December 1, 2007

This month we are going to discuss security suites.  I've discussed these issues with many of my customers, so this is a reiteration of the things we've already discussed.

First of all, keep in mind that regardless of what security suite you use, the chances are it will slow your system down, and do a less than admirable job of protecting your computer.  The overall performance will vary, when compared to another vendor's program, for each version that comes out.  It's best to check the computer magazines for the latest comparisons. 

No program or suite is 100% reliable.  Your best bet for keeping your system free from viruses, spyware, adware, etc., is to use common sense and be careful when surfing or doing email.  I've covered a lot of these subjects in previous discussions. 

Let's look a little closer at what security suites consist of and how I feel they perform.

First of all is antivirus protection.  We all know this is very important.  You want to make sure that your files, and email attachments are free of viruses, so if you open them, you won't get a virus.  Most all antivirus programs do an acceptable job of catching viruses before they are a problem.  Personally, I recommend saving your money, download and install AVG Antivirus.  It performs well, and doesn't tie up a lot of computer resources. I personally, and watching my customers, haven't had any virus problems using this free program.

Spam protection, here's a really debatable subject.  It is impossible for a program to be 100% proficient at detecting whether of not a message is spam, so therefore the programs usually put suspect emails in a spam folder.  Some people like to have messages, which are suspected to have spam in them, moved to a spam folder, where they have to go through them to make sure they really are spam before they delete them.  For me, it really doesn't make any difference whether I go through the messages in the inbox, or whether I have to go through both the inbox and a spam folder, it is just a real hassle to have to go through a second folder.  See my past discussions on how to keep your email address off of spam lists.

Spyware and adware are more of a problem for computers than viruses for the last year of so.  Get a bad infection, and your on the road to restoring your computer.  Most of the programs for these menaces are usually more for cleaning than protecting.  I see many people who have these programs, with major infections.

The bottom line is, my advice is to save your money, have a computer which is faster and more reliable, put on the free antivirus, change your surfing habits, be careful with email, and you won't have any problems.  My clients who follow this advice are happier with their system performance, and they never call me to clean their systems.