Windows 7 Security
I have been asked about Windows 7 Security and Anti-virus packs. Here is what I am using on my main system which hangs 24/24 on the internet.
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Firewall for Windows 7
When 2 years back I uninstalled my Norton Internet Security pack, it was as if my Computer started breathing again. Nothing against the quality of Norton’s filters, but the program was so heavy, that my performance was suffering notably. Also, and this I noticed with most security programs, the interface is not really user-friendly. You need a PhD in firewall configuration in order to use the software efficiently. The basic settings are too timid and tend to scare people more than assuring them because of all the pop-ups indicating that Norton has just saved you again from a Trojan Horse, a Dragon, a witch or other horrors.
My experience is that the Windows Firewall is largely good enough for average and professional users. Maybe that real IT freaks miss all the little buttons and tabs to fine tune the configuration, but that’s a negligible minority anyway. (Yeahhh, I am one of those…).
So, with your Windows 7 just use your Windows Firewall in stead of charging your system with a heavy program (and your budget with 50 bucks per year).
In any case, don’t use two Firewalls; if you use an external program for the purpose, disable the Windows Firewall as running both will result in conflicting behaviors!
Antivirus for Windows 7
Without listing all the popular free and paid programs let me just recommend the
Microsoft Security Essentials
You can use them also on other Windows driven systems. The pack provides an antivirus solution which integrates perfectly with your Windows.
Microsoft Security Essentials are a Beta version (but then, what’s not beta these days anyway – Vista should never have made it even to beta :-)) and it’s free, provided you run Genuine Windows Software.
Microsoft Security Essentials
“Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple.
Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times.” (As per Microsoft)
The user interface is clear, easy to use and to set up. Read more about Alert Levels.
Why look for complex and costly solutions if an integrated solution is available for free?
PS: The Security Essentials are hooked to Microsoft’s SpyNet – read the terms.
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Author: Yorgo Nestoridis, Media Marketing & Publishing, Founder of YORGOO Publishing, YORGOO Press and Semiomantics.
