Don't get hacked, there are a lot of nasty virus's going around these days.  To stay safe is is best just not to use IE, I have been using FireFox for a few years now and not have to really worry about virus's, spyware, mailware and anything else. 

Download FireFox

Download SpeedXP

This is a cool program to tweak some hidden internet settings in XP.  I use it quite alot actually.  It also has a tip section so can do some manual tweaks also.  Pretty good for free!

CacheBooster

Here is another good system tweaker.  CacheBooster will increase your hard disk preformance.  It has different settings for different programs, I just turn mine all the way up though. 

WinOverBoost

This is a really good program to increase your proformance on your PC.  Runs in the background and sits in your taskbar.  I have used this program for a few years now and it really speeds up your computer dramatically.  The program comes with the features of ram optimizer, system boost, cache boost, internet acceleration, LAN optimizer, and defrag activity monitor.  Can't go wrong with all that!  And the best thing is it is free! 

If you are using IE "Heaven Forbid" you should download TFlash it gets rid of those annoying flash ads that slowdown your downloads of web sites that employ them.  It also stops those ads on the popular messenger programs, thus increasing your load times.  More information can be found on the download page. 

Download TFlash

SUPERAntiSpyware(Freeware Edition)

  finally! A free anti spyware scanner that actually quarantines the spyware.  Easy to use spyware and trojan scanner.  You can manage quarantines, Free updates, Many options, the only thing you can't do is schedule scans, and have real-time protection, you have to upgrade for those options.  But I very handy dandy program to have. 

PortableApps.com

has got to be one of the most useful sites I have come across in a long while.   If you have a Flash Drive then you will want to check this site out.  Totality portable free legal programs you can take anywhere with you.  The best part about these is the fact that you don't have to install them on your computer.  They run off of your flash drive.   Just extract the files and your ready to go.  You can also have multiple instant's of the programs, in two different folders, or more.  Just copy and paste the folders to the desired drive. 

OH man this is by far the best free anti-virus software out there.  AVG is the free edition of grisoft software. 

Download AVG free edition

I have used the Anti-Virus software for a few years now, and it works pretty well.  Auto updates it's self, set to scan when you are not using the computer, and a few other nice features. 

They also have,

Anti-Spyware

Anti-Root Kit

Threat Info

Snapfiles.com 

has so much freeware, and shareware that I literally spend hours looking for some cool downloads.   Each subject is categorized for easy navigation, and fast results.   I must see, and a must favorite.  Just click on FreeWare in the upper right of the homepage.