Firewall and Anti-Virus
Two must-haves, of course, are good firewall and anti-virus software installed on your computer. Fortunately, Windows comes with a good built-in firewall. By default, it will be on and automatically block all inbound connections except those explicitly allowed in the Exceptions list and by installed software. Keep this firewall on and you should be protected against unauthorized connections from both the internet as well as from within your home network. If your network setup includes a router, modem-router, wireless router or other such multipurpose residential gateway*, it may also have its own firewall actively filtering traffic from the internet. This additional layer of security will generally not be problematic. However, if at any time a program requiring a connection is not functioning properly, the gateway firewall may need to be reconfigured.
*A secure gateway is the "other half" of the job toward maintaining the security and privacy of your computer or home network. Ensure that it is properly configured and that it is always up to date with the latest version of firmware.
*A secure gateway is the "other half" of the job toward maintaining the security and privacy of your computer or home network. Ensure that it is properly configured and that it is always up to date with the latest version of firmware.
Which Anti-Virus Software is Best?
The effectiveness of anti-virus software is often hotly debated. Many users will swear by one and denigrate another, often on no other basis than what they've read or experienced at any one point in time. In reality, all anti-virus software is constantly changing, with engines and viral definitions continually being developed. As such, any one brand of anti-virus software may be very effective one year and relatively ineffective the next. Windows 8, for example, comes with a built-in anti-virus program called Windows Defender. In prior versions of Windows, this program was limited to protection against spyware and users had the option of installing Microsoft Security Essentials to protect against malware in general. Upon its release, Security Essentials was well-received as a free and effective anti-virus solution for users of all then current Windows versions. Unfortunately, neither Windows Defender nor Microsoft Security Essentials has performed well in recent tests conducted by AV-TEST, an independent evaluator of anti-virus and security suite software. Similar results were found at AV-Comparatives in which Security Essentials is used as a baseline for performance, file detection, and other measurements of effectiveness. But many other brands of anti-virus have tested well with these sources and many of them are free to use. Check with AV-TEST at av-test.org and AV-Comparatives at av-comparatives.org to see the software's current rating.
But the most effective virus scanner for your computer will also depend on who will be using it and how, the operating system installed, and the computer itself. For example, some anti-virus programs will work better with certain operating systems. If you have an older computer or one that is already low on system resources, a more lightweight cloud-based program such as Panda Cloud may be preferable. Users who want a lot of functionality with little or no configuring can opt for one of the more popular (and more resource intensive) suites such as Norton, Bit Defender, and Kaspersky which feature a range of extras such as a virtual terminal for online transactions, browser sandboxing, VPN, email/message protection, and parental controls. Some anti-virus software come with a license for use with multiple computers, which can be a lot less expensive when purchasing protection for your home network. Many free anti-virus software include some nice extras, like AVAST's customizable file, email and web shield protections, Software Updater, Network Security scanner, and its own WebRep Service, an optional browser plug-in which rates the safety of websites according to user consensus. Whichever you choose, make sure your anti-virus features real-time protection, automatic updates, and scheduled scans. Again, check with AV-TEST and AV Comparatives for general info on compatibility and usage issues. More in-depth information such as price, practical features and pros and cons of each anti-virus can be found at PCMag.
Apart from anti-virus software itself, the best virus protection you can get is... YOU! This is not to say that you needn't install an anti-virus program onto your computer. It means that you must exercise caution when navigating the web, uploading personal information, downloading programs and the like. No anti-virus will provide you with an invincible shield allowing you to go anywhere on the web unscathed, however often it may be marketed as such. You are the best protection, and your anti-virus program is your ally. Even a relatively ineffective anti-virus in the hands of a careful user contributes to a powerful overall defense against malware. Conversely, a reckless user who habitually patronizes websites featuring pornography, pirated software or other dubious content is simply asking for it, no matter how robust their anti-virus protection.
Can you install multiple virus scanners on your computer? Yes, it is sometimes possible, but this may create conflicts and massive resource overhead. Some real-time anti-virus programs will not allow others to be installed or will prevent them from running concurrently. In practice, using a single reputable real-time anti-virus, in conjunction with a good firewall and careful usage habits, will provide more than enough security for your computer. Also, there are times when anti-virus programs conflict with third-party firewalls. If you're going to use a third-party firewall, use one offered by the same manufacturer as your anti-virus software. Some virus removal software like Malwarebytes Anti-malware can be installed along with real-time anti-virus software while imposing little or no additional overhead or conflicts.
But the most effective virus scanner for your computer will also depend on who will be using it and how, the operating system installed, and the computer itself. For example, some anti-virus programs will work better with certain operating systems. If you have an older computer or one that is already low on system resources, a more lightweight cloud-based program such as Panda Cloud may be preferable. Users who want a lot of functionality with little or no configuring can opt for one of the more popular (and more resource intensive) suites such as Norton, Bit Defender, and Kaspersky which feature a range of extras such as a virtual terminal for online transactions, browser sandboxing, VPN, email/message protection, and parental controls. Some anti-virus software come with a license for use with multiple computers, which can be a lot less expensive when purchasing protection for your home network. Many free anti-virus software include some nice extras, like AVAST's customizable file, email and web shield protections, Software Updater, Network Security scanner, and its own WebRep Service, an optional browser plug-in which rates the safety of websites according to user consensus. Whichever you choose, make sure your anti-virus features real-time protection, automatic updates, and scheduled scans. Again, check with AV-TEST and AV Comparatives for general info on compatibility and usage issues. More in-depth information such as price, practical features and pros and cons of each anti-virus can be found at PCMag.
Apart from anti-virus software itself, the best virus protection you can get is... YOU! This is not to say that you needn't install an anti-virus program onto your computer. It means that you must exercise caution when navigating the web, uploading personal information, downloading programs and the like. No anti-virus will provide you with an invincible shield allowing you to go anywhere on the web unscathed, however often it may be marketed as such. You are the best protection, and your anti-virus program is your ally. Even a relatively ineffective anti-virus in the hands of a careful user contributes to a powerful overall defense against malware. Conversely, a reckless user who habitually patronizes websites featuring pornography, pirated software or other dubious content is simply asking for it, no matter how robust their anti-virus protection.
Can you install multiple virus scanners on your computer? Yes, it is sometimes possible, but this may create conflicts and massive resource overhead. Some real-time anti-virus programs will not allow others to be installed or will prevent them from running concurrently. In practice, using a single reputable real-time anti-virus, in conjunction with a good firewall and careful usage habits, will provide more than enough security for your computer. Also, there are times when anti-virus programs conflict with third-party firewalls. If you're going to use a third-party firewall, use one offered by the same manufacturer as your anti-virus software. Some virus removal software like Malwarebytes Anti-malware can be installed along with real-time anti-virus software while imposing little or no additional overhead or conflicts.