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Antivirus Software links
To complete your Internet security system, experts say you should also use a firewall. This is especially important for computers that have an always-on broadband Internet connection. Firewalls protect your connection from hackers and identity thieves who want to access your personal information or hijack your computer. See our separate report on
Experts also say you need a tool to detect and remove spyware. Spyware are small programs that are installed on your system when you visit disreputable Internet sites. Spyware tracks your computing behavior and can serve targeted advertising to your system. Most antivirus programs protect against spyware, but reviewers insist that additional anti-spyware tools are necessary. Free standalone products such as Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware 2007, which can be easily downloaded, are options. See our
Spam filters and parental controls are optional. Spam filters attempt to sift the good e-mail from the bad. Parental controls allow parents to set restrictions for their children's Internet use, including blocking inappropriate websites, creating usage logs and preventing kids from entering personal data or credit card information online. Spam filters and parental controls are included as part of an Internet security suite. However, the best products are available as standalone applications. See our reports on
If you need two or three components, consider an Internet security suite, which bundles all of this software together, letting you use a single interface for controlling settings. An Internet security suite costs less than buying each component separately. See our report on
The Australian Computer Emergency Response Team has a useful paper entitled "Protecting Your Computer from Malicious Code." It has been updated to include Mac and Linux.
Wilders Security Forum has a bulletin board with useful posts.
GetSafeOnline.com offers tips for safe surfing.
"Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?" delves into the issues of virus protection on the Mac.
Jotti's malware scan is a website that uses several antivirus programs to provide free virus scans of individual files. Submit your questionable files to test them.
You can find information on system requirements and download information on manufacturers' home pages:
ESET (NOD32)
Symantec (Norton)
Check Point (ZoneAlarm)
