DECEMBER, 2013 - COMPUTER SECURITY WITH ANTIVIRUS AND FIREWALL SOFTWARE

New PCs almost invariably come with a free trial version of a subscription security suite from a company such as Symantec or McAfee. But you can probably skip paying for those programs and still be safe online, our latest tests confirm.  The types of security available include:

·        Free security suites

These offer not only malware protection but add a firewall and in some cases, other extras such as a child filter. But none of the free suites we tested include some other features that are often found on pay suites such as anti-spam protection, built-in backup software, and a browser toolbar that will alert you when you're visiting sites that host malware.

·        Pay security suites

Such suites promise comprehensive protection in one package. They offer not only malware protection but also a firewall, an anti-spam filter, and other extras. The latter usually include a child filter, often include a browser toolbar that will alert you when you're visiting sites that host malware, and sometimes include a file shredder and file backup software. You buy the program online, either by downloading it or upgrading from a free trial version carried on your PC. You can use a suite on as many as three computers in the same household. Prices typically range from $40 to $80, and include a year of service. After that, you'll typically pay another $40 to $80 per year to renew service.

·        Free anti-malware programs

These are mostly downloads. But there's also the protection that Microsoft builds into its operating system. 

·        Spam filters

These offer supplemental protection that you may want because your e-mail program isn't adequately filtering out unwanted messages. Often built into pay suites.

·        Anti-phishing toolbars

Free security toolbars available for all major browsers provide extra protection against phishing sites, especially if you're using an older browser version or just want extra protection.  Widely used browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer have built-in features:

o   Internet Explorer 8, 9, 10:  SmartScreen Filter (on by default)

o   Chrome:  Phishing and Malware Protection (on by default)

o   Firefox:  Phishing and Malware Protection (on by default)

Most free standalone anti-malware programs focus only on keeping malware from installing or downloading on your system. Some free security suites include a firewall and child filters. For the features listed below, you'll most likely need a pay security suite.

·        IM protection

This feature blocks attempts to deliver malware via instant messages.

·        Firewall

A firewall keeps malware from downloading and prevents a malicious Web site from grabbing data off your computer. The best firewalls protect you from incoming and outgoing threats, and pop up clearly worded alerts when a potential breach is detected, to help you decide if it's OK to let the data go through.

·        Anti-spam

The filters provided by many e-mail programs or ISPs might be all you need to block unwelcome mail. The anti-spam feature on suites (and standalone, and often free, programs) offer supplementary assistance if too many junk e-mail messages are still getting through.

·        Child filter

These block access to certain sites unsuitable for children.

·        Privacy filter

If you're about to inadvertently divulge personal information, a privacy filter will provide a warning.

·        Browser toolbar

These toolbars can be placed into popular browsers to help prevent phishing.

·        File shredder

This feature allows you to erase files to prevent their recovery from your hard drive.

·        File backup

A suite with this feature will periodically back up your files to another drive.

Free is fine for most people

As long as you surf safely--that is, you never download software from unfamiliar sites (those downloads might carry malicious software) or click on e-mail links to access bank or other personal accounts (those links are favorite tools for cyberthieves)--the free anti-malware programs we recommend should adequately protect you.

Make sure Windows firewall is on to help block malware and keep malicious web sites from grabbing data off your computer.

Consider your computer

Some suites demand more resources than others. Machines with less than a gigabyte of memory might run too slowly with such gluttons. Similarly, some programs' scans take longer than others. This is important if you have an older computer

Choose a pay suite mostly for convenience and features

An advantage of a pay suite is that it simplifies your security regimen. It requires just one download and installation and a single upgrade to its database when necessary. Its single interface can also be easier to use than multiple stand-alone programs.  The extras you get with a suite include a built-in firewall, which can block attempts by malicious software to access data on your computer. In our tests, the firewalls in the best suites afforded slightly better protection than those built into Windows operating systems--though the latter offered adequate protection for most.

With free products, help is usually limited to online FAQs, forums, and tutorials. Most of the tested pay suites offer free e-mail and chat support. Most also offer phone support, though some charge for it.