Antivirus Software: What To Look For

A good antivirus program should keep your system virus-free without bogging it down. They are available as standalone programs or as part of a comprehensive security suite. Here’s what the experts say to look for when choosing antivirus software:

* A good detection rate is key. Several third-party companies test antivirus software for detection rates. Mary Landesman, About.com’s guide to antivirus software, says, “Before considering any antivirus solution, you should check their ItW [In the Wild] certification by consulting any of the following: VB100%, ICSALabs or Checkmark.” Most mainstream products perform well, including those discussed in this report. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don’t share an editorial affiliation.)

* Check the system requirements before you buy. If you are using Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, any current antivirus software will work. If you have an older or slower computer, however, a large antivirus software program can consume a huge percentage of your computing power. Check our Comparison Chart for system requirements for the software included in ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed.

* An intuitive interface makes software easy to use. Because antivirus software can be customized in many ways, it’s important that the interface guides users through the various settings.

* The ability to update daily is crucial. Most software provides one year of unlimited free updates. After that, you must renew your virus-update subscription, buy a new version of the same program or switch brands. Virus signatures are specific strings of binary code that can be detected by antivirus software. Most programs will automatically check for updates. Some free software relies on a manual check.

Software Firewalls

A software firewall, also known as a personal firewall – is a software program that installs on your computer. It acts as a guardian of all data that flows in and out of your computer, and protects you from external attacks. Software firewalls do a pretty good job of protecting you from internet security threats, as they block certain types of suspicious data packets and close certain ports that are not commonly used (and not required for regular internet activity). Many software firewalls are available today, like Zone Alarm, PC Cillin, Sygate, EZ Armor, Kerio Personal Firewall, Norton, Lavasoft, Outpost, Black Ice, and Jetico. Information on these products and more is included below.

Most people running Microsoft Windows operating systems now have the Windows Firewall up and running. Is Windows Firewall enough protection? No. Although Windows Firewall helps protect your computer from inbound intruders, it does nothing to protect you from outbound security issues. Much spyware and malware that is already inside your computer can easily get data packets through Windows Firewall and out to the internet. Although Windows Firewall is a bit of help, it does not fully protect you against both inbound and outbound threats. You need a third party personal firewall or hardware firewall to do this.