The Four Rules of Internet Security
There are four main components to security. Make sure you have them all to maintain constant, comprehensive protection.
1) Hardware Firewall
A. A router such as the Linksys BEFSR41 or WRT54G, featuring Network Address Translation (NAT). Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) is a very desirable feature. Approximate costs: $50.00 for wired, or $70.00 for wireless model.
B. Useful for both home and business users.
2) Software Firewall
A. Business users with a hardware router can be satisfied with Windows XP's built-in firewall.
B. Otherwise, Zonelabs' Antivirus with Firewall is only $24.95 per year, combining your firewall and antivirus costs all in one low annual fee.
C. Home users need a software firewall if the computer has an "always-on" internet connection. Users on a dial-up internet connection do not need a software firewall.
3) Antivirus (Norton, McAfee, Grisoft's AVG, etcetera - some free for home use)
A. Almost all ACSE-Certified antivirus packages are equally useful.
B. The best value in business is AVG Professional for $46.79 for two years.
C. The best value in home/private use is AVG Free Edition or Avast! Free Edition.
D. You can only run one antivirus package at a time.
4) Anti-spyware
A. You will want at least two good antispyware programs for comprehensive protection (one active, one passive).
B. The best value for business is Sunbelt Software's Counterspy for $19.95 to start, and only $9.98 per year thereafter.
C. A free program for both home and business is Safer Networking's Spybot Search & Destroy.
As a final step, make sure all applicable programs have their automatic update feature turned on (this is especially true for security software). You will need to leave your computer on overnight, connected to the Internet, in order for many programs to update and scan your computer regularly. This is a safe practice for most computers three years and younger.
This page is listed for reference only and is no guarantee of price nor availability.
