Want to slash your PC security costs back to zero? According to a recent Consumer Reports article, you can! CR concluded most users can get ample protection simply by combining free stand-alone software programs. Here's how it works:
First, determine which security programs are already on your computer. For example, my laptop came with Vista's Windows Security Center, which includes Windows Defender and Windows Firewall. Defender provides protection against badware, which includes phishing tools and the much-dreaded spyware.
Second, assess the protection included with your Internet browser. You're probably using Explorer or Firefox and, increasingly, such programs come complete with fairly sophisticated security features. Good news: As those free features improve, your need for a separate fee-based PC security package declines!
Third, make up any shortfall with free software. Just be sure to stick with trusted names. Avira's free program, Avira Anti-Vir Personal, seems a safe choice for virus protection. If you need protection against spam, try Spamfighter. Just remember: Web email programs like Gmail or Hotmail already have spam control built-in.
Safety Tip: Unsure whether to trust a new software name? Go to download.com to read reviews before bringing anything home to live in your PC. So give the DIY security suite a try. I've saved $50 so far. After realizing almost all the protection I needed was already on my computer, I terminated my existing security package and downloaded Avira instead.
The result: basic computer security for zero bucks down!by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Jul 31st 2009 11:00AM Filed under computers and internet
First, determine which security programs are already on your computer. For example, my laptop came with Vista's Windows Security Center, which includes Windows Defender and Windows Firewall. Defender provides protection against badware, which includes phishing tools and the much-dreaded spyware.Second, assess the protection included with your Internet browser. You're probably using Explorer or Firefox and, increasingly, such programs come complete with fairly sophisticated security features. Good news: As those free features improve, your need for a separate fee-based PC security package declines!
Third, make up any shortfall with free software. Just be sure to stick with trusted names. Avira's free program, Avira Anti-Vir Personal, seems a safe choice for virus protection. If you need protection against spam, try Spamfighter. Just remember: Web email programs like Gmail or Hotmail already have spam control built-in.
Safety Tip: Unsure whether to trust a new software name? Go to download.com to read reviews before bringing anything home to live in your PC. So give the DIY security suite a try. I've saved $50 so far. After realizing almost all the protection I needed was already on my computer, I terminated my existing security package and downloaded Avira instead.
The result: basic computer security for zero bucks down!by Diane Rixon (RSS feed) on Jul 31st 2009 11:00AM Filed under computers and internet
For adware / spyware, get Spybot Search & Destroy. Its a scanner, remover and blocker. The blocker works by turning on the immunize function Spywareblaster runs in the back ground and stops cookies and spyware from being installed on your computer.
ReplyDeleteIf windows firewall is not strong enough for you (it's a fairly weak firewall), then go here and try one of the recommended products. Just be sure windows firewall is turned off if you use a 3rd party product.
ReplyDelete