Firewalls For Better Security

[VelMurugan]

AVG has been a long-time user favorite due to its free available softwares (Virus Scanning, Spyware, and Rootkit protection), though, of course, paying users have the benefits of maximizing more options and features available to them. The latest internet security offering of AVG, the AVG Internet Security 8.0 (AVG IS8, is fast becoming a top choice among users because of its well-designed protection program for both home and small businesses. AVG IS8 has email, instant messenger and browsers protection all combined in its AV engine. Installation and configuration are hassle-free and users can configure updating and scanning schedules.

A popular choice among advanced users, the Norton Internet Security 2008 is regarded as one of the best security suite in the market today. With its price ranging from $29-$71, Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2008 edition boasts of its added full-scale password and identity management, and of its new BrowserDefender technology which lets users have stronger defense against Web threats. The NIS 2008 is claimed by many as an easy-to-use security suite that has a wide range of extra-security features like the Security Inspector scan that warns users about unsafe browser settings. The NIS 2008 is also found to perform better than most security suites in terms of removing infections, cleaning up 80% of all files and registry entries added by malware.

Before getting all too excited to use that security suite you've just bought, be sure to read the following reminders to get the proper information that will help you maximize the full potential of your suite:

> Do not use two firewalls or two anti-virus products at the same time. You should uninstall one of them first before installing the other.

> When installing a security suite, update the program immediately through the vendor's website. Turn on the auto update feature of the program if it has one so that you can be assured that your security suite is always updated on the latest threats.

> Be sure to test your firewall after installing it using an online service like Security Space in order to determine if it has been configured properly.

> Try considering using an Internet service provider or email service that has server side anti-virus and spam email filtering as its second layer of defense against threats.

Internet security and utility software suites aim to combine multiple features into a single product to be marketed by one or more vendors. These suites offer convenience since users get to maximize several features all combined together. Users will also find it easier to contact a vendor in case of upgrades and support and the user has the advantage of asking the vendor to fix problems with any parts of the suite. A licensed suite may also save you money and effort in case you want to install security softwares on one or two more computers at home. All in all, it is still best for users to carefully look for the right suite which can offer them the security and privacy feature they want.

When ZoneAlarm launched its own brand of router, the Z100G router, people thought if the price ($149.95) was worth it. This wireless unit is said to cover 984 feet indoors and 3,280 feet outdoors (claiming that users can now avoid dead spots in their homes) using its extended range (XR) technology and has 108 Mbps network speed that can also support Super G standards (although it is also compatible with the older 802.11b and 802.11g technologies. According to ZoneAlarm's website, the Z100G router has bandwidth monitoring (which is the same technology used, as ZoneAlarm claims, by Fortune 500 companies) and a built-in print server that lets users to print from any wireless desktop computer or laptop directly to the printer.