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).

Terms of Service

Terms Of Service...

Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern our relationship with you in relation to this website.

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Privacy Policy

We have created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm and continuing commitment to the privacy of personal information provided by those visiting and interacting with this web site. We hold the privacy of your personal information in the highest regard. The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices for this website Desktop Security Software at http://www.desktopsecuritysoftwareonline.blogspot.com.

We recognizes the importance of protecting your privacy and our policy is designed to assist you in understanding how we collect, use and safeguard the personal information you provide to us and to assist you in making informed decisions when using our site. This policy will be continuously assessed against new technologies, business practices and our customers' needs.

What Information Do We Collect?
When you visit this web site you may provide us with two types of information: personal information you knowingly choose to disclose that is collected on an individual basis and Web site use information collected on an aggregate basis as you and others browse our Web site.

1. Personal Information You Choose to Provide

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If you choose to correspond with us through email, we may retain the content of your email messages together with your email address and our responses. We provide the same protections for these electronic communications that we employ in the maintenance of information received by mail and telephone.


2. Web Site Use Information
Similar to other commercial Web sites, our Web site utilizes a standard technology called "cookies" (see explanation below, "What Are Cookies?") and web server log files to collect information about how our Web site is used. Information gathered through cookies and Web server logs may include the date and time of visits, the pages viewed, time spent at our Web site, and the Web sites visited just before and just after our Web site.

How Do We Use the Information That You Provide to Us?

Broadly speaking, we use personal information for purposes of administering our business activities, providing the products and services you requested, to process your payment, , to monitor the use of the service, our marketing and promotional efforts and improve our content and service offerings, and customize our site's content, layout, services and for other lawful purposes. These uses improve our site and better tailor it to meet your needs.

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Occasionally, we may also use the information we collect to notify you about important changes to our Website, new services, and special offers we think you will find valuable. You may notify us at any time if you do not wish to receive these offers by emailing us at the link provided on the newsletter.

What Are Cookies?
A cookie is a very small text document, which often includes an anonymous unique identifier. When you visit a Web site, that site's computer asks your computer for permission to store this file in a part of your hard drive specifically designated for cookies. Each Web site can send its own cookie to your browser if your browser's preferences allow it, but (to protect your privacy) your browser only permits a Web site to access the cookies it has already sent to you, not the cookies sent to you by other sites. Browsers are usually set to accept cookies. However, if you would prefer not to receive cookies, you may alter the configuration of your browser to refuse cookies. If you choose to have your browser refuse cookies, it is possible that some areas of our site will not function as effectively when viewed by the users. A cookie cannot retrieve any other data from your hard drive or pass on computer viruses.

How Do We Use Information We Collect from Cookies?
As you visit and browse our Web site, the site uses cookies to differentiate you from other users. In some cases, we also use cookies to prevent you from having to log in more than is necessary for security. Cookies, in conjunction with our Web server's log files, allow us to calculate the aggregate number of people visiting our Web site and which parts of the site are most popular. This helps us gather feedback to constantly improve our Web site and better serve our clients. Cookies do not allow us to gather any personal information about you and we do not intentionally store any personal information that your browser provided to us in your cookies.

Some of our business partners use cookies on our site (for example, advertisers). However, we have no access to or control over these cookies, once we have given permission for them to set cookies for advertising. If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options.

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Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following URL - http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html

These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on www. send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

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You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. This privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

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IP Addresses
IP addresses are used by your computer every time you are connected to the Internet. Your IP address is a number that is used by computers on the network to identify your computer. IP addresses are automatically collected by our web server as part of demographic and profile data known as traffic data so that data (such as the Web pages you request) can be sent to you.

Sharing and Selling Information
We do not share, sell, lend or lease any of the information that uniquely identify a subscriber (such as email addresses or personal details) with anyone except to the extent it is necessary to process transactions or provide services that you have requested.

How Can You Access and Correct Your Information?
You may request access to all your personally identifiable information that we collect online and maintain in our database by emailing us at the usual address.

What About Legally Compelled Disclosure of Information?
We may disclose information when legally compelled to do so, in other words, when we, in good faith, believe that the law requires it or for the protection of our legal rights. We may also disclose account information when we have reason to believe that disclosing this information is necessary to identify, contact or bring legal action against someone who may be violating our Terms of Service or to protect the safety of our users and the Public.

What About Other Web Sites Linked to Our Web Site?
We are not responsible for the practices employed by Web sites linked to or from our Web site or the information or content contained therein. Often links to other Web sites are provided solely as pointers to information on topics that may be useful to the users of our Web site.

Please remember that when you use a link to go from our Website to another web site, our Privacy Policy is no longer in effect. Your browsing and interaction on any other web site, including web sites, which have a link on our Website, is subject to that Web site's own rules and policies. Please read over those rules and policies before proceeding.

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Our Commitment To Data Security:

Please note that your information will be stored and processed on our computers in the United States. The laws on holding personal data in the United States may be less stringent than the laws of your Country of residence or citizenship. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

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A Special Note About Children

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Acquisition or Changes in Ownership

In the event that the web site (or a substantial portion of its assets) is acquired, your information would be considered part of those assets, and may be part of those assets that are transferred.

Policy Modifications
We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time. If/when changes are made to this privacy policy, we will email users who have given us permission to do so. We will post any changes here, so be sure to check back periodically. However, please be assured that if the Privacy Policy changes in the future, we will not use the personal information you have submitted to us under this Privacy Policy in a manner that is materially inconsistent with this Privacy Policy, without your prior consent.