Allume Internet Cleanup 4

Now on version 4, Internet Cleanup is a suite of tools designed to ensure safe net surfing and privacy. If you think you're under surveillance from spyware or just annoyed with pop-up ads, then this package could be for you.

A major part of the suite is focused on cleaning your browser. The program works with Internet Explorer, Netscape and Mozilla, and removes any trace of the sites you've visited by clearing out the cache, history, cookies and plug-ins.

It's customisable, so you can keep certain cookies, and IE users get the option of a browser reset switch which is handy if the main cleaner fails to work. You can give your system a scrub down when required, or schedule a clean for certain times.

Net Blockade attempts to prevent ads and pop-ups appearing. Unfortunately, we found this only managed a 50 per cent success rate with ads on pages and it failed to stop quite a few pop-ups.

Meanwhile, File System Guard allows you to lock down files, folders or applications to prevent unauthorised use. While this is useful if more than one person uses your computer, in practice constantly locking and unlocking things is very fiddly.

More useful is the secure file shredder and a similar tool for erasing and maintaining your mailbox. The package also includes an instant messenger cleaner and a spyware killer.

At under £20 Internet Cleanup 4 is an affordable package but there are cheaper or free alternatives.

Contact: Allume (formerly Aladdin Systems)
www.allume.com

System requirements:

• Windows 98 or later
• Pentium processor or later
• 8MB of Ram (16MB for Windows 2000/XP)
• 30MB hard disk space
• IE 5.01 or later, AOL 7 or later, MSN, Netscape or Mozilla