You’re not someone with secrets so sacred that they would cause a scandal if revealed; you’re not someone who uses their computer to store sensitive data that, if it gets into the wrong hands, could end up leaving you with empty bank balances; and you’re not someone who is remotely interesting enough for hackers to target your system. Or so you think! Incredulous as it may sound, there are people who are eager to get their dirty little hands on your computer and the opportunities it provides.

The biggest threat to the security of home computers is the ignorance of the people who operate them and their blatant nonchalance even in the face of proven facts. The virus writers and hackers are making a beeline for the unassuming, no-face home computers with their lax or no security options at all, and all for good reason.

•    They want to steal your passwords and account information. Even if you don’t store them on your computer, they use spyware to read information that you type or send over an unsecure site. 
•    They want to take control over your system. With your high speed Internet connection and your always-on computer, these crooks use your hardware to propagate attacks on other computers. Your computer becomes what’s known as a zombie under their control, with the hackers using it to hide their true location from the long arm of the law. And it’s not just your system that’s been usurped – it’s just one among thousands that have been hijacked and leveraged to commit cyber crimes.

So how do these people take over your system?

•    When you click on a link in an email sent to you by someone you either know or don’t know. This action takes you to another site where a program is automatically downloaded onto your system. This malware hides behind legitimate software applications and works in the background to steal your information or use your computer to send out spam messages to people on your contact list. They in turn may click the link thinking that it’s from as trusted source, and the chain of computers that are on the zombie list grows longer and longer.
•    When you are not regular with system updates and patches. This leaves your computer vulnerable to attacks when you’re online, and hackers use this hole to gain entry and install their malicious software which creates further holes for them to continue to access your system even after you’ve plugged the original holes.
•    When you download applications that are not from trusted sources. The malware is hidden inside these executable files and makes itself comfortable on your system once the download is complete.

How can you protect yourself?

•    By installing anti-virus software and spyware and keeping them updated.
•    By making sure your system updates and patches are up to date.
•    By setting passwords sensibly and not leaving them written down somewhere.
•    By not clicking on links that come in emails.
•    By not providing personal and sensitive information in reply to emails that seem to originate from your bank or credit card provider.
•    By installing a software firewall and using a router with a built-in hardware firewall.
•    By protecting your WiFi network with adequate encryption so that it cannot be hacked.
•    By being cautious about the programs and applications you download from the Internet.

In the information age, writing is no longer a solitary act.  Publishing your work has never been easier, and the sky’s the limit regarding exposure.  There are so many outlets and avenues for getting your name and your work out there, in the public eye—the internet is full of novice writers who aren’t afraid to hold back when it comes to speaking their minds.  If you are hesitant about getting started, just take a quick look at these five key advantages of digital writing and know that you too can reap the benefits writing in the digital age.  

Collaboration

Developments in software, as well as constant improvement to the internet have made collaboration far easier than in years past.  RSS feeds help to keep you informed, as web-based collaborative writing tools now offer this feature along with free programs to keep you writing and sharing your work with others.  Look into collaborative software programs to jumpstart your writing projects.

Exposure

Tagging your blogs or online writing is just the beginning when it comes to exposure.  Certainly, finding your niche when it comes to writing goes a long way toward getting much-needed exposure, but the use of social networking sites like myspace and Facebook should not be down-played.  Posting links from you blog to your myspace or Facebook profiles and vice-versa can help increase traffic, views, and ultimately help to cultivate a following.

Feedback

Of course, writing and posting what you have written opens you up to comments and criticism, but can be a great way to get feedback regarding your writing.  It also gives you an advantage of being able to respond to comments, giving insight to your work or answers to questions and concerns.  Ultimately, feed back is an authentic way to gauge readers’ perceptions regarding your work, which is a helpful tool for any writer.

Networking

Getting your work out there is important, but it is also important to become part of a larger community that shares common interests.  Using social networking sites and linking to other bloggers’’ pages can help create a continuing flow of information and keeps generating traffic for all involved.  Put your work out there and start sharing and open dialogs between you and other writers.  
 
Recognition

In addition to getting exposure for your work and gaining new friends in the writing community and the web at-large, if you are writing something people want to read, you will ultimately be recognized for your ability to do so.  Until recently, this was something only published authors were able to look forward to.  With push-button publication developing and evolving, the possibilities are limitless, as long as you are willing to put in the requisite time and effort.

If you’ve had your computer for a while, chances are it’s just not running like it used to. Slow startups, dragging programs, and sluggish graphics are all common problems. Read this guide to find how how you can make your computer get up to speed with the way you work.

Tips

Follow these tips to tweak your computer for better performance.

1. Turn off visual effects: Adjust your visual effects to deliver the best peformance instead of eye candy.
2. Remove temporary Internet files: If you visit a lot of different webpages, you’ll have a huge cache built up from the files your browser saves. Wipe these out to save some space.
3. Lock down your browser: Disable the downloading of unsafe ActiveX controls, active scripting, and scripting of Java applets.
4. Keep your PC in a cool place: If your PC becomes too hot, you may find that your performance suffers.
5. Avoid keeping multiple users logged in: Keeping more than one or two users logged in to WindowsXP or Vista will steal RAM from the current user.
6. Disable automatic startup for programs: Get into msconfig and uncheck all of the programs that you don’t need to start immediately when your computer starts up. ProcessLibrary.org offers a lot of helpful information for determining unnecessary programs.
7. Adjust your startup timeout: Make Windows load up faster by changing your startup timeout settings.
8. Clean off dust: Clean your computer with compressed air to blow out dust and keep your machine clean and cool.
9. Delete downloaded program files: Files like Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets can often be deleted without troubles.
10. Get a better graphics card: Make video and visual effects move more efficiently across your screen with an upgraded graphics card.
11. Install more RAM: Get more random access memory, and your computer will have more speed to work with.
12. Buy a larger hard disk drive: Free up more space by getting a larger hard disk to work with.
13. Turn off Active Desktop: In Windows, Active Desktop will turn your desktop into a webpage, offering neat little tools like a calendar, weather, and stocks, at the cost of performance.
14. Compress your files: Use a "zipping" utility to store archives with a smaller footprint.
15. Remove programs you don’t use: Have you downloaded a program, used it once, and forgotten all about it? Delete programs like these and you’ll free up space on your hard disk.
16. Clean out your registry: Windows stores information about your programs in the registry, and this area can get cluttered, so be sure to clean it out on a regular basis.
17. Get your Start Menu to load faster: Edit your MenuShowDelay to get faster access to your Start Menu items.
18. Perform regular maintenance: Stay on top of updates, disk and hardware health, and cleanup so that you won’t have to worry about constant slowdowns.
19. Tweak your Page File: Turn up the available RAM in your Paging File to get more performance.
20. Turn off error reporting: Save your computer the trouble of sending information and turn off error reporting.
21. Eliminate disk errors: Runprograms like Microsoft’s Error Checking utility to scan your hard drive and repair errors.
22. Stay up to date on drivers and other Windows updates: Be sure to always have the latest patches for safer, faster computer use.
23. Disable Taskbar Button Grouping: Find your windows faster and easier by avoiding taskbar grouping.
24. Run an up to date antivirus: A bad virus on your computer can steal lots of resources and freeze up your system, so be sure to use a good antivirus and keep it updated.
25. Remove unwanted items in the Sent To menu: Cut down on your options in the Send To menu to make it load faster.
26. Empty your Windows prefetch folder: Clean out your C:\Windows\Prefetch folder on a regular basis.
27. End unresponsive programs immediately: If your computer does not terminate unresponsive programs immediately after you click on "End Task," reset your value for this action to 1000.
28. Empty your Recycle Bin: When was the last time you cleaned out your Recycle bin. Free up some space by wiping it out.
29. Protect yourself against spyware: Install utilities that help prevent spyware infections to keep your personal information and computer’s performance safe. You can also manually identify and delete spyware by checking out SpywareGuide.
30. Turn off automatic network folder and printers search: If you’re having trouble with a slow loading My Computer window, turn off the option to automatically search for network folders and printers.
31. Update your device drivers: Make sure you have the latest software for all of your devices by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
32. Tweak game performance levels: Put an end to power-sucking games by setting your performance levels lower.
33. Get rid of components you don’t use: If you use alternative programs, or just find that you don’t get a lot of use out of pre-installed components, just remove them.
34. Pay attention to the Windows Experience Index: Check out a software’s Windows Experience Index score to consider how well it will work with your system.

