Trend Micro Antivirus Map

The map below provides information on the current activity of viruses around the world.  If you do not have and Antivirus program installed on your computer is is high time that you do so.  It is only a matter of time before you get hit.

Most Popular Antivirus Programs

Norton Antivirus: Norton provides proven protection against viruses and it's Internet Security Package also protects your privacy as well as spy ware.  The one drawback I have experienced with Norton is that in some instances it hogs computer resources and is a headache to uninstall.  The Corporate Edition which we use at my work place works flawlessly but requires a decent processor.

McAfee Internet Security - This is another popular Antivirus application which I have not tested that much.  I did, however, experience major headaches uninstalling the application from Dell computers that were preloaded with the 90 day trial versions.  This alone makes me not want to recommend it.

Trend Micro Pc-cillin Internet Security - This is, in my opinion, the best Antivirus solution for the home user.  Besides being affordable (3 licenses for $50.00 or less per year), their Internet Security package provides all-around protection, nearly daily updates and appears to be kind to your processor.  Furthermore, their support has been really dependable although I have only needed to use them once. Highlights of their PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 Package include:

• Protects you from viruses, hackers and phishing scams

• Removes and blocks spyware and rootkits

• Safeguards your wireless network against intruders

• Automatically updates your PCs with the latest protection

• Unlimited free phone, email and chat support

You can also scan your PC for free using Housecall. 

Webroot Spy Sweeper: I use this application in addition to Trend Micro's Internet Security package.  Spy Sweeper has performed very well for me and in comparison to AdAware it seems to find more spy ware.  Some people have reported system slowdown issues but I have not observed this.  I do not keep the application running in the background (as I should) but use it to sweep my discs regularly.  Since I am fairly careful in my Internet Surfing habits, I have not had that big of a spy ware problem but this application has performed very well in finding and removing them.

Faronics DeepFreeze: Although not an antivirus program, DeepFreeze protects your PC by removing any changes to your protected drives upon reboot.  Your computer will be in its original state once you reboot.  This allows you to test applications and if you happen to fall victim to spy ware and viruses, unless they propagate via the network, your PC will not be affected.  At home I have one PC that I use for downloads.  I connect to it via RDC and this system is frozen. I have not had any problems with ANY spy ware or viruses since I froze the system.  Once a week I boot "thawed" and install updates and virus pattern files.  That's it.  This is a very cheap solution at $39.95.  Support is very good.

I can guarantee you that if you are using the Internet and Email you will get hit with a Virus and Spy Ware. Chances are that this will already occur within 30 minutes after you connect your PC to the Internet in some mild form or another.  As a result you run the risk of losing valuable data and possibly affect computers in your home or business network putting everyone at risk.  If you do not have Antivirus Software installed and keep it updated regularly you are simply too computer illiterate to be using a PC.

• Install an Antivirus Application and keep it updated
• Install a Spy Ware Scanner and keep it updated
• Block Pop-Ups: Don't click on Pop-Ups (Don't accept anything).  If your pointer turns into a hand it's a link to do something.  Be careful.
• When asked to install something your answer should be "No" unless it is from a trusted source
• Image your hard drive (see my Backup section for more info)
• Don't open Email Attachments unless you were expecting them and they are from a trusted source
• Don't believe Email messages that contain warnings about viruses or ask you to provide personal information.  Check these warnings.  Tip: Copy a selection of the message to your clipboard and paste it into Google using quotation marks.  You will find info on that message which is generally a hoax.
• Your bank, Microsoft and any reputable Software vendor will never ask you to install something from a link in an Email or ask you to provide personal information.
• Use your common sense if you have any or don't use a PC