Internet Security Suites 2006

Introduction

Threats from the internet have exponentially increased in recent years. Without protection it won't be long before your computer becomes overloaded with spam and pop-up adverts or gets infected by a computer virus or worst still you become victim of an internet fraudster that has stolen your identity using your computer.

For 2006 the essential bit of kit for staying safe online is an Internet Security Suite. Internet Security Suites provide a range of features that protect you from all most all the internet can throw at you.

What do they do?

Each package offers slightly different specific features but in general they are -:

• Anti-Virus - Prevents viruses from infecting your computer. They will all automatically delete any viruses found.
• Anti-Spyware - Prevents programs that can spy on your internet usage to find things like email addresses, banking details and passwords.
• Anti-Spam - Stops unwanted advert e-mails and help remove spoofed emails that claim to come from someone else.
• Fire Wall - This restricts how your computer communicates on the internet. It will stop unauthorised programs accessing the internet and will also help to keep your computer hidden on the net.
• Access Controls - Limits who can access the internet and what they can view. Allows parents to control access to the internet.

For a more through description of the above features see our staying safe online article.

Recommendations

Out of all of the security suites available today we recommend any of the following products. These products have been chosen because of the following points

• Effectiveness against the range of threats the internet poses,
• Ease of use,
• Compatibility with a range of other hardware and software,

Symantec Norton Internet Security 2006

As usual for Symantec a top notch solution. Offers great protection from the complete range of internet threats. If coupled with the System Works maintenance tools you'll have a virtually infallible system.

Trend Micro PC-cillin 14 Internet Security

A well thought out solution. Not the best at removing spyware but it offers the best blocking rate so if your PC is already clean it won't be a problem. Well thought out and integrated user interface makes it easy to use.

McAfee Internet Security Suite 2006

An excellent product let down by its anti spyware and spam features. Some gimmicky features such as the world map that allows you to track internet attacks and some nice pie charts giving you breakdowns of the type of spam your getting! Its a viable option if it comes bundled with your new PC.

Zone Labs Zone Alarm Security Suite 6

one Labs are perhaps better know for their excellent firewall application Zone Alarm. Now its matured into a fully fledge internet security suite. The added features offer exceptional performance and this was the standout product in terms of offering a complete internet security solution.