Why Internet Security Software?

Every time you go online, perform a download or connect to another computer or device, your system and personal/company information are at risk. Viruses and other malicious programs are released to the Internet constantly, so having a comprehensive security program on your system is absolutely necessary. Internet security suites have everything you need to keep your information and systems safe in one program.

Internet security suites include a complete package of security features, such as:

• Antispyware: Antispyware protection can help keep your Internet activities and personal information safe.
• Antivirus: Antivirus software goes beyond the security abilities of Windows type programs. For full protection you need an antivirus program on top of what Windows can offer.
• Firewall: This type of security helps keep your system safe by protecting your files, ports and registry. Many security programs offer more firewall protection than what the Windows firewall can provide.
• Parental Controsl: Many security suites provide tools for helping you protect your children online. Parental Control tools can permit you to set how many hours and when your child can go online and what sites they are allowed to go to.

In this site, you’ll find internet security articles and comprehensive reviews of internet security software that will help you make an informed decision on which software is right for you. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™

What to Look For in an Internet Security Suite

Internet security suites include all of the necessary security elements to protect your computer and your information from Internet threats.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate internet security suites:

Antispyware
Spyware protects your personal information such as passwords and Internet activity. Antispyware software should defend against adware, keyloggers, trojans and more.

Antivirus
Viruses are real threats that you need to worry about the most. A good security program should offer nearly 100% protection and should update constantly to keep up with evolving threats.

Firewall
Firewall protection is your computers first level of security and it should protect your personal information, files, registry, ports and network connections. Though Windows does include firewall protection it may not offer everything a complete security suite can offer you.

Other Security/Features
Top-ranking suites have additional security and features including anti-phishing, email and IM scanning and parental controls.

Ease of Use
The best security programs are designed so everyone can use the software regardless of their knowledge of computers.

Ease of Installation/Setup
Security suites should be simple to install and set up, and not cause application errors or bog down programs.

Help/Support
It is important that the manufacturers of security software provide help and support through FAQs, a user manual or a tutorial. They should also provide customer service by phone, email or online chat.

If you're looking for multi-user licenses and comprehensive business security, including protection for client workstations, file servers and email servers, please refer to our reviews of the best small business internet security suites.