WINDOWS WARES free & open source 1

PART 1

SECURITY

With a fresh installation of Windows, you are faced with a barrage of options in the way of utilities, applications, helpful programs, and just plain necessities. Here's my top choices, ratings and descriptions.

ANTI-VIRUS

Avast Home Edition

Comprehensive protection, simple user interface, and just plain easy to use sums up Avast Free Edition. Unlike other products it offers anti-spyware, anti-rootkit, support for 64-bit, misc network "shields" and automatic updates. You'll sacrifice speed and comparatively misses a few more viruses then other software, but the features gained will usually outweigh those downsides. If you aren't a home user, you'll be looking at about $58 for a 2 year subscription for the Professional version. But as best I can tell you won't be getting a terribly different product other then a few features that would help SMB tech staff.

AVG

Their basic, Free edition antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows available to download for free. Limited features, no support, for private and non-commercial use only. You will have to shell out $52 and get the Pro version for 2 years ($35 if you only want a 1 year subscription), which gives you extra features, support, as well as anti-spyware protection, which is only available with the Pro version.

BitDefender

A consistent performer and definately worth noting. I cannot give any personal experience, but I heard of the effectiveness on a couple of times (granted it was about the payed versions). The Full version will cost you $24.95 for a 2 year subscription, but you can use for up to 3 computers.

Comodo Antivirus

While comodo Free antivirus version has not be quite as stout as others, it is the only one I'm aware of that offers a Free Security Suite. While immediately rates it higher imho. The standalone version is no longer offered but the Internet Security Suite is just as easy and considerably more effective. The Pro version at $39 per year is a bit more then some of the other options, but offers additional support and tools as well as an integrated firewall not provided with the others.

AntiVir

Basic antivirus, worm, and trojan protection and that's about all you can say about Avira's Free version. From my experience there tend to be more false postives and scanning hasn't been as fast as others, although they have played up the scanning speed increase in their most recent version. There are some additional features offered with the Premium version for 33 euros. But if you are like me, I left my euros in my other pants and I'm not about to do some conversion to dollars to pay what I could get for free.

FIREWALL

Comodo

I have watched its rise since beta, and even in those early days the protection have been outstanding! With each new release the user interface and ease of use have leap frogged the previous versions. The newest version, is no longer available as a standalone firewall but still constantly monitors and defends your computer. It's easy to install and use and passes all "leak" tests. Now lumped together in the Internet Security Suite it still a great product and as a Suite offers a simple and free "one stop shop" in security.

Zone Alarm

ZoneAlarm Basic Firewall (the free version) is just that, basic. While better then Microsoft's built-in firewall, you won't enjoy much beyond general inbound/outbound network protection. If you're going with ZoneAlarm their full Security Suite would probably be a better choice.

SunBelt Personal

Formally Kerio Personal Firewall, Sunbelt offers an outstanding user interface and generally good network protection. It also offers great logging of various intrusion, and gives automatic update checker. The Full version offers extented content control, better administration options, and host intrusion detection for $19.95 which could be considered a bargin among commercial firewalls.

Runners Up: GhostWall | Outpost Free |

ANTI-SPYWARE

Spybot Search & Destroy

Spybot has long been a staple on any computer I work with. I've heard rumblings about it usefulness and life expectancy, but it continues to chug along. It's not always the fastest, certainly not the prettiest, but (almost) always get's the job done. Its active scan utility "Tea Timer" has never held a place in my heart and is rarely helpful in informing you, but it too works. Spybot S&D doesn't typically take an active role in prevention although regularly astounds in finding and fixing problems that have cropped up. While onlne scanners continue to improve time will tell if Spybot S&D ever leaves my toolbelt (But, I doubt it).

Ewido Online Scan

NOT FREE: SECURITY

While I have a bit of an aversion to paying for software, security tends to be the software category I'll likely encourage others to fork over the money for. Especially for those unwilling or unable to handle your own support, want absolute ease, and can stomach the expense of the best.

Kaspersky Internet Security

The top package in network security, it offers: anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, and a built-in firewall. It consistently gets top marks in any comparison or review. While your wallet will take a $49.95 hit per year or $59.95 for the Internet Security Suite. The price is on par with better known brands and can be used on three computers, but is a better value for the effectiveness.

Not Recommended: McAfee

Is just a consistent disappointment. While regularly offered by various OEMs in free trial versions pre-intalled. It rarely lives up to its competition.

Not Recommended: Norton by Symantec

While Symantec offers a few "worth the money" products, in my experience security products have not been one of them.