Part of Step 13) v7.0.5730.11IC   Free

The first four Free Utilities are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL .

Belarc Advisor is useful to check the health of your hard drive, and to be sure all software updates have been installed correctly.

The Registry Cleaner is good for removing old registry entries which helps the machine to run faster.