Latest Internet Security, AntiVirus, Firewall, Adware Blocker, Spyware, Computer Software

It's established that you will be living on the edge, if you are connected to the internet without a security software. The pivotal rule of the security industry is that nothing is 100% secured. Threats emerge every day, and they are constantly countered.

To choose a product, first, identify your exact requirement. There are various products in the market, catering to different types of users. The products, sold in the market, come in varying number of users and Validity period. Note that, it is not sensible to invest in a product for long period of time, as the security industry is very dynamic with a lot of price keeps fluctuating and new features coming up every day.

After selecting the number of licences check for the system requirements, for the product to run smoothly. This might include the operating systems compatibility, RAM required and minimum hard disk space that the software will require. Make sure that your system complies with the requirements. In fact, very few Security applications work with old operating systems, like windows 95,98 etc. I suggest you consider K7 Computing's products in that case.

Then, consider your options and pick the various features that you want. For example, if you don't have kids at home, you will not require parental control. But on the other hand, do not go for software that seems to be loaded with features, because it might seriously slow down your PC. It calls for in depth understanding of the features to decide if you want the product. Spend that extra time, its worth it.

Find out if local support is available. This would be a major value addition from a user perspective. Even otherwise, check of email, telephonic or other mediums of support, both technical or non-technical, are available. Though it might not seem like a major issue initially, it important on the long run, in case some issue crops up.

Even though I am not all for it, the world cannot be all wrong and brand value does play a role in choosing the product. But mostly, the very popular products are bulky and tend to slow down the PC. I would rather go with a reasonably established product, that easier on my purse and system resource. Consider and understand your options before making your choice.

It makes sense to read reviews about the product, after you select a product. There are a lot of websites that review security products, but one of my favourite review sites is http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/.

Another way of going about is to download the product yourself and test it for a limited period of time. I know that many users use this ploy to constantly use trial versions. But on the longer run, it makes sense to invest in a security product, to get optimised protection.

And OH!! Btw.... when it comes to internet security, there is no right or wrong!! But make sure you are up to date of information and don't repeat your mistakes.

A lot of people think that they know everything about security. My answer would be "No" because each year 40 - 50% on an average, getaffected either by viruses, spyware, adware or even hacker intrusion. Also, no one really takes the pains to report it to the CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team), which are given as news for public awareness. Many people though they fall prey to the phishing attacks, never bother to report it.

We must understand that even though security is managed by all the security companies, it is really essential that we are all aware of Cyber security. Jus think about leaving your house open, without any security. The metaphor is completely relevant, because people actually jeopardise life's saving on the internet. It is needless to say that we must invest in an anti virus to begin with, but the story does not end there. This one of the popular misconceptions, among internet users.

Do's:

• Ensure that your antivirus has a Anti-Spyware feature in it.
  
• To ensure malicious programs such as AD wares don't hamper with your systems performance, install Adware protection.
  
• Ensure that the registry of the virus signatures are up to date.
  
• To ensure intrusion prevention, ensure your Firewall is enabled.
  
• Please read every alert message of your Anti virus carefully.
  
• Use a Pop up Blocker
  
• Customize your firewall setting to optimise security.
  
• Run timely scheduled scans to ensure protection.
  

Don'ts:

• Do not turn off your security application under any circumstances
  
• Do not enter your password or personal information before looking into the URL of the page. If you find that the url is different, its a case of Phishing attack, where the phisher or hacker tries to acquire your Identity and cofidential personal information .
  
• Don't install software that you are not aware of.
  
• Do not click on links that you are not familiar with
  

Please read more about security and general phishing attacks @ Types of Phishing Methods, How to report Phishing attacks?

After all the buzz about Antivirus, and it scaling to become the most sold type of software.. Now it's really important to know what exactly, this software is and how it works. Of course, we all know the Virus is the bad guy, and an anti-virus is the one with the cape.. But we are still in this world where its not "perfectly" safe to enter our Credit card number on the internet.

These days a typical antivirus software must consist of antivirus ( of course!! DUH!) Anti spyware (which is the same as antivirus, just a marketing ploy) anti Malware (which is the same as antivirus, just a marketing ploy) Anti Trojans (which is the same as antivirus, just a marketing ploy).. Basically, it's supposed to stop all threats be its Trojans, malware, ad wares or whatever. Another Important part of an anti virus these days is the Firewall. This is the module that monitors the traffic incoming and outgoing from your PC. There are various levels to a firewall, we will get into it later.

Not many people know this, but most antivirus companies have products that work on the registry mechanism. As the word suggests, it's basically that they have a Virus Encyclopaedia, and check your PC for Viruses.. it's the most primitive.. most mundane and the most effective virus protection.

After this we have something called the heuristics based virus detection.. Here the software plays the suspicious sentinel that finds out the intention behind every application or file and filters it.

Apart from these main techniques.. Software kind of map the computer when installed and looks for changes made in the system and scans them for any malware or attacks..

These days they sugar cost the whole package with a lot of added feature like Parental control, time based setup etc etc. In all honesty, this has become a part of every AV in the market these days. SO how does one differentiate between the various products??

I am sure you all know the major anti Virus Products Like

• Symantec Norton
  
• MacAfee
  
• Kaspersky
  
• F-secure
  

But i would also like to bring to you your notice some of the not so popular but still very effective Antivirus products, like

• K7 Computing
  
• Raising antivirus
  
• Panda Security
  

But one of the major draw backs of an anti virus ever since its existence, is that it tends to slow down the PC performance. Antivirus is not like a word document thats opened only when its need, its running all the time.. the point is, an effective anti virus must not slow down the system.

Personally, here is where most of the top players fail and the not very well known try harder to beat them. Apart from brand recognition, these small companies have great products. Like K7Computing, i recently found this company online caught my attention... i have a lot of respect for the Japanese.. they truly know their technology. I was pretty surprised to find out that K7 is the leading Antivirus product in Japan.. And they are not at all known in the rest of the world. Try it!! Its good product, with a not impressive GUI( User interface) but it scores on the Performance part.