What works for you?

Every User

Depending on the amount of browsing you do online and the activities you do the need for security may be considerably different from the standard user. When i say standard user i mean someone who use's there computer for minimal research maybe only once or twice a week and for chatting to there friends through programs such as windows messenger. If this lists all your online time, then you could probably make do with an anti virus and anti-spyware software available from the places listed below, some companies offer free scans but you may have to purchase there software to be able to fix the problems.

Spyware, Adware and Pop-ups!

For everyone who use's the internet spyware and adware detection and removal software should be near the top of your list. These can be some of the most annoying problems you will come across on you Pc. These infection's can cause your computer to begin running slow, pop-up's constantly appearing on your computer and advertising icons appearing on your desktop. I would recommend that you should scan at least once a week maybe me or you browse often. You can see the reviews page for more about each program or see the list below for some of the companies mentioned. If you are only getting pop-up's when your are browsing the internet chances are that these pop-up's are coming from the site's you are on. If this is the case then you should just install a free pop-up blocker, which is available from google built into there web toolbar

 

Power User

This section probably refers to the largest section of people researching information on what type of security software they need. Downloading music, games and other software from pier to pier networks can start to cause problems. When downloading files from these places you never really know what your getting, after all your just downloading a file of someone else's computer which they are entitled to name anything they like, so i would highly recommend purchasing security software that is capable of scanning downloaded files ( Which many of the latest security packages include) as well as protecting you from on going threats online such as virus's and trojans. Below are a few of the major brands that i would personally recommend to you to keep you safe from the online threats mentioned in this chapter.

 

Advanced User

I call this section for advanced users but more and more people are now moving into the era of internet banking and with the ease of buying online from books to clothes, with anything from your visa to a pay pal account, security is an absolute must. All though when buying online, the store you are buying from will nearly always have a 3rd party company that use's there software for any transactions to make sure they are as secure as possible. But for it to be totally secure you have to secure your end and make sure there is no security holes on your computer which could allow key loggers or spyware to run on your computer, handing out your details to its creator. Yes there are people who make this type of software and actually make money out of people from online fraud. If you use your computer for online banking then you should be investing in a full security sweet as well as a spyware and adware scanner. Below you can find the link to latest security suites available from some of the best brands.