Tools

Put these software tools to work, and you’ll have automated resources for making your computer faster.

35. SnoopFree Privacy Shield: Keep spies away with this tool that prevents keyloggers and other spyware.
36. WinPatrol: Get tighter control over your performance as well as protection against nasties like viruses and malware from WinPatrol.
37. Lavasoft Ad-Aware: Ad-Aware will help prevent Adware from being installed on your computer and slowing down your system.
38. Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool: Get rid of malicious software with this free Windows tool.
39. DiskMagic: Use DiskMagik to defragment, rearrange, and reprioritize the order of your drive’s files for faster access.
40. Advanced System Optimizer: With this tool, you’ll be able to optimize your Windows system for higher performance.
41. Speedtest: Use this website to find out how fast your PC’s broadband connection is.
42. TuneUp Utilities: Automate cleanup, customize Windows, and increase your computer’s performance with this set of tools.
43. StartUp Delayer: Set a start time for programs to load after Windows boots, and give your system an easier time getting started.
44. Spybot Search & Destroy: Spybot will zap any spyware that threatens to steal your computer’s resources.
45. SuperSpeed XP: XP users will love this tool that allows you to make the most out of your memory.
46. System Mechanic: This mechanic utility will speed up your internet connection, clean files, and clear your cache.
47. Audit My PC Internet Speed Test: Find out if you’re getting the fastest Internet connection possible with this speed test.
48. HijackThis: Stop hijackers from taking over your browser and computer by using this program.
49. Disk Defragmenter: Run Disk Defragmenter to consolidate fragmented files and folders to speed up reading and writing on your disk.
50. Bandwidth Meter Speed Test: CNET’s speed test will check your Internet connection against top services to tell you how good your connection is.
51. MemTurbo: With MemTurbo, you’ll be able to optimize your memory and manage your computer’s cache.
52. CCleaner: Remove unused files from your system and protect your privacy with this incredibly fast tool.
53. Seagate SeaTools: With SeaTools, you’ll be able to monitor and diagnose the health of your hard drive and disk drives.
54. Disk Defrag: Get fast optimization of your hard disk, plus a report after each session.
55. StartupList: StartupList will give you an all-emcompassing list of auto-starting programs on your computer, and help you disable the ones you don’t need.
56. Mmm: This program, called Mmm, will clean up your right click context menu so that it will load faster.
57. Drive Fitness Test: Run the Drive Fitness Test to determine how well your drive is operating.
58. Boost Speed: Use this program to clean up your disks, registry, and tweak Windows into its peak performance.
59. MyUninstaller: If you’re frustrated with the slowness of your Windows Add/Remove Programs utility, check out this alternative that works a lot faster.
60. Wincontig: With this stand-alone defragmentation tool, you can quickly defrag files without having to defragment your whole disk.
61. Memtest86+: This freeware testing tool will alert you to memory failures so that you can get the most out of your computer’s memory.
62. BugOff: BugOff is a small app that disables some of the most common exploits used by browser hijackers.
63. ReadyBoost: Windows ReadyBoost offers a way to use flash memory, like that of a USB drive to improve overall RAM on your PC.
64. Contig: Operate this defragmenting tool from the command line, and use it to defrag a single file.
65. Defraggler: Defragment your PC with speed using this program.
66. Uptimer: Constantly monitor your free RAM, disk space, CPU usage and more in this bar that sits at the top of your screen.
67. SpeedUpMyPC: Find out what your PC’s problems are with a free scan from this software maker.
68. Windows Memory Diagnostic: Run this diagnostic tool to find errors in your computer’s RAM.
69. PageDefrag: PageDefrag will defrag your Windows page file, registry hives, event log files, and hibernation files.
70. Your Uninstaller: This replacement to the Windows Add/Remove program offers a drag and drop way to remove unnecessary applications from your computer.
71. AVG Free: AVG offers free antivirus and antispyware software for Windows users.
72. Disk Cleanup: On Windows computers, you can use Disk Cleanup to reclaim space and rid yourself of unnecessary files.
73. Registry First Aid: Fix all of the incorrect registry entries left over from installing and uninstalling software by using this registry fixer.
74. Brute Force Uninstaller: With this program, you can be sure that uninstalled programs are completely wiped out.
75. Avast!: Trust your computer to this useful free antivirus software.
76. MemScope: MemScope’s memory testing offers an extensive diagnostic for your computer’s memory.
77. DefragMentor Lite CL: Defragment a single file or group of files at once using DefragMentor.

Articles & Advice

Check out these articles to get lots of information for making your computer work more efficiently.

78. How to Make Your PC Run Faster and Better: In this article, you’ll find a wealth of detailed information for speeding up your computer.
79. Does adding more RAM to your computer make it faster?: Read this article for useful advice about adding RAM for better system performance.
80. Speed Up Windows: Tips and Tools: In this About guide, you’ll learn about a number of tweaks you can use to make your XP or Vista computer faster.
81. 5 ways to speed up your PC: Microsoft recommends a few useful ways to streamline your PC.
82. Make Your Computer Faster: This video from MetaCafe offers an easy guide to disabling unecessary startup items and more.
83. Top 10 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer: Read this guide for small tweaks and maintenance you can perform on your computer.
84. How to Speed Up Your Computer Without Buying a New One: Here you’ll learn about a number of painless solutions for making your computer work more efficiently.
85. 10 Quick Fixes to Make Your Windows Computer Faster: Read this article to find some easy ways to create a faster Windows experience.
86. How to Make Your PC Run Faster: Check out this video to find out how to optimize your system.
87. How to Make Your Computer Faster: This article offers more than 25 different ways to get a faster computer.
88. How To: Speed Up Your Computer: Follow these six beginner-friendly steps to a faster computer.
89. Helpful Hints: Speed Up Your PC: Follow the 10 steps laid out in this guide to make your computer work a lot faster.
90. Top 7 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer: This guide from About.com offers steps and screen shots for making your computer work faster.
91. Make Your Computer Faster: This video quickly and easily runs through a handful of ways you can improve your system performance.
92. Freeware to Speed Up Your Computer: Check out this guide that offers a number of different freeware solutions for speeding up your computer.
93. Slow Computer? Speed Up Your PC By Disabling Unnecessary Windows Services: This article explains how you can disable unnecessary Windows services and make your computer faster.
94. Make Your PC Run Faster: In this article, you’ll learn about some of the causes behind slow PCs and what you can do about it.

Books

This list connects you to reviews and purchasing information for books that can help you streamline your computer.

95. Speed Up Your Computer: Upgrade Hardware, Optimize Your PC, Even Boot Up Faster!: Follow this book’s seven step approach to tweak your hardware, OS, and more to get your computer up to speed.
96. Simple Computer Tune-Up: Speed Up Your PC: Read this guide to learn how to use PC Pitstop’s Optimize tool to get better performance out of your PC.
97. Windows Vista Timesaving Techniques for Dummies: This Dummies book has useful tips for optimizing your computer, finding files fast, and customizing Vista to make it more convenient for the way you work.
98. Easy Steps to Speed Up Windows XP: This guide is aimed at users who have owned a Windows XP machine for some time, and are ready to make it work faster.
99. The Healthy PC: Preventive Care and Home Remedies for Your Computer: Read The Healthy PC to learn strategies that will help keep your computer running fast.
100. Cyber Savers: Tips and Tricks for Today’s Drowning Computer User: Check out Sandy Berger’s book to learn how to make computing faster and easier.

