I get asked a lot about how individuals should protect their computers from the rest of the internet. Whenever I turn it around and ask how these individuals protect their own machines, I get some very interesting answers in response! I want to explain just exactly what you need. In this case, more is not necessarily better.
At a minimum, you need two pieces of software: antivirus & firewall. Look at it this way: A firewall is your computer’s defense mechanism for fending off impending attacks. However, if something manages to sneak past the firewall, then your antivirus would kick in to save the day and remove the offender from your computer.
At this point, a very important concept needs to be mentioned. Never install or use more than one firewall on your computer, ever! Most times, multiple firewalls all working at the same time will conflict with each other. They operate in their little isolated view of the world. But at some point, they will get too close to each other and clash; nearly starting World War III! This creates a wonderful window for an attack to slip by unnoticed while the “armies” are busy fighting each other. So, again, I can’t stress this enough: Never install or use more than one firewall on your computer, ever!
Even though it goes against some schools of thought, I usually feel that antivirus & firewall software alone is enough for the typical PC. I don’t usually recommend more lifesaving measures such as specific anti-spyware, anti-malware, anti-rootkit, anti-_____, and the list goes on. This is because these tools typically operate by attempting to remove an attacker once it has already latched on to your precious files. They may not be able to 100% clear out the attacker and may need to continually and repeatedly continue to remove that attacker, hence slowing your PC. Another reason why I don’t recommend these pieces of software – if your computer has an attack nestled in and at home inside your PC, the only way you can truly be absolutely sure you have rid yourself of the pest is by completely erasing and reinstalling all of the software on your PC. Doing this is a drastic measure, but any other means of eradicating attacks against your PC may prove futile and you’ll end up needing to do this anyway. Find your local tech guru and he/she will (hopefully) be glad to help you on a Saturday if they know they can get a home cooked meal out of their day’s efforts!
So, what do I use myself? I use and recommend other individuals use one product on their home PCs: Norton Internet Security (NIS) 2010. I’ve used the Norton suite in the early 2000′s and started using it again in 2008. I have not been happier with another PC protection product! NIS 2010 is mainly a combination antivirus and firewall suite. However, NIS also includes a few bits to prevent and help rid your PC of the nasty spyware and malware that lurks out there on the internet. It’s the prevention that’s the best mechanism. NIS 2010 analyzes any applications you download to use and will prompt you if NIS feels you shouldn’t run the program because it looks like an attack. How cool! As careful as I am online, I have had NIS intervene once with an accidental spyware click. Phew! What’s also nice about NIS 2010 is that a single license applies for up to three PCs in your home. You’ll be able to use the same license for your desktop, laptop, and another computer; all for one price.
No matter which product(s) you choose, remember this law and you’ll be just fine: Install and use a single antivirus solution and a single firewall.
