Mrs. Mecomber's Scrapbook Talking technology, computers, and the Internet… for the average computer user

Every computer should have an anti-virus software program running, as well as a firewall. Back in the early days of the Internet, before baddies like trojans, worms, and viruses were invented and dispersed, security wasn’t much of an issue. But as with all things, people have taken the benefits of technology and have twisted them around for selfish gain. Your computer is severely at risk if you connect online without a firewall and anti-virus.

The great thing is that some people have made terrific software programs and offer them free of charge! And another great thing is that security your computer is easy- it does require effort and maintenance, but it’s not like moving trucks or anything! Here’s a brief list of some highly-rated anti-virus programs.

• AVG Anti-Virus
• Avast!
• Avira
• ClamXav for Mac users

Some firewalls are now coming with an anti-virus built in to the program. I see that Comodo Pro Firewall (my favorite firewall) now includes an anti-virus. And AVG Anti-Virus Pro version now includes a firewall. I haven’t tested any of these extras: I still use just the Comodo firewall and the separate AVG anti-virus. Be aware that any software maker is going to market the paid-for version. So you may have to look around on the websites for the free version. The free versions give you just as much protection as the paid-for versions, have no fear, and they do regularly update. The paid-for versions usually have more bells and whistles, additional software, and offer tech support. Free versions almost never give tech support; but the forums for the product can be very helpful if you have questions or problems.

Also, be VERY careful where you get your downloads from. There has been a sudden increase in phishing sites set up to sound like or look like the real download site. What you wind up downloading is a trojan! If I ever have any doubts about the website I am on, I check the site with a nifty toolbar called Netcraft. It’s available for Firefox and Internet Explorer. I wrote about Netcraft here.

Install only one anti-virus program on your computer; two or more sometimes conflict with each other. It is also important to keep your anti-virus updated. The updates are crucial, ensuring that the anti-virus program knows what malicious files it needs to watch for.