Antivirus Software information

To complete your Internet security system, experts say you should also use a firewall. This is especially important for computers that have a broadband Internet connection that is always on. 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 firewalls for more information.

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 Free, which can be easily downloaded, are options. See our anti-spyware report for more details.

Spam filters and parental controls are optional. Spam filters attempt to sift the good email 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 spam filters and parental control software.

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 Internet security software.

"Protecting Your Computer from Malicious Code" is a useful article by the Australian Computer Emergency Response Team. It has been updated to include Mac and Linux.

Wilders Security Forum, an online security and privacy organization, has a bulletin board with useful posts.

GetSafeOnline.com offers tips for safe surfing.

The article "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.

Linux.com has some older but still relevant antivirus advice for Linux users, including this article on why Linux users don't need antivirus software at all.

You can find information on system requirements and download information on manufacturers' home pages:

Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition

Avast!

BitDefender

CA

ESET (NOD32)

F-Secure

G Data

Intego

AVG Technologies

Kaspersky Lab

McAfee

Symantec (Norton)

Check Point (ZoneAlarm)