TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: FREE FAXING / FREE SECURITY / FREE WIFI

In today's TOURBUS, I've got some tips to soften the impact of the current financial crisis. Send a fax, for free. Dump your expensive anti-virus and anti-spyware software and replace them with free alternatives that work even better. And get yourself hooked up with free wifi, without fear of getting hacked or going to jail. Read on!

Free Faxing

Dump your fax machine, your computer and the Internet have made this dinosaur obsolete! If you need to send an occasional fax, but you don't have a fax machine, no problem... use free internet fax services, or free fax software that runs on your own computer. Here's how... FREE FAXING - http://askbobrankin.com/send_a_free_fax.html

FAX SOFTWARE - http://askbobrankin.com/free_fax_software.html

Free Anti-Virus Software

Is your computer safe from viruses? Without the proper protection, your computer can become infected faster than you can recite your email address three times. Viruses can destroy files, compromise your privacy, and make you vulnerable to identity theft. If you DON'T have any kind of anti-virus software, or if you're not happy paying for the one you have now -- here's good news.

I've long recommended in TOURBUS that you stay away from the expensive bloatware packages like Norton and McAfee. I've heard from so many people that they're invasive, can bog down your system, and often cause more trouble than they're worth. And with so many excellent free anti-virus packages now available, why bother?

But maybe you're confused by all the free antivirus products. Some say that Avira is the best, others claim that AVG or Avast! is definitely the way to go. Is there a clear winner, or are they all pretty much the same? Here are my reviews of Avira, Avast! and AVG to help you decide which is best for you:

AVIRA - http://askbobrankin.com/avira_free_antivirus.html

AVAST! - http://askbobrankin.com/avast_free_antivirus.html

AVG - http://askbobrankin.com/avg_review.html

Malware Scanners

So you're covered when it comes to viruses... but what about spyware, adware, rootkits and other nasties? In order to protect against all of these online threats, you need a good malware scanner and a firewall. But which one? Read my reviews of seven free malware scanners, and then check out "Do I Need a Firewall?" to get the scoop on WHO needs a firewall, WHAT they do, and WHY you might be wasting your money on firewall software.

MALWARE SCANNERS - http://askbobrankin.com/malware_scanners.html

FIREWALLS - http://askbobrankin.com/do_i_need_a_firewall.html

Wifi: Sniffers, Moochers, Hackers and Slackers

A reader asked me about the legality of free wireless: "Sometimes when I'm away from home, I'll park my car, fire up the laptop and get online with a free unsecured wireless signal. Is this legal?" My advice: ask Sam Peterson. He'll probably tell you that it's much cheaper to go inside that coffee shop and buy a latte before going online. It might be a LOT cheaper than the fine and legal fees you could get hit with. Can you get arrested for mooching a free wifi signal? Find out here:

FREE WIFI - http://askbobrankin.com/is_free_wifi_illegal.html

Of course there are some places where free wifi is offered to the public, but it's not always easy to find a signal. A wifi sniffer can solve that problem. Here are six very clever wireless signal detection devices:

WIFI SNIFFERS - http://askbobrankin.com/wifi_sniffers.html

Do you have a wireless router in your home? You might be broadcasting a signal that makes it easy for neighbors, strangers or Evil Hackers to tap into your network. Find out how to secure your wireless network:

SECURE WIRELESS - http://askbobrankin.com/wireless_security.html

So you bought the latte and you're surfing in Starbucks. But if you're not very careful, someone could be intercepting everything that crosses your screen, or stealing your passwords. Find out how to use public wifi safely:

SAFE WIFI - http://www.askbobrankin.com/is_public_wi-fi_access_safe.html

That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin