 Security-Software 
Here, my goal is to cover Windows-Security-Software with an emphasis on the free versions! Why concentrate on free? Because my customers do not have to worry about expiration, and they work very well!
One of the most common problems I see is expired subscription for Windows-Security-Software. Unfortunately, I see this when customers are calling me for “problems” with viruses, computer running slow, programs that don’t work, or worse. This article will cover AntiVirus software, Malware Protection, firewalls, and spyware.
Why does this happen so often? (expired subscription)
Manufacturers ship their computers with a 30 day subscription to McAfee or Symantec (Norton’s) Anti-Virus Programs ( or Security Suite). Then, when the subscription is expiring, then they send reminders, of course asking for money!
Users, of course resist spending their hard earned money buying something they receive from “the internet”, which is constantly asking for their money!
Do I blame users for their resistance? …. No, not really, but I want them to understand that they need protection!
If you don’t have antiVirus protection, then your computer will be infected! It is only a matter of time! You would think that a Computer repair person would be happy about this, right? While fixing infected PC’s is a good part of my revenue stream, but, I would rather this not happen to any of my customers!
Note: Ironically, some Anti-Virus ads you get are Malware themselves! (see Rogue Security I just removed SAV from a customers system yesterday, because it’s symptoms were the same as a Virus or spy ( unwanted pop-ups, overlay of your current screen, etc)
Free Security Software
There are some very good protection software available free! Microsoft Security Essentials, AVG, Avast and AntVir, are 3 of the top free protection products. I am recommending Microsoft Security Essentials, for the free version.
After you read the reviews, do you feel they are trying to sell you something? Most reviews qppear to be sponsored by an Antivirus program.
But, if you read between the lines, there is some consistent information.
The Internet Security suites have a very high overhead (slows your computer!) If you have a later model, that has dual core processing, this is far less of a problem, paticularly if you have a 2012 version of your Security Suite.
Note: This is particularly noticeable for CPU's less than 3 Ghz) see How to Determine CPU speed
Here's another view - from Computer Service Company in Raleigh On-Site Computer Repair Service in Raleigh NC, is not connected with my company, but we have talked and exchange links. His perspective is somewhat different from mine, ans I think you may gain by hearing from another company that has to fix virus infected computers!
Bottom Line:
Why do I consistently recommend free versions, though I believe that Norton's Internet Security 2012 is best?
Because, most people are loath to part with their money, and frequently do not renew! So, they wind up with no security at all! If they used the free, they would not need to renew, and therefore their protection would be current. Free is better than nothing! If, however, they would renew and be willing to pay for the best security, then use Norton Internet Security 2012
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Note: Paying for a good Security package is making more sense. I've spent the last 2 weeks, clearing off Fake Anti-Virus packages. Some were there, with AVG and Microsoft Security Essentials installed. But most infected machines were not up to date. I still think that Microsoft Security Essentials is a pretty good free program, but maybe not enough for really top notch security.
Review Computer Security for full information regarding your computer security.
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