SSDownloader: 50 security apps in just a few clicks

Your friend's PC has been hit by malware, and you're trying to help him out. He doesn't have any security apps installed, though, and so normally that means a lengthy browsing session around your preferred vendors, locating and downloading the tools they need.

Unless, that is, you've a copy of the free, portable SSDownloader to hand. It's a small and easy-to-use download manager that can grab your choice of 50 security applications in just a few clicks.

The program presents its applications in well-organised tabs. If you're looking for an antivirus tool, say, just click the Free Antivirus tab, check the box next to your choice of engine (Avast!, AVG, Comodo, Avira, Microsoft or Panda), and click Download. SSDownloader will then figure out the file you need (XP or Windows Vista/ 7, 32 or 64-bit) and grab a copy for you.

Other tabs provide support for downloading all the main firewalls (Comodo, ZoneAlarm, Online Armor, OutPost and more) and malware removal tools (Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware, HiJack This, Spybot -- Search and Destroy, and so on). An "Other Tools" tab includes useful accessories and diagnostic utilities (AutoRuns, Process Explorer). And if the free tools simply aren't enough, then there's also support for downloading your selection of eleven security suites (Avast!, Avira, BitDefender, Norton, Kaspersky, F-Secure and more).

SSDownloader isn't trying to do anything too clever. It won't attempt to install the applications it downloads, for instance; that's your job. And it doesn't check your system to see what's installed, or alert you to any updates. This is just about downloading the setup files you choose, and nothing more.

If you regularly work with new or poorly equipped PCs, though, SSDownloader has more than enough power to save you plenty of time and hassle, and it's the perfect candidate for a place in your portable troubleshooting toolkit.