The Internet can be an easy place to shop for gifts, pay your bills, keep in touch with family and manage your bank accounts. Of course, with this convenience also comes risk with transmitting so much personal information over the net where those with nefarious intentions can be waiting to steal your credit card numbers or personal details. You can make the net a friendlier place, however, by employing a suite of security tools that will protect you and ensure your computer stays secure. Here are 100 such tools that won’t cost you a thing to try out.

Anti-Virus

Some viruses are designed to allow hackers to harvest your personal information and take control of your computer. Put a stop to that with these helpful anti-virus programs.

1. AVG Anti-Virus: Created in 1991, this anti-virus program provides users with regular updates, spyware detection, email scam protection and phishing alerts.
2. BitDefender: Those in search of a good on-demand virus scanner may want to check out this free option. While it doesn’t have always-on capabilities, it will help you find any viruses that are lurking on your system.
3. A-Squared: This malware scanner will alert you of dangers like trojan horses, backdoors, worms, viruses, keyloggers and more. Users should be aware, however, that it only works with IE, so if you use Firefox another program may work better.
4. Command on Demand Scanner: Check out this program for a simple-to-use online virus checker that works within IE.
5. ESET Online Scanner: Make sure your computer is avoiding the worst virus infections by using this helpful Internet Explorer-based scanner.
6. Freedom Online Virus Check: This online virus scanner works within both Firefox and IE, and allows users to keep their computers free of potential harmful viruses and malware.
7. Avast!: This anti-virus program uses an MP3 player-like interface to allow users to scan their computers and email for viruses and spyware. Newer versions of the program have introduced P2P and IM protection as well.
8. Avira AntiVir: Avira has consistently been ranked among one of the best free anti-virus programs and comes with regular updates and a variety of scanning options. One drawback, however, is the intrusive ads that pop up when the program updates.
9. Rising Antivirus: This program is fairly new on the market and allows users free access to virus scans of their computers as well as email protection and a variety of other features.
10. Panda ActiveScan: If you don’t want to install a whole anti-virus program and just want to double check a file on your computer, try this online virus scanner from Panda Security.

Spyware

Keep annoying spyware from tracking what you do on the Internet with these free applications.

11. Ad-Aware: By far the most popular of the free anti-spyware software, this program makes it easy to keep up with updates, scan your computer and remove unwanted programs.
12. Ewido Networks Anti-Spyware: Use this online scanner to determine if your computer is infected with malware. You’ll get protection and you won’t have to pay or install a thing to do it.
13. Spybot Search and Destroy: This spyware detection tool works exceptionally well and won’t cost you a thing to use. Windows users can run the program to locate harmful spyware, trojans, keyloggers and more.
14. Windows Defender: You can get Windows Defender free from Microsoft if you can verify you’re running a legal version of Windows XP. You’ll then be able to scan for harmful spyware and malware that could be bogging down your computer and sharing your private information.
15. Max Secure Spyware Detector: Try this program to get rootkit, keylogger and heuristic protection in addition to a speedy spyware scanning program.
16. SUPER Anti-Spyware: This program is easy to install and use and provides good protection against a wide variety of internet threats.
17. SpywareBlaster: With this tool, you’ll be able to prevent ActiveX-based spyware from installing itself on your computer and block cookies from sites that use them to track your browsing habits.
18. Spyware Guard: This program keeps running behind the scenes to give you real-time protection from spyware and browser hijacking.
19. HiJack This!: With HiJack This you’ll be able to manually search and find spyware on your computer, and it is better designed to suit the needs of those who have a good knowledge of computers and how spyware functions.
20. a2 Free: With a2 you’ll be able to manually scan your computer to detect harmful programs and cookies that contain trojans, malware, dialers, worms, sniffers and more.
21. STOPzilla: This program has tested well and was found to block nearly all spyware, so give it a try when working to protect your computer.
22. Perfect Process: Check out this program for easy to operate protection from a variety of spyware, malware and other internet junk that can clutter your system.
23. Who’s Watching Me?: Feel like your computer is being watched by someone? You can get access to this free program to find out just who, if anyone, is spying on your private information.
24. PrivacyKeyboard: Try installing this program to protect yourself from spyware and malware and also dangerous keylogging programs designed to keep track of what you’re typing.
25. Arovax Shield: Get real-time protection from spyware and malware by using this program, which runs quietly in the background to keep your computer and information safe.

Vulnerability Scanners

Find out what security weaknesses your computer, website or network has with these tools.

26. MBSA: MBSA, or Microsoft Baseline Security Adviser, can give you the tools you need to determine if your IT infrastructure is really secure. It can identify missing security updates and will give you suggestions for increasing your security.
27. Nessus: Perhaps one of the best vulnerability scanners, this program explores and maps out your network for any potential weaknesses that could allow attackers into your systems.
28. Nikto: This web server scanner will perform a variety of tests including searching for thousands of harmful files and version specific problems over hundreds of servers.
29. Paros Proxy: Just developing a new web app? Use this program to determine how vulnerable it might be to attackers.
30. HFNetChk: Use this program to identify and fix what security patches and updates you may be in need of to keep your computer safe.
31. Tripwire: This open source program for Linux makes it easy to monitor changes to small or large servers and ensure they stay safe and secure.

Spam Filters

These filters can help rid your inbox of potentially harmful spam.

32. MailWasher: This program allows you to check your email on a secure server before downloading it to your PC to ensure you’re not bringing any harmful files in with your spam.
33. xTerminator: xTerminator works similarly to MailWasher and allows users to pre-sort their email before it ever gets downloaded onto their computers.
34. SPAMFighter: Keep your Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express inbox free from potentially dangerous spam by installing and using this program.
35. CA Anti-Spam: Check out this professional grade spam blocker to protect from spam in your inbox as well as phishing attacks from websites.
36. POPFile: Try out this program to have your mail sorted before it ever gets to your inbox.
37. eXpurgate: This program from manufacturer eleven helps filter out all the junk that comes into your inbox.
38. Spamato: Spamato is one of the best free spam filters out there and will keep nearly all of that annoying spam out of your inbox and in the garbage where it belongs.
39. Spamhilator: Check out this spam filter for nearly flawless spam filtering capabilities.
40. SpamPal: This free program allows users to filter their Outlook, Outlook Express and Eudora inboxes for spam.
41. Cactus Spam Filter: Give this free program a try if you’re looking for an easy way to knock out the worst of the spam that gets into your inbox.

Encryption

Make sure your private information stays that way by checking out these encryption utilities.

