PC Security Guideline

Avast!

Synopsis:  Avast!’s antivirus software now provides full security including antispam and firewall protection. It’s still provides only the essentials, however, it is a good choice if that’s what you’re looking for.

Pros: Avast! Installs fast and has a small download size. The firewall identifies and blocks exploits makes its own program control decisions, and stealths all ports. It has accurate antispam which needs no configuration. The PC security software includes multiple shields which prevent malware attacks.

Cons: This PC security software is less effective than some of the top suites at blocking and removing blocking malware. It also presents a minor drag on system performance.

PC Tools Internet Security 2010

Synopsis: Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 2010 is at the heart of PC Tools Security suite and is an impressive standalone application. Overall, the PC security software is worth a look even though not every component measures up to Spyware Doctor.

Pros: This software provides great malware cleanup. It has an accurate spam filter, blocks leak tests and exploits, detects malicious web code and identifies bad sites, and has excellent protection against new malware infestation.

Cons: The phishing protection this software provides is less than effective when compared to IE. Also, it has a slow boot process, the spam filter significantly slows email downloading, and the firewall’s program control will default to a weak setting.

AVG Internet Security 9.0

Synopsis: This latest PC security suite from AVG provides a distinct improvement over its predecessor. The firewall problems with this software are now fixed and it integrates multiple new antimalware technologies. Although it is not a challenger for Norton Internet Security 2010 and other top products it is now a good choice.

Pros: This software has very good malware detection and multilayer malware blocking. It also provides free identity theft recovery help and protects against malicious websites and scripts. It actively blocks exploits, has fewer firewall queries, and an accurate spam filter.

Cons: The software doesn’t remove detected malware thoroughly. It has no parental control. Its anti phishing is not effective, and it does slow some system activities.

CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2010

Pros: Experts were hired to completely overhaul this PC security suite’s user interface. The result is an interface that is user friendly, stunning, and unique. The components of this software are now fully integrated in new user centric interface. The firewall resists direct attack by malware and it stealths all ports. It is very good at blocking root kit installations; it rates websites and links, and has good parental control.

Cons: The suite’s default settings can cause serious trouble for users. It has slow system performance and its default settings allow Internet access for unknown programs which can silently block good programs. Its spam filter is nonfunctional until trained and it only has rudimentary backup. The site rating marks valid sites as risky.