| Trojans, Viruses, Spyware, malware, spam are | | | | A newcomer to the anti spyware arena is Spyware |
| synonymous with computer users worldwide, | | | | Terminator ( It incorporates Clam anti virus into the |
| especially to those who frequent the internet. How | | | | scanning process. Users can choose whether to |
| much do they cost? They can cost us hundreds of | | | | perform a quick anti spyware scan or a full scan |
| dollars when purchased together as a potent | | | | inclusive of a virus scan. The program will prompt |
| computer security package. | | | | users to activate beginner, advance and expert |
| It is a normal practice as 1 security solution may not be | | | | modes of real time protection during installation. |
| adequate to prevent, control & neutralize the | | | | Beginner category will have the program requiring |
| threats. We usually require a combination of Antivirus, | | | | minimal user intervention. The advance and expert |
| Anti spyware, & Firewall programs to make our | | | | categories will require decisions from users whether to |
| computers safe. | | | | block or allow any deemed intrusive actions of other |
| So how do we cut our computer security costs? You | | | | programs on our computers. |
| may want to consider an alternative before you start | | | | Ad-Aware SE Personal edition ( is a time proven anti |
| shopping for the newest & relatively expensive | | | | spyware. The free version incorporates most of the |
| computer security software. We can get the free | | | | features found in the Pro version. What it obviously |
| computer security solutions! | | | | lacks is the Ad-watch feature. It monitors our |
| Anti Virus | | | | computers constantly and alerts us when a threat |
| Let us look at AVG Antivirus Free Edition ( It features | | | | arises much like how a real time anti spyware |
| regular virus signature updates and adequate | | | | protection function operates. |
| protection against viruses with the ability to quarantine | | | | Spybot Search and Destroy ( has an immunization |
| and destroy detected viruses. However, the software | | | | option and it should be launched after every |
| tends to slow the computer dramatically during | | | | successful updating of the program. It offers decent |
| scanning. Additionally, the 7.1 free edition will be | | | | protection against spyware, keyloggers, Trojans & |
| discontinued after the 18th February 2007 & | | | | other internet borne threats and it's scanning process is |
| replaced by a more updated 7.5 free edition version. | | | | relatively quick too. |
| The fans of open source softwares may want to get | | | | Firewalls |
| Clamwin ( The software has most function of most | | | | Software firewalls are useful to prevent information |
| commercial antivirus packages namely scan all types | | | | from being sent out of our computers without our |
| of drives, quarantine and delete infected files. | | | | consent. The program will usually query the user |
| Furthermore, it's very simple interface and straight | | | | before executing an action against a possible threat. |
| forward usage will not burden the computers | | | | The frequency of the queries depends on the level of |
| resources. | | | | security selected by the user and what kind of |
| Next is the award winning Antivirus by various | | | | programs installed on our computers. |
| reviewers, AntiVir Personal Edition ( The program | | | | ZoneAlarm ( began as a free firewall and has now |
| boasts heuristic detection to detect previously | | | | evolved into a commercial firewall software. However, |
| unknown viruses. Another claimed feature is that it | | | | the free version is still downloadable at the site minus |
| does not degrade the performance of our computers | | | | some features of the pro version. The firewall is |
| even the older ones. The user base of more than 15 | | | | efficient at blocking potential incoming and outgoing |
| million people and the ability to detect over 80,000 | | | | threats. It can even be setup to block all online activity |
| viruses proves it to be a popular choice. | | | | while we are away from our computers. |
| Last but not least is the Avast! Home edition (www. | | | | Another Firewall software available for downloading is |
| Avast.com). The free package includes a malware | | | | the Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall ( which all features |
| stopper, a network shield, and assist in scanning emails | | | | are made available for the first 30 days trial period. |
| for potential threats. It is considered a bargain for all the | | | | The full features includes pop-up blocking etc. |
| premium features that we can get for free. | | | | Thereafter, users are obliged to purchase the Firewall |
| Anti Spyware | | | | or may choose to continue utilizing the free albeit |
| It is essential to acquire Antispyware aside from | | | | restricted version which adequately provides the |
| antivirus protection for our computers. Thieves are | | | | required Firewall security for our computers. |
| more sophisticated and active especially nowadays | | | | Could any new installation of an internet based |
| when more people become exposed to the internet | | | | application not function properly then our Firewall |
| daily. | | | | settings must be checked first. A Firewall software is |
| Numerous Anti spyware programs are available to us | | | | very advanced and may halt applications which is |
| for free. Our computers will be safer to keep our | | | | more than what it is supposed to do. |
| sensitive information (passwords, pictures, etc). The | | | | One may consider that purchasing expensive |
| Anti spyware will prevent them from being stolen by | | | | commercial computer security programs are well |
| thieves utilizing Trojans & spyware. It is advisable | | | | worth it. However, it does not guarantee a totally safe |
| to have at least 2 different Anti spyware programs on | | | | computing environment and we may find that we do |
| our computers. We should choose the ones which | | | | not need the extra features offered by the |
| does not conflict with each other's operations. | | | | commercial versions. |
| Windows Vista is pre packed with Microsoft Windows | | | | Cost efficiency is what free computer protection |
| Defender in the operating system's package. Other | | | | programs do best. It can be a better alternative to |
| users still utilizing Windows XP will have to download | | | | expensive commercial packages considering the more |
| the Anti spyware from the Microsoft website. It is | | | | than adequate computer protection provided by it at |
| available for free. | | | | no cost to us. |