Internet Security

This is the first in a series of articles linking to my favorite software. This article focuses on Security Software. In the past, I have typically used Zone Alarm Pro and Norton Antivirus until just recently going with F-Secure firewall and antivirus which is provided for free to me through my local ISP (Charter.net). It is worth it to check out whether your ISP provides any security software for freee! (For example: Charter.net provides F-Secure for 3 personal PCs, AOL provides a free security package, anti-virus and PC check up, etc) When searching for an ISP you may check to see if any security software is provided by them before signing up!

Free Antivirus: AVG Antivirus http://free.grisoft.com  (AVG--Good free anti-virus program) Comodo Antivirus http://www.antivirus.comodo.com/  (Free new program) FREE SOFTWARE - NO LICENSE FEES EVER! AntiVir http://www.free-av.com/  (Fairly good anti-virus program) FREE Online RealTime Virus Scanning (when you suspect you are already infected!): Trend Micro's House Call McAfee Symantec Free Virus & Spyware Scan F-Secure Online Scanner http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml  or F-Secure Online Scanner Next Generation Beta here Panda Free online virus scan (MS Explore Only) Panda online virus scan (upper right corner of page) AVAST Info: avast! Virus Cleaner should be used in case you know or suspect that your computer is infected. It is not meant as an antivirus solution for everyday use! Use e.g. avast! 4 Free F-Secure (DOS) Virus removal Firewall programs: Using a third party firewall program is typically advised over using the default windows program since you will have more control with a third party program as to what programs are allowed to access to and from you computer. Zone Alarm Basic does not fully protect from outbound control as does the Comodo Personal Firewall.

Because of this I now give Comodo my first recommendation; however upgrading to Zone Alarm Pro will give you full inbound and outbound protection plus more! Zone Alarm has been at the top of most reviews and charts for being the best firewall on the market for several years! Both Zone alarm Basic and Comodo Personal Firewall are free firewalls. They keep hackers out and sneaky unauthorized programs off the Internet (unless by your permission). And they resist being terminated by force. Both of these firewalls come as good alternatives to Windows built-in firewall and as well as the best subscription firewall programs on the market! more>>>