Picking the right security software to protect your computer from the dangers of the Internet can be a challenging task. It’s a bit like shopping for a lawyer or doctor: you never really know if they’re any good until you win or lose your case in court, or learn that Dr. Really-nice-guy, when he stitched you back together after that appendectomy, accidentally left his forceps behind. As such, we usually make certain choices based on the recommendations of others.
When it comes to choosing computer software, you have to be careful whom you listen to. I’ve learned to combine my experience with the opinions of those whom I have proven can give me accurate, unbiased research and opinions. There are hundreds of Internet websites that allegedly “review” software, but it seems that they’ve never met a computer program that they didn’t like; everything gets five stars, or whatever the top rating might be. I really have to wonder how much money is being paid behind the scenes in exchange for favorable “reviews.”
The basic Internet security tools that you need for your Windows-based PC are firewall, antivirus and antispyware programs. Many people insist on having antispam software, as well. To me, antispam software is too unreliable; I prefer using the delete key, instead.
I’ve used many different Internet security products over the years, and have a list of preferred products. However, it is impossible for a guy like me to be able to thoroughly test antivirus and antispyware products. I don’t have a $100,000 software testing laboratory or a team of technicians to do my bidding. Depending on whom you listen to, there are around 220,000 known viruses and spyware threats floating around the Internet, with hundreds more released every day. To test security software against so many enemies requires deep pockets and large resources, so I turn to trusted review sources. Online review sources that I’ve come to respect include Network World, eWeek, CNet, PC World, ConsumerSearch and Consumer Reports.
For people on a budget, and who don’t mind a little manual labor, the reviewers have once again confirmed my list of favorite free security programs: Avast or AVG Antivirus, Spybot S&D, Adaware and the ZoneAlarm firewall. There are links on my website to all of these free programs. You can’t beat the price, and they are more than adequate for most all computer users.
Many people don’t like fiddling about with numerous programs, or doing manual updates and scans. For these folks, a security “suite” that integrates multiple programs into one package is the way to go. These suites can offer the advantage of performing automated updates and scans, and often provide a higher degree of security than the free alternatives.
Things often change in the world of security suites, and it pays to see whether suites have improved, stayed the same or gotten worse. One of my customers recently pointed out to me that a security suite that I have recommended, Kaspersky, had fallen down the review list recently compiled by Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports now rates the Trend Micro products as top in its field, followed closely by one of my old favorites, ZoneAlarm. Products by McAfee and CA are further down the list, and I’ve always considered them to be a bit finicky and resource-intensive. Other reviewers still give Kaspersky high marks, but most all reviewers still point out problems with Norton/Symantec products, as they can slow some computers to a crawl and cause system crashes. The Microsoft Windows Defender/LiveOne products are just downright awful.
My new recommendations for 2008 security suite products are (1) Trend Micro, (2) ZoneAlarm, and (3) Kaspersky. Most other products just aren’t worth the hassle.