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.

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.