Desktop Security Software for Business, Individuals, Gamers

Whether you run a business or a home computer, are a gamer or net surfer, you need desktop security software. The ever growing threat from viruses, spyware, malware, worms, trojans, and hackers has made it imperative that all computers be protected against these intrusions, or else risk theft of personal information or corruption of files.

There are many features to be considered before purchasing security software. What are your needs? For the home user, you need antivirus software that also includes protection against spyware and malware. You will most definitely want firewall protection as well. A good firewall software is your first line of defense against unwanted access to your computer. An antivirus firewall software monitors incoming and outgoing information and allows only what you permit.

For the business owner with a single computer or multiple computers, you want to protect your business from thieves who want to steal your information or files, you want secure email, safe remote server access, or you may also want to restrict employee access to certain websites or domains. Backing up files is another concern.

Gamers are at risk for viruses, spyware, and malware. Since many gamers are connected to the internet for many hours at a time, they become vulnerable to attacks. Desktop security software is a must. But you don't want protection that will slow down your computer, or interfere with your game play when the antivirus software is performing its updates. You'll want a software that works quietly and efficiently in the background, while using minimal battery power and less memory. So light on resources, ESET's antivirus software is the choice for gamers.

There are ways to reduce the risk of viruses and threats to your computer. For one, don't download pirated software to your computer. Many of these contain spyware and malware, leaving you open to hackers and thieves. Often times they will ask your permission to check for software updates to download to your computer. Unwittingly, you give them permission, allowing them access to all your personal information. Don't open email attachments from someone you don't know. If it's from someone you know, verify they sent it to you before opening it. But, their computer could be infected without them knowing it, so beware of attachments from friends and family as well.

For proactive protection, use ESET Smart Security.

ESET Smart Security, CNET Editors’ Choice 2009consistently outperforms the other top brand antivirus software with comprehensive protection, proactive detection, and smoother performance.

Don't Let This Happen to You

If you continue browse the internet without some type of antivirus software, you're playing Russian roulette with your computer. Sooner or later a virus, spyware, malware, or worm will make itself at home on PC or laptop.

It's easy and inexpensive to protect your computer files and your identity. There are many different types of desktop security software programs available. But all are not created equal. Make sure you get a program that is proactive. One that detects a virus or spyware before it has a chance to infect your computer.

Just because an antivirus software is free, doesn't necessarily mean it's good. Some of these free programs are actually spyware. Also, some free spyware scans can actually place spyware on your computer and then inform you that you need to purchase their software to get rid of the virus. To be safe, purchase from a well known company, or do research before you purchase.

Facebook Virus

Even though the Facebook virus, koobface, first emerged several months ago, it still continues to create problems for social networking sites. A few simple safety steps will go a long way in keeping your computer free of this virus, or any other virus.

The Facebook virus is spread from one account to several accounts through a message, instructing you to click on a link to download software to view a video or picture. It appears as if the message is from one of your friends. It's not. As soon as you click on the link, the spyware is downloaded to your computer.

The simplest and most effective weapon against the Facebook virus is you. Don't download anything to your computer unless you trust the source completely. If you get a message or email with an attachment or link, contact the sender to verify. A quick "Hey, what's this you sent me" is all you need to do. If they don't know what you're referring to, delete the message without opening the attachment or clicking the link.

If your computer gets hit by the Facebook virus, shut down your computer immediately. Turn it back on and run a virus scan. Make sure you always have a good desktop security software installed on your computer. ESET Smart Security, CNET Editors’ Choice 2009is a proactive antivirus firewall software that stops viruses before they get to your computer.

The Best Desktop Security Software

I had nothing but problems with the desktop security software that I downloaded with the purchase of my new computer. What I got was long waits for boot up, frequent crashes, and a bogged down system. When I was hit with a computer virus, I contacted customer service (after several phone calls and a long wait on hold), and was told they would remove the virus for a fee. What?? Isn’t that why I purchased their antivirus software in the first place…to stop viruses from infecting my computer? It was very frustrating. They eventually removed the virus and it was charged to my credit card. Grrrr.

