Do you really need a Full Internet Security Suite?

There is a lot of discussion on internet security and the requirement for additional security software.  I am a believer that there are some very good free tools that can address all of your security needs.  Attached is an excellent article on if you need a Full Internet Security Suite.   Please let me know you comments.

HTG Explains: Why You Don’t Need a Full Internet Security Suite

Why are computer Viruses called Viruses?

There are a lot of malicious things that can be done to your computer, unfortunately one of the worst is a virus.  There are many other types of malware, such as computer worms, ransomware, trojan horses, keyloggers, rootkits, and spyware, but a virus typically has a moderate to severe impact.

Why are computer viruses called viruses? Simple, just like viruses infecting biological organisms, these programs replicate, thus leading to them being called viruses.  There are many other types of malware out there, but in order for a virus to be a virus, it has to replicate.

This results in the virus having a benign effect on the device or computer, and in other cases a catastrophic effect on the device or computer.   More often than not, because a computer virus is created by human beings, there is a malicious intent behind their creation and distribution.

In addition due to the inherent nature of a virus replicating, these types of malware spread quickly.  The worst, and most publicised computer malware infections are viruses.

The obvious question is, "How do you stop computer viruses?", simple anti-virus software.  Well the answer is not always that simple.

Because of the malicious intent behind viruses,  the virus programmers / designers adapt their programs to avoid detection by anti virus programs.   Just like biological viruses,  teams of people work to prevent the virus propagating by updating anti virus programs, quarantining infected computers, and tracking infections.

Sometimes your computer can get infected even though you have anti virus software, this is when you should find a professional, such as Collaboration Lab, to help remove the infection.   You best bet is to avoid the infection by using common sense, 

1) Use a reputable antivirus program, I suggest Microsoft Security Essentials.

2) Ensure that you update your computer operating system software, programs, and anti virus software.  Updates on most anti virus programs come out twice a day and usually update automatically.

3) Use common sense.  If you go to a possibly disreputable website and it asks you to download software, do not do it.  If someone you "might" know sends you a file, used caution.   If there is a link to expensive software or free items, think twice about clicking it. When in doubt, don't do it.

Why I like Microsoft Security Essentials

There are hundreds of antivirus programs made for Windows operating systems.   Time and time again I am asked what is the best antivirus solution?   Most recently I have been answering this question with Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).   I like MSE for 3 reasons,

-          Performance,  MSE has a minimal impact on system resources where other packages tend to eat system resources up.  This combine with a effective antivirus engine makes it stand out for me.

-          Cost, MSE is free.  Though the axiom you get what you pay for may come to mind, the reality is Microsoft has a vested interest in your computing experience. With other operating systems such as Linux, Mac OX / OS X, and even Android to a lesser extent as possible alternatives, Microsoft must ensure that their operating system runs as smoothly and trouble free as possible.

-          Ease of use.   With a single interface of four tabs and ease to configure regular checks MSE wins hands down in this case.

With that being said there are many other options that might better fit your computing needs, but more often than not I think MSE might be the best fit.

Microsoft Security Essentials