Free Internet Security - Peace of Mind When You're on the Net
If you check the price of internet security software, you'll find programs like Norton and McAfee can run anywhere from $30 to almost $100 at the top end.
Not only that, but you have to pay an upgrade fee every year to keep receiving the updates. And without the latest updates, you might as well not even be running any internet security.
If you're like me, you probably don't like having to spend that money to protect your computer. Even if you just bought a new computer that came with free internet security software, sooner or later you'll have to pay to continue getting updates.
How Can You Avoid Paying for Internet Security
Free internet security is available and works as well - sometimes even better - than the big names like Norton and McAfee.
The only real catch to the free options is that you need to install a few different programs to get the same features that you would with one of the paid options.
If you don't mind doing a little extra work to save some money, you've come to the right place. The following is a list of the free internet security software I recommend (and use myself).
1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
The AVG Anti-Virus software has all the important features of programs like Norton or McAfee. It scans your email messages. It runs all the time in the background to watch for viruses. It runs full system scans automatically.
Most importantly, it is updated constantly with all the latest virus information, and will automatically download those updates for you.
Click here to download the AVG Anti-Virus Free Virus Protection
2. Zone Alarm Firewall
The Zone Alarm firewall software is one of the best personal firewall programs, even compared to the ones that cost money.
The latest version of Windows XP now includes a firewall service, but Zone Alarm is MUCH more effective. Even if you're using the Windows firewall already, you should install Zone Alarm instead.
Click here to download the free Zone Alarm firewall
3. Microsoft Anti-Spyware
Anti-spyware is an important part of your internet security, but even some of the commercial programs don't include it yet.
There are a few free options for anti-spyware, but the one I recommend is from Microsoft. I've found it is very good at finding and getting rid of spyware, plus it constantly monitors your computer for new infections.
Click here to download Microsoft Anti-Spyware
With these three programs installed on your computer, you'll have the same kind of protection that programs like Norton and McAfee offer, but for free.