Download the Latest Security Tools to Your Flash Drive with SSDownload

Non long ago a neighbor came to me with a malware-infested laptop. Several particularly lousy trojan had ready-made its way onto the scheme (despite the front of a certain cosmic-name security suite, cough, ahem), rendering IT close to inoperable. The Showtime menu wouldn't work, programs wouldn't run, and I couldn't tied get Task Manager to seem.

In cases similar these, I always address my trusty twinkling drive, which I keep appointed with a few of my favorite malware-busting protection tools. And the outflank way I've found to produce sure I have the latest versions of those tools is with SSDownloader (telescoped for Security measur Software package Downloader).

This open-seed public-service corporation reminds me a lot of Ninite, the fabulous freebee that downloads and installs your deary computer software. SSDownloader works much the same way, but obviously focuses exclusivley on security measures. The app is portable, meaning it runs tight from a flash drive. (There's no installation needed.)

When you found it, you'll see five pretty self-explanatory tabs: Free Antivirus, Security Suites (Visitation Versions), Malware Removal, Firewalls, and Other Tools. Within these tabs you'll find around 50 programs; confirmation the boxful next to the ones you lack to get, then tick Download. It's that simple.

Impressivley, SSDownloader can auto-detect your operating system (Windows XP or Vista/7) and even whether IT's 32- or 64-bit; IT'll download the correct software package versions accordingly. It doesn't endure or put in any of them, though–that disunite's up to you.

Hera's a stochastic sampling of what's available: Avast! Anti-Virus Free, Panda Cyberspace Security measur (trial), Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (a personal favorite), HiJack This, Comodo Firewall Free, WinPatrol, LastPass, and CyberGhost VPN. In other SSDownloader makes it a snap to download a riches of essential package–most of it freeware.

The interface is a little slubbed around the edges, but if you have a flash drive (or even if you don't), I can't advocate this tool extremely plenty.

Contributing Editor Rick Broida writes about business and consumer engineering science. Ask for avail with your PC hassles at hasslefree@pcworld.com, surgery try the value treasure trove of helpful folks in the Personal computer World Community Forums.