Spybot doesn’t really do much to help you if your computer has major issues, as the program just isn’t designed to clean up the really big stuff.  Where Spybot’s central usefulness lies is in deleting the little spyware and adware stuff.  Such as internet cookies that count as spyware or adware that can load up your computer causing slower than normal performance.  Of which Spybot is very effective, cleaning up all manner of small issues that you never necessarily considered to be big problems for your computer, but you’ll still see some sort of a difference by getting rid of the small stuff.

Other free programs like AVG’s free version, or AdAware which is also free, are much more capable when removing the big stuff like trojans or worms.  In fact AdAware is probably the best resource you’ll find for free to clean up any issues you may be having with your PC when it comes to viruses and affected performance.

Which actually brings me to another point, and mistake that many people make, you don’t need to spend money on the big virus protection software brands like Norton Antivirus, or McAfee.  Most people never suffer a major issue using just Spybot, AdAware and AVG.  While it’s sort of an annoyance to have three different virus programs to juggle, your PC in the end will actually be safer, and you’ll have a few dollars more left over in your wallet.

The investment one is willing to make to acquire the Anti-virus. Expensive does not necessarily mean it is the best. Try to research on the features and advantages different anti-virus packages will give you when compared to their competitors

You own personal needs. Are you an entrepreneur or an organization? While you may take the necessary care to ensure that you follow all laid down guidelines to minimize all possible virus infections, your fellow man may not necessarily share the same interest. In cases like these you will need an Anti-virus program that offers protection against all possible viruses.

What are the features of the Anti-Virus you are considering? Does it have the latest updates against new viruses? You should always choose an Anti-virus program that has the latest definition and above all that is updated on a regular basis to protect your computer.

Ensure that the Anti-virus automatically updates itself as this will reduce the chances of virus infections if by chance you happen to forget to update it manually. This special feature not only guarantees that the update is done when you least expect it, it also can be configured to do so when you go online.

It is never advisable to use two Anti-virus programs at once. There can be conflict between the two programs and you end up creating a weak point for viruses to leash through on your computer. Therefore it is a myth to believe that two Anti-virus programs will guarantee maximum protection.

Ensure that your Anti-Virus offers you the option to eliminate the virus. It makes absolutely no sense detecting a virus and then not having features to be rid of it, after all who wants a virus ever present locked in quarantine on your computer?

Installing a firewall and antivirus on your computer is essential for anyone whose computer is connected to the internet. Surely, even those who frequently transfer data from one computer to another should also consider getting at least an antivirus to make sure that their data are safe from attack. So what should one look for in an antivirus and firewall?

First of all, remember that a firewall is only necessary if you will be connecting to a network or to the internet. The main function of a firewall is to monitor or control the incoming and outgoing data on your computer. Essentially, it helps in blocking harmful connections from other computers to your computer. Take note that some malicious software or even hackers would be able to easily take control of your computer if it is not sufficiently protected from attack. This are usually done by injecting data or getting data from your computer through one of your computer’s ports. Ports can be compared to openings on your computer where a user with enough knowledge can send and retrieve data to and from your computer.A firewall is able to prevent attacks by blocking or closing down ports on your computer and also monitor those that are required for your computer to continue functioning correctly. Not all ports should be closed or blocked and your choice of firewall should be one which has the ability to determine which of these ports are dangerous and which can be safely used.

Antivirus programs on the other hand are programs that prevent your computer from getting viruses, or in the event that your computer does get infected by a virus, be able to remove the virus and either quarantine it or get rid of it permanently. Unlike firewall software though, an antivirus program is essential on any computer that transfers data through other means like through floppy disks, USB flash drives or even direct network connections to another computer. Viruses are designed not only to expose your data but are sometimes designed to modify or destroy the data completely. This could be very costly for people with valuable data stored on their computers indeed.

Windows XP and Windows Vista comes with their own built-in firewall but these firewall programs pale in comparison to third-party firewall programs that one can purchase or get for free from the internet. Some of the more popular firewall programs even have antivirus features included in their more advanced products.

ZoneAlarm is one of the most popular firewall programs which can be downloaded for free or for a fee for more advanced versions. The free version of ZoneAlarm only includes firewall protection without the antivirus features included in its paid versions.

On the flipside, most antivirus programs also feature firewall protection in their more advanced paid versions. When it comes to free antivirus, some of the leading programs include AVG, Avast, BitDefender and Avira AntiVir. As for paid antivirus programs, the popular ones include Norton, McAfee, and TrendMicro. Take note that for the paid versions of all these great antivirus products, firewall features are usually included already, thus there is no need to install a separate firewall anymore.

The biggest question for those who have decided to get an antivirus and firewall on their computer is which product should I get? All the antivirus and firewall programs mentioned earlier have their merits and corresponding weaknesses. Depending on your needs, you may not need an overly complex program to scan or protect your computer. It all boils down to usage and preference. Being a careful and responsible computer user can save you more often than having the best antivirus and firewall money can buy. If you stick to legitimate websites and careful with the files and programs you keep on your computer, even the most basic of firewall and antivirus software on your computer will suffice. Remember, when it comes to virus and hacker attacks, the best defense is good common sense.