42. GNU Privacy Guard: This GNU version of PGP uses a public key encryption system and is entirely free to use and modify.
43. AxCrypt: AxCrypt allows you to encrypt your files with the AES encryption algorithm and supports large file sizes, shredding of files and great command line functionality for users who need greater control.
44. dsCrypt: This easy-to-use program employs simple drag and drop features and allows users to quickly encrypt a variety of file types.
45. TrueCrypt: This helpful program allows users to encrypt entire portions or smaller container parts of their hard drives which should help keep your information safe even if your computer security is compromised.
46. Camouflage: Try out this program for file encryption that will allow you to hide your information in a picture, video or music file.
47. FreeOTFE: This on-the-fly encryption program for Windows and Linux can help you create encrypted partitions on your desktop.
48. CompuSec: If you’re looking to encrypt your entire hard disk try this program out. It can also encrypt memory sticks, disks and other removable storage devices.
49. Scramdisk 4 Linux: Check out this Linux suite of tools that help you to create Scramdisk and TrueCrypt containers.
50. Cryptainer: With this tool, you can create 25MB "containers" which will appear to Windows as separate encrypted disk drives or send encrypted emails.
51. LockNote: Secure your documents using this program which provides help encrypting and decrypting information you want to stay private.
52. File Buddy: File Buddy encrypts and decrypts your files as well as destroying the original plaintext versions. It can also be used to compress your encrypted files before you send them.
53. CCrypt: More experienced computer users will find this command line tool helpful for encryption. It works on nearly all platforms and provides encryption to any files you specify.
54. FineCrypt: This program allows you to encrypt a limited number of files (though certain types are not supported) and comes complete with a variety of other features as well.
55. S-Tools: S-Tools is encryption software that comes with additional steganographic capabilities. You can encode files in BMP, GIF and WAV format so your secret information will stay safe.
56. Pretty Good Privacy: With PGP you can encrypt your email client or just individual files and messages.

Secure Email and Chat

Keep your conversations away from prying eyes by trying out these email and chat programs designed to keep everything encrypted.

57. Sbwave Email Encryption: Go on the Web to send and receive encrypted files and mail using this program. It is intended for information that needs light to moderate encryption and shouldn’t be used to send highly confidential information.
58. Hushmail Email Encryption: This free webmail service encrypts your emails using 1024 bit encryption. Users can encrypt files as well, but there is a limit on the size of file that can be encrypted.
59. PSST Easy Encrypted Instant Messaging: Ensure that your private conversations with friends stay that way with this helpful chat encryption utility that works in Windows and Linux.
60. X-IM Free: Use this tool to encrypt the messages you send back and forth during chats.
61. OTR Messaging: OTR, or Off the Record, Messaging provides encryption and authentication for online conversations ensuring private matters stay that way.
62. WASTE: This file sharing and instant messaging software allows users to keep information for both personal and work projects confidential and away from prying eyes.

Connection Protection

Ensure your connection isn’t being compromised by utilizing one of these tools.

63. NetStumbler: Keep rogue wireless networks from harming your computer by checking out this tool. It looks for other wireless LAN networks in your area and can help you sniff out the bad guys. Especially helpful for business owners with lots of information to protect.
64. Ethereal: This open source packet sniffer can help you to troubleshoot, analyze, and monitor all the activity on your network.
65. Snort: Snort is a helpful intrusion detection and prevention system which makes it easy to detect and block a variety of attacks on your computer.
66. ThreatFire: Check out this program for an additional layer of warning that malware may be trying to attack your computer.
67. Blink Personal: This HIPS detector comes complete with a firewall which can help alert and protect you from a number of threats when you’re online.
68. System Safety Monitor: With this program you’ll be able to track the loading of device drivers, installation of programs, modifications to the start menu and more to ensure your computer stays intruder free.
69. Samurai: This program aims to harden your system from attacks and also provides HIP services which can warn you when unwanted programs are installing themselves.
70. AntiHook: Use this program to monitor what programs are launching and running on your computer, the termination of your security software, and the installation of global hooks.
71. ProcessGuard Free: To get features like protection from process termination, prevention of program modification, application execution and installation, try out this program.
72. Winsonar: Get this program to detect when new and possibly unwanted programs have started running on your computer.

Firewalls

Firewalls can be a great defense against all kinds of threats, so check out these free options to protect your computer.

73. Online Armor Free Edition: With this firewall, you’ll be able to detect leaks in your internet security within an easy to use and best of all, free, format. It contains built-in HIPS protection, keylogger detection, and fights malware attacks.
74. Comodo Personal Firewall: This fully featured firewall offers users attractive benefits like an intrusion detection system and the ability to share connections with others. Users will find their incoming and outgoing internet traffic well protected with its services.
75. PC Tools Firewall Plus: Check out this Windows-based firewall which offers a few advanced features to help you more fully filter what’s running on your computer and what’s going in and out.
76. ZoneAlarm: With ZoneAlarm you can get some basic and free protection for your computer. Users can limit what programs can access the internet, and ensure all incoming and outgoing traffic is safe.
77. Sunbelt Personal Firewall: Block harmful spyware, malware and adware with this monitoring program.
78. Guarddog: Users of Linux will find this tool helpful. It allows the modification of an existing firewall so that users can block almost all traffic except those that are explicitly allowed.
79. GhostWall: Try out this lightweight firewall to filter the traffic coming into your computer and ensure you stay protected from those who’d like to infiltrate your computer.
80. Jetico Personal Firewall: This firewall has tested extremely well in protecting users from leaks, though some may feel that the interface is difficult to navigate.
81. Firestarter: Make your Linux OS safe from intrusion by installing this firewall program. It walks users through a customization program and boasts an easy-to-use graphical interface that will let you monitor your traffic and any intrusion attempts.
82. Softperfect Personal Firewall: Softperfect’s firewall is a great solution for Windows users, and comes with features that allow filtering of IP and non-IP traffic, multiple network configurations, and a learning mode.
83. NetVeda Safety: This program offers users standard firewall features while also enabling application control and content filtering.
84. Securepoint: This program can be an easy way for Windows users to protect against intrusions into their privacy, and best of all you won’t have to pay for it.
85. Webroot Desktop Firewall: Designed to be easy-to-use for both techies and computer novices, this firewall provides traffic monitoring, PC concealment, and prevents attacks from trojans and other malware.

Anonymous Surfing

Surf the net in relative privacy by using one of these browsers or applications.

86. JonDo: This program works with your existing web browser to anonymize any surfing you do by using proxy servers, and can keep your internet wanderings secret from just about anyone.
87. Tor: Tor allows anonymous browsing and also emailing, file sharing, IMs, and IRC chat.
88. XeroBank Browser: This program is a special version of Firefox that has Tor anonymization coding and can run directly from a USB drive.
89. OperaTor: Fans of the browser Opera can take advantage of this program which combines that browser with Tor and allows it to be used on portable devices.
90. Incognito: This basic program allows users to surf the net while maintaining their privacy and security of personal information.
91. Proxify: With this program you’ll have secure anonymous surfing with features that erase cookies, scripts and ads and hides your user agent.
92. Shadow Surf: Check out this site for free anonymous Web surfing capabilities.
93. Anonymous Web Browser: If you’re in a need of a more covert browser, try this one on for size. It will erase your tracks and hide your user agent so no one will know where you have been.
94. Guardster: Try this online service for some installation-free anonymous web browsing.
95. the-cloak: With this online site you’ll be allowed to surf to other websites, destroy JavaScript code that that site may place on your pages, and remove images and cookies while preventing information about your location and computer from being transmitted to that site.
96. @noymouse: Go through this site to browse the net anonymously. You’ll just have to enter a URL, and this site will fetch the information for you.
97. StupidCensorship: Visit this site to find the help you need to keep your browsing private. It can also delete cookies and other information that can let others know where you’ve been.

Browser Protection

Make sure your browser isn’t doing anything fishy with these tools.

98. Sandboxie: This program creates a special contained "sandbox" for your PC so that as you browse your vital applications, hard drive and other computer essentials are protected from anything your browser might pick up.
99. SafeSpace: SafeSpace ensures that your truly important information stays safe on your computer by creating a special space for internet browsing. The program is easy to use and boasts an attractive interface.
100. Returnil Virtual System: If you’d like to take this protection one step further you can check out this program, which clones your entire system partition giving you a safe space to work in.

