Volcano PC-MaC-TV defines security as the ability to safely and conveniently use a computer without fear of harm. That definition differs slightly from what some may think in one important way: convenience.
There are a number of Internet Security Suites (ISS) offering the ultimate in security but you should know that comes at a price. They are difficult to configure and WILL occasionally interfere with your internet experience without notifying you. You'll be left guessing as to why you suddenly can't access the internet. Could it be Road Runner or Hawaiian Telcom, a virus, your computer, etc.? Sometimes ISS arbitrarily "decide" that there's a threat to your computer and kick you offline. Volcano PC-MaC-TV doesn't define that as security, rather, interference.
Volcano PC-MaC-TV recognizes the following programs and routines as essential to security:
Windows Firewall
Microsoft Security Essentials -or- AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
MalwareBytes Pro
Additionally, Volcano PC-MaC-TV recommends:
1) Refrain from file-sharing applications like Bit Torrent, Limewire, etc., that provide a means of obtaining "free" music, video, etc.. What these companies fail to tell you is that installing these products turns your computer into a Bot which they can and will use at will. What that means to you is that everything in your computer is up for grabs including your sensitive private data. It's like dropping your firewall.
2) If you're going to use Instant Messaging (IM) applications, make sure that your data is safe from prying eyes.
Ultimately, the proof is in the testing: Visit this site and run the routines: Shields Up!
Greater Depth (with some repetition)
Most people have computers nowadays and most also use the Internet. The Internet, while fun and informative, is also a breeding ground for societal parasites; those who create problems for fun and profit. Once upon a time, viruses were the bane of those visiting pornographic websites, but that has not been the case for quite some time.
Before we jump in with both feet, let's visit the question that's going to occur to you: Why not just buy a Mac. Because Mac's don't have these kinds of problems, right? Wrong. In fact, the larger the Mac market share, the bigger the target they become for the bad guys. Another reason to consider staying with what you know has to do with the software purchases you've made. Windows software doesn't work in a Mac and vice-versa. Lastly, the learning curve of a new operating system.
These days, in addition to viruses, there are a host of other contaminants, largely known as malware. Examples include spyware, scareware, trojans, worms, browser hijackers, keyloggers, etc.. There are two ways of dealing with these problems and both present their own set of problems. 1) All-inclusive suites like Norton 360, McAfee Total Protection 2011, etc.. Check here for a fairly comprehensive list http://www.pcmag.com/reviews/security-software
2) A roll-you-own package, if you will. For simplicity sake, let's call the #1 a suite and #2 a cocktail, OK? I'll cover the main points first and come back and provide a little deeper analysis afterward.
The major problems with a suite are: initial configuration, the large footprint in your computer which uses system resources (memory and processor) and slows your computer, the stodgy internet experience, and internet denial without warning. The main problems with the cocktail are also initial configuration and whether or not you trust your self-discipline to manually deal with some components or buy the automated versions. As a computer tech, I choose the cocktail and I often recommend it to those whose computers I routinely service.
There are four major lines of defense when it comes to computer security: A) avoid visiting questionable websites and clicking on email and/or FaceBook links if you don't absolutely know where they're going; B) the Firewall; C) the AntiVirus component; and D) the AntiMalware component. A Windows-based computer comes with its own, more than adequate, Firewall. Purchasing a commercial product like ZoneAlarm is not only unnecessary, it is is additionally very frustrating to configure properly. When it comes to the Firewall, keep it simple. If you're unsure about the stealth of your current Firewall protection, visit this link and run the tests: Shields Up!
Why Viruses and Malware are treated differently, I have no idea. Both are based on the principle of infiltration and damage, so to my way of thinking, they can be dealt with as a package. The fact that they're not suggests that either I don't know enough about the differences or the industry discovered a way to make more money from consumers. In this case, I'm going to guess that my ignorance plays a larger role.
So, let's take a look at a couple of problematic details with suites: stodgy internet experience and denial of service. Fingers tapping ... how to explain ... well, one program calls it "malicious website blocking." (MWB) That's straightforward enough to understand, but the problem is threefold: 1) As you type in an address or click a link of a website you want to visit, the MWB component kicks in and "looks" at the website before letting you in; 2) if the MWB feature determines it's unsafe, you might still be able to visit it provided you respond to security pop-ups first; and/or 3) the MWB will lock you out of the internet to "protect" you from harming your computer, but won't tell you that. You'll find yourself unable to use the internet and start blaming Roadrunner or some such. The inherent problem with any MWB is that it is only guessing. Sometimes it will get it right and sometimes it won't. The reasons for that are too myriad to explain here. The bottom line with MWBs is that your internet experience is going to be slow and because the suites are designed to protect you on many levels, they take up a lot of system resources which also slow your computer.
I prefer the cocktail and in many cases (in addition to Windows Firewall) that consists of a free Anti-Virus program like Microsoft Security Essentials or AVG and an Anti-Malware program called MalwareBytes. MalwareBytes can be free or paid depending on whether you want the version you run yourself or the automated edition. I pay the small fee of $25 for a lifetime subscription.
Here's another word of caution to be taken seriously. You might be thinking, if one Anti-Virus program is good, two would be better. Wrong! Do NOT put more than one Anti-Virus program in your computer unless you fancy an expensive doorstop. You can have more than one Anti-Malware program, however.
Regardless of which protection scheme you employ, understand that nothing is absolute. These programs do their best to keep up with the problems but because it takes time to engineer anti-malware and anti-virus solutions, the bad guys sometimes win.
Follows is the most important thing I can tell you aside from suggesting that you absolutely protect your computer if you have broadband access. Ready? Know the name(s) of the security packages you have. Why? Because one of the most common forms of malware (scareware) is a pop-up which "looks" authentic and warns you that you have x-number of infections. It is a hoax at best and bad malware at worst. This authentic looking scareware will tell you to pay $39.95 or whatever for the fix. If you pay, two things will happen: 1) You will get a poison payload that can really damage your computer and, 2) you will have become a victim of ID Theft. You will have to cancel your credit card, warn your bank, notify the police, and worry a lot. If you get such a notice, it is best to shut down your computer immediately and call me (or your favorite tech).There is one more security feature that I'll mention here and its called LastPass. LastPass is an application which stores all your passwords for starters and also generates very strong passwords for you which you don't have to remember. Here's a YouTube tutorial. It moves fast so use it as an introduction to the product and study it in more depth once you install this freebie. LASTPASS TUTORIAL
Another reason why LastPass is important has to do with a type of malware called "keylogging." As with any kind of malware, keyloggers can rest undetected inside of your computer (unless you have MalwareBytes) and record all of your key-strokes. The hacker monitoring the keylogger can then decipher your passwords, credit card numbers, etc.. LastPass can generate passwords for you so you never actually key them in.
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