The price for these security products is right

PC Pitstop

As the name suggests, PC Pitstop isn't just one product, but an aggregated one-stop shop for an array of free scanning and removal tools.

Included in its portfolio is PC Pitstop Exterminate, which includes a free spyware scan that identifies the latest spyware threats, as well as adware, keyloggers, Remote Access Trojans and browser hijackers. The tool features daily signature updates and a step-by-step wizard format that touts ease of use.

In addition, PC Pitstop also features a free privacy scan that displays personal information stored on a user's PC to help determine how to better protect personal data.

Sophos Anti-Rootkit

It's one thing to detect viruses. It's another entirely to dig down and weed out the nasty rootkits and Trojans. In fact, often rootkits can remain undetected by antivirus software, especially if they become embedded in the user's system before an antivirus agent can be installed.

U.K.-based Sophos has a free tool that adds an extra layer of protection by helping users scan, detect and remove rootkits hidden in their computers.

The product is equipped to quietly rid a computer of rootkits, even ones previously embedded in a user's computer, without compromising system performance or bogging it down.

Altogether, Sophos Anti-Rootkit supports just about any Windows platform, including Vista and Windows 7, as well as Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008.

ZoneAlarm Firewall

As one of the most popular free firewalls, Check Point's ZoneAlarm firewall is a safe bet in the free firewall market.
Using evolving threat data from millions of users around the globe, the ZoneAlarm Firewall features inbound and outbound firewall protection, which detects and blocks behavior of unknown viruses and spyware, while intercepting malicious applications that pose as legitimate software.

New features include antiphishing technology and site checks, as well as Identity Guard that provides credit scores and recovery services to secure a user's identity online. In addition, the firewall quietly and automatically runs in the background, rarely assaulting the user with alerts, and is compatible with established antivirus programs such as AVG or Norton.

NEXT: Now on to the open-source products