Social networking sites aren’t just great places to catch up with old friends from high school or post pictures from your night out last weekend. With their growing popularity, social networking sites are expanding to fit a wide variety of niches. Now sports fans can come together on a wide variety of sites to talk about their favorite teams, sports or even meet up to play pick-up games. Check out these sites to meet up with and chat with your fellow sports followers from all over the globe.

General

These sites serve fans of a wide range of sports.

1. FanNation: Get sports stats and news through this site and its partners Sports Illustrated and CNN. It also has loads of social networking features.
2. SportsMates: Network with sports fans from all over the globe on this site, which offers thousands of forums, blogs, directories and photos of all types of sports.
3. Fanspot: Join fan clubs, blog about your favorite team, check team stats and post photos on this comprehensive sports social networking sites.
4. Tired & Tested: This UK-based sports site allows users to create profiles, join clubs, blog, and more about their favorite players and teams.
5. UltraFan: Here sports fans of all kinds can create a profile and network with friends, blog, participate in forums, and post videos and photos related to sports.
6. e-Fans: Check out this social network for sports fans to get the latest scores and news, buy tickets, create blogs and talk to other fans about everything from soccer to tennis.
7. FreetheFan: Create a profile on this site to chat about sports, share videos and even win prizes that are given away through the site.
8. SportMe: This sports social network is the largest in the UK and provides a place to talk about athletes, teams and clubs.
9. Fan Smack: Users of this site can create a profile and start talking smack about all the teams and players they don’t like.
10. FanZak: This new site provides a place where fans can create a profile, share photos, get the latest sports rumors, and join team-specific groups.
11. FanBoom: With this site, fans can build their own websites, blog about sports, and get the latest news and photos of their favorite teams.
12. MVPSpot: Create a user profile on this site to share your photos, videos and thoughts in online forums.
13. RootZoo: This sports networking site allows users to chat about their favorite teams, create and play in fantasy leagues, share videos, chat and take advantage of a variety of other services.

Leagues

With these sites you’ll find networking for entire leagues and all the teams they represent.

14. My AFL: Fans of the American Football League can get together on this site and share videos, photos and commentary on the latest games and best players. Diehard fans can use this Football Fanatics coupon code to show their true colors.
15. Fan Voice: Chat up other basketball lovers on the NBA’s official community site. Users can share their photos, set up a profile and even play in fantasy leagues.
16. NHL Connect: Recap all the action on the ice through this NHL fan community with forums, videos and photos.

Teams

Support your favorite teams on these great networks, and then show your team spirit with this Fansedge coupon code.

17. I Am a Trail Blazers Fan: This Portland basketball team was the first to launch a team-specific social networking site. Fans can get together to chat about games or participate in the volunteer programs associated with the team.
18. MyColts.net: Fans of the Indianapolis Colts can blog, post videos and photos, and gain social cred as they post.
19. HuskerSpot: Students and other fans of the University of Nebraska’s teams can come together on this site which comes complete with video and photo sharing capabilities as well as forums and blogging capabilities.
20. TechSideline: Those who want to support Virginia Tech’s sports can check out this social networking site. Visitors can get news, participate in forums, read a blog and more.
21. Redskins Connect: Meet up with other fans of the Washington Redskins on this site. You’ll find photos and media, email, chat and much more.
22. Planet Orange: Keep up with the goings on of the Phoenix Suns on this site, which also allows users to create groups, blog and share videos and photos.

High School and College

Fans of non-professional sports can check out these sites for the latest.

23. TAKKLE: High school athletes and their coaches can network on this site and interact with fans through communities, news and photos.
24. Tru Preps: High school athletes can create a profile here which lists their accomplishments, stats, and photos, as well as meet with other athletes.
25. FanU: Share your thoughts on your favorite college teams on this site, dedicated solely to college sports. Users can join groups, share media, blog and more.
26. CollegeFanz: Whether you’re in college or just root for a college team, this site provides a place to find information, talk with other fans and share a variety of media.
27. SportsWar: Here you’ll find information from 29 different collegiate sports social networks so you can get it all in one easy to access place.

Extreme Sports

If you like to live on the edge or just like to watch those who do, check out these sites.

28. Zexsports: Those who are into extreme sports like BMX, white water rafting, rock climbing and kayaking can meet others who share these interests on this networking site.
29. Sk8Site: This skateboarding community provides a place to share videos, pictures and stories and chat with other skaters, professional and amateur.
30. SurfSpot: Surfers can meet and chat with each other on this surf-specific site which offers video and photo posting, event notifications, and even surf TV.
31. Motocross.com: Share your thoughts on the latest in motocross as well as videos and photos on this community site.
32. MayContainNuts: Those crazy about extreme sports can find all the information, videos and forums they’ll need to keep up with the latest in wakeboarding, kite surfing, snowboarding and much more.

Sport Specific

Whether you’re into tennis or soccer you’ll find networks to meet your fan needs here.

33. RodeoUp: The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has created this site to let fans and participants of rodeo sports meet and network with each other.
34. SkiSpace: Founded by Olympian Bode Miller, this ski site allows users to share their ski photos and videos, create a blog and even make reservations at ski resorts.
35. SkiNet: Here, users can create a profile that will allow them to engage in chats with other members as well as upload their own content and share recommendations.
36. UltimateFrisbee.com: Meet and greet ultimate frisbee enthusiasts on this site, which comes complete with message boards, photo and video posting and more.
37. FootyHeads: Those crazy about the game of rugby can use this site as a place to talk about the sport as well as post pictures and videos.
38. SwimRoom: Get professional advice from Olympic swimmers, blog about swimming, post videos, and create swimming related groups on this site.
39. InFieldParking: Fans of NASCAR will appreciate this site, which provides photos, news and forums on the latest in racing.
40. OleOle: This site is the largest social networking site dedicated solely to soccer. It provides blogging, podcasts, photos, videos, wallpapers and of course forums to talk about the latest in worldwide soccer.
41. Stracka.com: Golfers can get together on this site which provides a variety of blogging, networking and media sharing capabilities.
42. Tennisopolis: Get the latest news in tennis as well as find other players and fans to chat with on this site.

Social Bookmarking

Read all kinds of sports related news, vote and recommend articles on these sites.

43. Ballhype: This site pulls sports related news stories from all over the Web and aggregates them in one easy-to-browse place in a Digg-like format.
44. SportsAg: Visitors to this site can read sports-related posts from blogs all over the net.

For Athletes

Sports networking sites aren’t just for fans, athletes can get in on the fun too with these sites.

45. ILovetoPlay: Individuals and organizations looking to meet with others to play sports, talk, find training partners and organize events.
46. isporty: This site aims to bring people together through sports, both through those that play them and those who enjoy watching them. Find information and chat with others on over 360 sports.
47. ComenPlay: This site aims to bring together athletes from a wide range of sports. Forums and other features make it easy to work together to improve fitness and sports skills and to meet up to play games.
48. iStadia: Professionals in sports and fitness can use this site as a place to meet with others to work out, play sports, and get advice.
49. AccessAthletes: Athletes in all sports and all levels can use this site as a place to network through messages, blogs and more.
50. StickyChicken: StickyChicken is dedicated to helping athletes in numerous sports find and meet with others who are interested in playing.

Firefox is generally considered a secure web browser, but if you’re interested in keeping your activity on certain websites private or giving yourself extra protection against phishing, hackers and viruses, you may want to consider beefing up your Firefox’s security in general. Thankfully, there are lots of options available that make achieving privacy and security online as easy as downloading a simple add-on or application that was designed just for Firefox users. Here are some of our favorites.

Secrecy and Encryption

Keep prying eyes and hackers at bay by encrypting e-mail messages, hiding your identity and erasing online history with these add-ons.

