Like it or not, you need more than free security tools to keep yourself virus-free at home.

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Viruses, spam mails and sophisticated phishing attempts to trick you into revealing your credit card details, unknowingly opening your PC to serious threats by clicking false links are all examples of how an unprotected computer can be a high-risk affair. This is where all branded security softwares from Symantec, McAfee, BitDefender, Kaspersky, Trend Micro and F-Secure step in and the differences are mainly in the extra features they pack along.

Symantec’s Norton 360 (Version 3.0) is a big improvement from earlier versions that taught us to be a patient user. This time around, the product not only takes about a minute or so to install, but also uses a lot less memory than competitors. It even works faster by not repeatedly scanning files that have already been scanned for viruses. All thanks to a feature called, Norton Insight. The verified files on your PC are excluded by the software on its next run and this helps in saving a lot of time.

The programme comes with a Norton Pulse Updates that arms the PC with the virus updates at a frequency of minutes instead of days or weeks. An intelligent Silent Mode delays any noncritical notifications when your computer is running say, a presentation, movie, or game in full-screen mode. Norton 360 goes beyond mere security and passwords management. Threats from botnets are automatically detected to safeguard against hackers and wireless network protection gives you peace of mind throughout the home. In addition, users get 2 GB online storage where they can easily set - up/view/change which files to backup, where to backup and when to backup. One also has the option of adding more space to Norton Backup by paying extra. At Rs 2,820, Norton 360 (version 3.0; single use)is a straightforward choice, as the mix of layered protection and ease of use should bode well for for an average home user.

Features

• Ability to block phishing websites 
• Comprehensive security control for home networks

Trend Micro’s Internet Security Pro 2009 can be used on up to three desktop systems to protect against a variety of malware and security threats. What is impressive is that the software automatically ensures that quick scans are not undertaken when computer’s resources are being taxed (i.e. when playing a game or watching a DVD). You can’t miss built-in browser security toolbar features (for Internet Explorer and Firefox users) that flag up dubious sites with bright red warning tags. Another novel feature is the home network map, which displays a visual overview of the other 2 computers that are connected to master system, allowing remote management of PCs. The software stands out from the competition due to clever features like a bundled mobile security tool that protects from viruses and sms spams. A very affordable option, the Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009 costs Rs 1,600 (for a 12 month subscription) and also sports all the obligatory spam filters, anti-phishing measures, keystroke encryption to protect sensitive data such as credit card numbers.

Features

• Mobile phone protection included 
• Filters can be customised for individual user to limit web access

McAfee Total Protection 2009 borrows its interface from 2008’s version, making it easy for home users to adapt to the new security suite. There was a time delay to install each component of the software and subsequent database updates, as a result the installation can take up to 3-5 minutes. The most worthy inclusion in Total Protection 2009 is McAfee’s Artemis technology. As soon as the software encounters any unknown virus activity, a query goes out over the web so that Artemis can compare the file to McAfee’s enormous virus database and tell Total Protection how to react. Safety while browsing the internet has been enhanced with McAfee SiteAdvisor. This feature of the software monitors and notifies user about the safety rating of each visited site. It also reports on the safety of any web site, even while using a search engine. Beside the basic functions, McAfee Total Protection also includes a local backup module, parental controls, a network monitoring tool and some simple tune-up tools.What is puzzling is why the software’s QuickClean mode offers only one choice — delete everything it thinks needs deletion in computer’s registry, e-mail, cookies, cache, and so on or delete nothing at all. You cannot choose to delete individual files or groups of files. And if you ever need to uninstall McAfee, there’s no easy uninstall feature. You will need to go into your Windows Add/Remove Program feature. Not a big deal, but it’s still a hoop to jump through if you need to uninstall for some reason. At Rs 2,270 (for 12-month subscription; up to 3 PCs), McAfee Total Protection may not be the best but is competent for home networks.

Features

• Includes website safety ratings 
• Simple interface

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