Well, it’s been awhile since I last updated this page so here goes.
Anti-virus, which one should I get? Paid/Free what gives?
Well, first off you will get a lot more with the paid version, That’s how it’s always been and most likely that’s how it will remain. So the #1 all around anti-virus and protection suite is…it really pains me to say this Norton Internet Security. Yes, I know I’ve dogged Norton in the past since the program totally sucked wind from 2004 through 2009 but through some major code revamping pulling their heads out of their …well you know where. Their new 2012 suite runs fast, clean and is easy to use. I won’t go into the boring details but it’s pretty nice and at $69.99 for 3 pcs for a 1 year it’s not a bad deal. Remember though, if your already infected it’s pretty much to late and most likely you will need a company (such as ours,…shameless plug) to come out and fix it. Unfortunately that’s just how it is. If you would like to read all the gory details of the Norton Internet Security package here is the link.
Free antivirus, you just got to love it. My #1 pick is still Microsoft Security Essentials. It does a really good job at catching most viruses but it doesn’t work as effectively as the Norton Internet Security Suite or cover one third as many bases either. But it’s free and I run it in mine and my families computers and stay virus free.
Now of course if you go looking for trouble your most likely going find it so don’t think that just because you have one of these fine security products you can start hanging out at seedy porno sites and p2p music sharing sites with no chance of getting infected. These programs are never 100% effective so please use good judgment.
Things to do to help protect yourself:
- Make sure your Microsoft Updates are turned on and up to date.
- Make sure your antivirus is and up to date.
- Check that your Java and Flash are up to date. if not click on the links to update them.
- Run a current version of your favorite browser be it Firefox, Explorer or Chrome. New versions close old security holes.
Remember, never load more then one anti virus or anti spyware program on your computer. It may seem like your doubling your protection but in the end the programs can cancel each other out and you may end up with little to no protection at all. These programs have databases that look like viruses and spyware to other programs and could be removed by mistake.