1. Anonymization Toolbar: Clear your online cache and history with this add on, which also lets you surf the Web with Firefox anonymously.
2. Attention Recorder: This open source add-on lets users control their Web history and other "attention data" that can be stolen by hackers.
3. Browse at Work: Visit personal profiles and other sites that may be considered taboo at the office with this add-on, which keeps your identity a secret.
4. Clear Private Data: This extension makes the "Clear Private Data" feature on Firefox more effective and easier to access.
5. FormFox 1.6.2: Discover where your information is being sent online with FormFox.
6. Temporary Inbox: Set up a temporary e-mail address and inbox with this app, which can help you avoid spam, viruses and someone tracking you to risque sites.
7. SafeHistory: Keep hackers from finding out your online history with SafeHistory.
8. SafeCache: SafeCache is a similar app that checks cookie settings and "segments the cache on the basis of the originating document, defending against web privacy attacks."
9. Gmail S/MIME 0.3.4: Create and read encrypted e-mail messages through Gmail with this app.
10. hideBad 2.0: This tool is great for surfing the Web at work and for general security purposes. hideBad "quickly closes tabs that you do not want others to see" and clears your online history.
11. PhProxy - InBasic 3.0.3B: Only your server’s IP address will show up when you visit sites, not yours.
12. Ghostfox: This app doesn’t work with MacOSX, but it can be handy tool for Windows users who want to keep their Firefox browser invisible from passers by.
13. KeyScrambler Personal: Here’s a great tool that’s unfortunately not available for MacOSX. The app encrypts your keystrokes so that passwords and other private information can’t be tracked.

Add-Ons That Beef Up Security

Give your security a serious makeover by downloading and installing the following Firefox extensions which can keep JavaScript in check, run verification reports on websites and protect against phishing attacks.

14. CallingID Link Advisor: Verify that a link is safe and secure before you visit it with this app.
15. Controle de Scripts: Customize how JavaScripts can perform on different websites with this add-on, which lets you "set what functions or properties each site can access or modify, thanks to its Security Policies implementation."
16. Cert Viewer Plus 1.3: View website certificates for verification and security purposes.
17. Dr. Web anti-virus link checker: Do a security check on files before downloading them with this tool.
18. Finjan Secure Browsing: Find out if any sites brought up in your search results are hiding malicious content with this app.
19. Interclue for Firefox: Get information about a site before you risk clicking on it with Interclue.
20. Enigform 0.8.0: This app adds GnuPG Digital Signatures to sites that ask for extra security settings.
21. JSView 2.0.4: Get source code of external files from websites with JSView.
22. Personal Anti-Phishing Sidebar: This app adds a sidebar to protect you "from spoofing and phishing attacks."
23. Secure Login 0.9.2.6: With this add-on, you can choose to safely and automatically log in to sites saved in your bookmarks, protect login data from JavaScript, avoid phishing scams, and a lot more.
24. Vital Threat Level 0.1: Learn the current threat level of the Internet with this automatic tool.

Cookies

These add-ons give you more control over viewing, editing and deleting cookies.

25. Cookie Monster: Block all cookies with this add-on, view cookies for every site you visit and automatically see cookie permissions from different sites from a popup menu.
26. Cookie Button 0.9: Install this button to get easier access to cookie permissions.
27. CookieCuller: This app gives you the option to keep or delete cookies as you choose.
28. CookieSafe 3.0.3: This popular app is downloaded to your status bar and lets you manage cookies by viewing cookies, deleting them, temporarily allowing them for different sites, and more.

Testing Your System

Let these add-ons test your browser’s security against certain vulnerabilities and leaks.

29. Access Me: This add-on tests your system to see if websites and other personal information can be accessed by third parties while you’re online.
30. External IP 0.9.9.4: With this app, you’ll be alerted if your IP address changes.
31. gladder 2.0.2.2: The gladder proxy tool "works on a customizable sites list," making it extremely popular for testing your system for security leaks.
32. SQL Inject Me 0.3.0: This app tests your system for SQL Injection vulnerabilities, which can share all kinds of private data to hackers.

Passwords

Manage tricky passwords and keep hackers guessing with these tools.

33. Password Hasher 1.0.4: This add-on helps you come up with hard-to-crack passwords, sets up different passwords for different sites and will remind you to change passwords every once in a while just for good measure.
34. Magic Password Generator: Pick a master password which will serve as a key for customized passwords you set up for individual sites.
35. Public Fox 1.05: Set up a system that blocks automatic downloads and add-ons until you type in the password.
36. PwdHash 1.5: This app automatically sets up passwords for different sites and prevents JavaScript from figuring out the passwords.

Protecting Your Privacy Online

In order to protect your privacy online, take advantage of the following Firefox add-ons that can erase your personal data, scramble tab and page titles, and more.

37. Auto Browser Closer: Set up a timer to close Firefox after five minutes to keep spying eyes away from your screen if you have to get up suddenly or think you’ll forget to close it manually.
38. iTrustPage 3.04: This app stops you from filling out suspicious web forms and will direct you to a related form that is more secure.
39. Netcraft Toolbar 1.2: Protect yourself from phishing sites, which are blocked thanks to this Firefox add-on.
40. NoScript 1.7.6: This very popular add-on lets you choose to "allow JavaScript, Java and other executable content to run only from sites you trust."
41. Page Title Eraser: If you’re at work or a coffee shop, prevent others from figuring out what site you’re on with this app.
42. Distrust: Turn on this app when you start surfing the Web. Turn it off when you’re finished, and all of your history, cache and cookies will be deleted.
43. Secure Browser 1.2: This user-friendly tool helps those less technically inclined to delete sensitive data and online history automatically.
44. SquiggleSR 0.4.7.10: This tool protects your privacy during searches and when you subscribe to RSS feeds.
45. Torbutton 1.2.0.rc6: This shortcut quickly connects users to Firefox’s Tor, which heightens security on the browser.
46. TabRenamizer: TabRenamizer is another add-on that scrambles and renames the titles on your tabs to keep your Web surfing private.
47. TrackMeNot 0.5.32: Avoid being profiled from search engine and statistics groups with this tool.
48. WOT: WOT "warns users about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware, or send spam."
49. XSS Me 0.3.0: Protect yourself against XSS vulnerabilities in various web applications.
50. BugMeNot 2.0: With this add-on, you can "bypass compulsory web registration" and get on with your online activities without sharing information.

Whether you’re an employer trying to research a sketchy job candidate, someone suspicious of the show-off date they found online, or trying to research sex offenders in your area, there are a number of free Web tools to turn you into an amateur private eye. Check out our list of 50 totally free services that will let you dig up the dirt on anyone.

All-in-One Services and Public Records Search

Searching through public records is easy when you turn to these free sites that connect you to databases of court records, jail records, corporate records, and more.

1. Free Public Records Finder: Search free public records by state, view corporate records, court records, criminal records and more on this site.
2. Net-Investigation.com: Search by state to look up court records on almost anyone. This site also provides a background check crash course and tutorials for how to find the most relevant information.
3. Public Record Finder: This site uses "the largest public records search database on the World Wide Web" and pours through public records from the U.S., Canada and even Mexico.
4. Abika: At Abika, you can verify licenses, do a criminal records check, find contact information, dig up marriage and divorce records, do a license plate search, trace e-mails, and more.
5. Dates and Love: Run a background check, reverse cell phone number lookup, employee screening or people search on this site for free.

Criminal Background Checks

To find out if anyone has a criminal history, perform a free criminal background check on them using one of these tools.

