When you have broadband access to the Internet, the security of your network becomes critical. Your unprotected home computer is fair game for hackers and everyone else out there. Let’s look at four popular security packages designed to protect your broadband Internet connection.
Norton Internet Security 2005
Although somewhat expensive compared to the competition, Norton Internet Security offers a complete set of tools for guaranteeing the safety of your broadband Internet connection. Norton combines anti-virus protection with a firewall. Besides protecting against viruses, NIS allows you to block banners and pop-ups and includes parental controls.
ZoneAlarm Internet Security 5.5
ZoneAlarm Security Suite includes a firewall, anti-virus software, a spyware scanner, pop-up blocker, Internet content filter, cookie controls and anti-identity-theft tools. ZoneAlarm’s IDLock protects you from accidentally transmitting sensitive information to suspicious Web sites.
McAfee Internet Security 2005
Like Norton Internet Security 2005 and Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Security Suite, Security 2005 is a suite of Internet tools designed to protect data on your PC and keep harmful data from entering your system. McAfee Internet Security 2005 includes four basic modules: McAfee VirusScan 9.0, McAfee Personal Firewall Plus and McAfee SpamKiller 6.0. McAfee Privacy Service (MPS) sets McAfee apart from the competition. Without your specific consent, no data can either enter or exit your computer. While helping to safeguard your private information and protect your computer from unwanted intrusions, MPS can also block access to selected Web sites.
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2005
Finally, a round-up of award winning security programs wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the new kid on the block. PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 delivers fast virus scanning and a powerful assortment of Internet protection tools. PC-cillin examines the information that passes from your computer to and from the Internet, looking for known threats and suspicious behavior. PC-cillin also comes with a top-notch anti-virus application and strong service and support.
All three of the suites offer top-notch anti-virus solutions, firewalls and anti-spam protection. The main differences lie in integration and extras: McAfee is a well-coordinated bundle of individual programs for anti-virus, firewall and anti-spam than Norton Internet Security but the ZoneAlarm tools are much better integrated and easier to use. Although not as full-featured as the other three, PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 provides speedy virus scanning and a host of other Internet protection tools for a very low price.