About the same time I was pulling my hair out over “no service” customer service, I heard a radio ad for ESET NOD32 antivirus software. I researched their product and found out they were ranked as the best antivirus software on the internet. Their product protects against viruses, spyware, and malware, and they even have antivirus firewall software. It takes a proactive approach, so it’s much more adept at stopping, or containing, viruses before they infect your computer.

After many phone calls to “no service” customer service, I dumped my old desktop security software and installed ESET NOD32 for a free one month trial. Gone was my bogged down computer and long boot up waits. Best of all, my system didn't freeze or crash anymore. I was very happy with the results and purchased their one year subscription. After my one year subscription expired, I extended the service and purchased their two-year antivirus software subscription. I've been very satisfied with this software. I use it on my desktop and my laptop. It operates quietly in the background, and never interferes while I’m working on files or working online. I’ve had only one issue with ESET NOD32, and that was when I attempted to download my extended subscription. I had no difficulty contacting customer service and the problem was fixed that same day.

Stop Spyware with Desktop Security Software

What is Spyware?

When you hear the word spy, do you picture a cloaked figure lurking in shadows watching your every move, gathering information without your knowledge? Well that's exactly what spyware does...it gathers personal information without your knowledge or consent. It's a software data collection program that can track your screenshots, keystrokes, personal email addresses, credentials, internet usage habits, financial information, and other personal information. Once your data is collected, it is used or sold to others, for spam, marketing, identity theft, or financial crimes.

Spyware is a type of malware (malicious software), a parasite. It's a program that covertly installs itself on your computer, and then proceeds to annoy you with pop-up ads and/or steals your personal information. The creators of spyware are very adept at their craft, and they make it very difficult, or impossible, to remove spyware. If your computer suddenly becomes very slow, you notice new icons on your desktop, or you become bombarded with pop-ups, you more than likely have spyware.

Avoiding spyware infection is your best defense. Most of the time, spyware infection comes from surfing on suspect websites, or downloading/installing pirated programs. Stay away from porn sites, P2P file sharing programs, and pirated versions of commercial software. If it looks shady, it probably is. Don't download email attachments from people you don't know. If it's from someone you know, check with them before you open any attachments, to verify they sent it to you. Even then, be cautious...their computer could be infected, and they're unwittingly passing on spyware to your computer.


If you think your computer has been exposed, run a spyware detection program. You should always do this frequently as part of your regular security routine. It should be part of your desktop security software program. If it isn't, you need a new software program.

Things you can do to protect your computer


Use security software

• To keep your computer safe, and protect it against viruses and spyware, the most important thing you can do is install and maintain security software. Security software performs two main functions-- scanning for and removing viruses and spyware in files, and monitoring the operation of your computer for virus-like activity. Most software can perform both of these tasks. Keep your anti-virus software up to date.


• Use a secure, supported operating system. Frequently update your software by applying the latest service packs and patches. For Windows, you can schedule Automatic Updates to automatically download and install available updates.

Avoid computer threats

• Always choose strong passwords and passphrases, and keep them private. Never share your passwords or passphrases with anyone, even friends, family, or computer support personnel.


• Do not download unfamiliar software off the Internet. Some will have useful functions, but most of this software contains spyware, which will damage your operating system installation, waste resources, and send your personal information back to the company that provides the software.


• Do not click on random links: If you can't verify the link, don't click it. To avoid viruses spread through your email or instant messaging (IM), think twice before clicking on a link.


• Beware of email or attachments from unknown people, or with a strange subject line. If someone you know sends you an attachment, contact the sender before opening the attachment to verify they sent it.

Back up data

• Frequently back up important files and documents. Your data will be protected if you experience an operating system crash, hardware failure, or virus attack. Save files in multiple places (online backup system, USB flash drive, CD-R).

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