6. Zimbio: Here you can run a free criminal background check by searching "millions of records at blazing fast speeds."
7. CrimCheck.com: CrimCheck.com connects users to over 1,330 public records and websites to help you with your search.
8. eFindOuttheTruth.com, Inc.: If it’s your birthday, you are eligible to perform a free background check using this site’s quality search services.
9. RecordCheck.com: Conduct your search on this site, and if you don’t get any results, you won’t be charged for the search.
10. Detective Unlimited: This site connects users to a free version of the Intelius service. Results bring up addresses, lawsuits, sex offender information, property ownership, relatives, neighbors, marriage records and more.
11. Instant Background Report: Type in the name and state of the person you want to search, and you’ll find out approximate ages and cities where people who have that name live. You do have to pay for more specific information, though.
12. Direct Pass: Non-subscribers to this service receive a description of each database used in their search plus access to the public record locator.
13. Public Records Information: Search by state and county on this site and get links to investigation records, judicial organizations, sex offender registries and more.

Contact Information

Verify addresses and other contact information by going to one of these free search sites, from the White Pages to the more elusive Internet Sleuth.

14. White Pages: The White Pages is a perfectly free way to find addresses and contact information for individuals.
15. Free Address Lookup: Browse by state or just type in a name to find out where someone lives in the U.S.
16. The Search Advisor: Search the U.S. database on this site to find missing people, do a quick address verification or find your birth family.
17. Addresses.com: This website offers a White Pages search, Yellow Pages search, cell phone caller ID and e-mail lookup.
18. AnyWho: To find a person or a business through this site, you need to type in their land line phone number.
19. MelissaDATA: You can verify and look up addresses on this website, which prompts you to type in a street address, zip code or city.
20. PhoneNumber.com: Conduct a people search or business search on this site, where you can find and verify addresses and phone numbers.
21. Superpages.com: Look up addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses on Superpages.com.
22. Internet Sleuth: Internet Sleuth searches databases at Addresses.com, Whitepages.com, SmartPages, 411.com, Anywho and Yahoo! to bring you contact information for your people search.
23. 411.com: At 411.com, search the white pages or yellow pages, do a reverse phone number check, reverse address check, look up an area or zip code and more.

Marital History and Genealogy

Has your date secretly been married before? Find out by digging into marriage and family records by state or county.

24. GeneaLinks: The free marriage records database lets you search ancestors’ records and link up to marriage records on other sites to maximize your search.
25. A - Z Marriage Records: Look up marriage records in the US, UK, Canada and Ireland on this site.
26. FamilySearch.org: This site lets you do a basic look up of named family members within a specific year range, country. You can choose a certain life event, too, like a birth, death or marriage.
27. Census Diggins: Browse marriage and divorce records by state and county from the 1700s to the present.
28. I Dream of Genealogy: This site is another service that provides free marriage records organized by state.

Employment Screenings

Employers need to be careful about who they hire, and there are several free services that allow you to verify contact information, past work experience, and even driving records.

29. Free Employment Screening: This site offers a "comprehensive employee screener search engine" that lets you search by name or combine a name with city, zip code, employer and birth year.
30. BackgroundSearch.com: Do a pre-employment background search by typing in a name and birthday. Using a SSN to narrow down your search is optional.
31. DatabaseRecords.com: Sign in with your name and e-mail address to get access to a free employee screening report here.
32. Switchboard: Verify that an applicant’s past work experience is legitimate by verifying their business here.
33. Driver’s License Search: Find court records and driving records by looking up your applicant’s driver’s license here.

Real Estate and Rent

Run a tenant check on a seedy looking applicant to find out if they’ve been blacklisted on one of these sites.

34. LandlordOnline.com: When you sign up for a free basic membership on this site, you’ll be eligible for two free credit reports and three free industry reports.
35. Deadbeat Tenant: Start by selecting your state and then conduct an eviction check or criminal record check on applicants.
36. Bad Tenant: This site offers free membership and a search to find out if an applicant has been blacklisted in the database.

Sex Offender Sites

Protect your family and your neighborhood by looking up sex offenders by name or zip code. Some sites even offer photos of each offender.

37. National Sex Offender Registry: The family watchdog on this site directs users to a search by location or search by name.
38. FBI Crimes Against Children: Click on a state to conduct a sex offender search from the FBI’s website.
39. MapSexOffenders.com: There are over 300,000 sex offenders listed in this database. You can view maps of the offenders and search by name.
40. Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Registry: On this site, you can type in a name, zip code, county or city to perform your search. Results include a photo, names and aliases used by the offender, registration information and address.
41. Free Sex Offenders Search: Perform a sex offender lookup by state and get public access to criminal records and jail records.
42. SexOffender.com Database Search: Look up sex offenders and anyone who has a history or record of violent behavior towards children.
43. US-Sex-Offenders.com: This site can search information and addresses for sex offenders in 27 different U.S. states.

People Searches

To conduct a general people search on someone, use one of these sites, which feature search options like reverse telephone number look up, e-mail addresses, online profiles and more.

45. Zaba Search: This free people search and public information search engine features search options by name, phone number or social security number.
46. Free Public Records Directory: Find death records, court records, marriage and divorce records and a lot more on this "absolutely free" site.
47. Yahoo! People Search: Conduct a U.S. phone and address search, reverse phone number check or e-mail search here.
48. Bigfoot: Find individuals or businesses through this site, which can reveal e-mail addresses, phone numbers, addresses and more.
49. Peek You: Peek You is "the smartest way to find people online." You can find out if someone has any risque pictures or information on their online profiles, on any site.
50. pipl: pipl is another online people search site that brings up social networking profiles, public records, mentions on blogs and the Web, and even customer profiles on sites like Amazon.com.

You may think your website is great, but if you really want to know the truth, you need to call in some help. Whether you’re assessing your popularity, traffic, or usability, there are plenty of tools out there to do the job. Here, we’ve shared 50 of the best tools that will tell you just how good your site really is.

Search Engine Optimization

Use these tools to make sure your site is receptive to search engine traffic.

1. Google Webmaster Tools: See how Google views your site, diagnose problems, and more, on this control panel for Google.
2. SEO Group Website Evaluation Tool: With this tool, you can track your search engine ranking and up to 3 keywords per report.
3. Indexed Pages Tool: Find out your total link count from major search engines.
4. GeoTargeting Detection: Determine how well your site is targeted to country-specific search engines.
5. Search Engine Positioning Tool: Track how well your websites rank for targeted keywords using this tool.
6. Keyword Density Analysis Tool: See how well you’re targeting keywords on your site site using the Keyword Density Analysis Tool.
7. Multiple Data Center Pagerank SEO Tool: Use this tool to check out your page rank in multiple Google data centers.
8. Niche Watch: See how you rank against competitors in your niche with Niche Watch.
9. Strongest Pages Tool: Determine which pages on your site offer the most strength to search engines.
10. Future PageRank: Use this tool to find out what your PageRank will be in the near future.

Popularity & Traffic Assessment

Gauge the hotness of your traffic and reach using these tools.

11. URL Trends: Visit URL Trends to get an evaluation of your search engine popularity.
12. Alexa: Find out your traffic rank, reach, and compare your site with competitors on Alexa.
13. Technorati: Bloggers should check out their site on Technorati to see how they rank and get a glimpse into their popularity.
14. Link Popularity: Find out how many web pages link to your site with this tool.
15. Traffic Estimate: This site will simply give you an estimate of your traffic over the past few months.
16. Compete: Compete offers a great way for you to track your site’s performance against your competitors.
17. Quantcast: Check out Quantcast to get a look into your traffic demographics.
18. Website Popularity: With this utility, you’ll get reports of indexed pages, ranking, and more.
19. Backlink & Anchor Text Tool: Find out who is linking to you using this tool.

Statistics

Put any of these great statistics tools on your site, and you’ll get a peek into search engine terms, usage, and more.

20. Google Analytics: Get clear and easy reports about visitors to your site with this tool.
21. StatCounter: With this web stats tool, you’ll be able to track your traffic, search engine terms, and more.
22. Measure Map: Understand what people do on your blog with Measure Map.
23. AWStats: Use this open source tool to format your log information in a readable way.
24. pMetrics: Performancing’s pMetrics offers detailed site and user statistics.
25. Mint: Identify where your site succeeds with this fully-featured tool.

Browser Tools

Evaluate your site in your own browser with these tools.

26. Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar: With this toolbar, you can turn CSS and Javascript on and off to see how your site displays without them.
27. Firefox Web Developer: Use this add-on to get tools that will help you evaluate your site in Firefox.

Accessibility & Usability

These tools will allow you to get a peek into just how well others can use your site.

28. Accessibility Extension: Download this accessibility extension for Firefox, and you’ll be able to check your site right in your browser.
29. Fangs: Download this text reader for Firefox to see how your site serves up.
30. Crazy Egg: Take a look at heat maps and other tools that will tell you where interest lies on your site.
31. Mobile-Readiness Evaluation: Find out if your site is ready to be viewed on a mobile browser.
32. WAVE: Have WAVE take a look at your site to see your original page with embedded icons that discuss accessibility issues.
33. Link Validation Spider: Make sure that all of the links on your site work with this spider tool.
34. Vischeck: Evaluate your site for vision-impaired users with this tool.
35. UITest: This tool will give your site a quick run-over to evaluate its accessibility.
36. Readability Test: Use this tester to find out if your site is easy to read or not.
37. Backward Compatibility Viewer: See how your site looks in older browsers using this tool.

Conversion Optimization

Does your site make users do what you want them to? Find out with these tools.

38. Google Website Optimizer: Google’s Website Optimizer can tell you how well you’re converting visitors, and what you can do to improve your rate.
39. Verster: Verster will give you an analysis of your conversion rates on landing pages, internal marketing, and e-commerce.
40. UserVue: With this service, you can see the way users behave on your site.
41. Omniture SiteCatalyst: This tool will help you determine profitable paths on your site.

Performance

Check your speed and user experience using these performance assessment tools.

42. Web Page Analyzer: With this tool, you’ll get a look at the loading speed of your site. It analyzes what loads first as well as your site’s overall speed.
43. YSlow: Check out your site’s overall performance with this developer tool from Yahoo!.
44. Load Time Analysis: Find out how long it takes to load all of your site with this tool.
45. StressTester: Check how much stress your site can take with this stress testing tool.
46. UXinsight: Check out your visitors’ user experience and website performance with UXinsight.
47. WebWait: Check your website’s speed using this tool.

Validation

These tools offer a handy way to check your code.

48. W3C Semantic Data Extractor: This tool will evaluate how semantically rich your site is.
49. NetMechanic Toolbox: Use this toolbox to check for bad spelling, code, compatibility, and slow-loading pages.
50. W3C Markup Validator: Use this service to make sure your code is up to snuff.

Most people pay a hefty amount of money every month to ensure that they have a quality connection to the Internet. But are you really getting what you pay for? Your speed, quality of service, and even the sites you’re allowed to use may be interfered with. Put these tools to work to make sure you’re getting everything you’ve been promised.

Performance and Speed

Check your Internet connection to see if you’re meeting the speeds you’re paying for.

1. CNET Bandwidth Meter Speed Test: This speed test will check your bandwidth against DSL, cable modem, and broadband services.
2. Intel Broadband Speed Test: Check out this test to compare your speed with what others have.
3. Doctor Ping: Compare your ping time to more than 100 servers with averages from other users with Doctor Ping.
4. Roadrunner Speed Test: Check your Roadrunner connection to see if you’re really getting the speed you’ve been quoted.
5. AT&T Speed Test: Just like the Roadrunner speed test, this tool will analyze the movement of your AT&T data.
6. Audit My PC’s Broadband Speed Test: This test offers broadband speed testing results that are both accurate and easy to understand.
7. Internet Performance and Speed Test: Use this test to check out your Internet connection speed.
8. Speakeasy Speed Test: Accurately measure your line and internet connection speed with Speakeasy’s test.

Uptime

Does your ISP promise 100% uptime? Check their record with these tools.

9. IsItUp: Monitor your ISP’s uptime from an external system using this service.
10. 24×7 Line Monitoring: Check to see if your ISP is delivering on their always-on service.

Integrity & Quality

Check for interference on your line with these tools.

11. Web Integrity Checker: The University of Washington and the International Computer Science Institute have teamed up on this tool that will detect whether or not your ISP is inserting advertisements into pages.
12. Line Quality Testing: Check for packet loss on your line, plus problem routers along the way.
13. Network Diagnostic Tester: Run performance tests on your network connection using this tool.
14. Smokeping: Monitor your IP address for 24 hours or more to detect packet loss or excessive latency variability from three different locations with Smokeping.
15. PingPlotter: With PingPlotter, you can collect data to uncover performance and security issues on your line.
16. Network Neutrality Check: Take this test to see if your ISP is altering your traffic in any way.
17. Pcapdiff: This tool will compare two packet captures to indentify packets that have been forged, dropped, or mangled.
18. Wireshark: Use Wireshark to capture raw packets and determine whether or not you’re a victim of ISP packet spoofing.

Ports

Make sure you’re getting full access to the ports you need by using these tools.

19. Open Port Check Tool: This tool will tell you if your ISP is blocking certain ports or not.
20. Open Port Tool: DynDNS offers this tool that will determine if you have incoming ports blocked by your ISP.

Throttling

Is your ISP throttling your bandwidth? These tools will help you find out.

21. Glasnost: Use this test to determine whether or not your ISP is throttling BitTorrent traffic.
22. Gemini Project: Use this project and team up with someone else who uses your ISP to find out if you’re being throttled.
23. Vuze Network Status Monitor: Check for throttling right in your Vuze client, and help gather data on traffic control at the same time.
24. Network Measurement Agent: This tool will look for and flag a number of different ways your ISP may throttle your data.

Simple

Get to the bottom of what your ISP offers by using this simple tool.

25. Your TOS: A tool that’s worth checking out is your ISP’s terms of service. They will often spell out that they’ll stop your traffic if deemed necessary.

Video game consoles and titles are incredibly expensive these days, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up gaming if you’re broke. In addition to mooching off your friends, you can find a wide variety of games to play online, all for free. Check out this collection of sites, and you’ll be entertained for months.

General

These sites offer fairly standard Internet games, like puzzles, TV game shows, and simple strategy.

1. Addicting Games: Get hooked playing these incredibly fun games.
2. Net-Games: Play action games, racing, board games, and more on this site.
3. Games.com: On Games.com, you’ll be able to play everything from word games to poker.
4. GameTap: This site has loads of free games, ranging from arcade to console.
5. Yahoo! Games: Visit Yahoo! Games to play puzzles, skill games, and more.
6. Miniclip Games: Miniclip has everything from sports to shoot ‘em up games.
7. Radical Play: Radical Play offers fun 3D action games.
8. Game Revolt: Game Revolt offers more than 1,900 games, including role playing games and sudoku.
9. AOL Games: AOL has lots of solitaire favorites online.
10. Riddler: This site offers a regularly updated library of fun and free games.
11. Online Video Games: Here you’ll find lots of fun games, including "Taxi Driver" and "What’s Her Bra Size?"
12. Shockwave: A leader in the online game industry, Shockwave has an impressive amount of quality online games to play.
13. BoomGames: BoomGames offers action, adventure, sports, and more.
14. PopCap Games: This incredibly popular game site offers a variety of games, from Mahjong to Bejeweled.
15. Bored at Work: Play games like Hedgehog Launch and Uphill Rush on this site.
16. Heavy Games: Visit Heavy Games to play motorcycle racing games, shooters, and more.
17. Coffee Break Arcade: Here you’ll find silly and fun flash games.

Card & Ca