Q: What is the best security program to protect my computer? Right now I have Avast free antivirus and Avast SafeZone, but I can upgrade for a price. What other programs do I need to protect my computer? Which one of these programs would you use or what do you recommend? SpeedZooka or PC Matic? ~ Julio Guerrero
Tech+ I don’t review products, so I can’t recommend one anti-virus software over another. But I can certainly point you in a direction.
First, to protect your computer, use common sense! Don’t click on unfamiliar links. Don’t share your bank password when your bank e-mails you (your bank won’t ask for that). And for friends who pester you to look at yet another silly video or internet meme, just don’t. Even John McAfee, the popular anti-virus pioneer, . If something seems concerning, contact that friend, bank or other user separately and directly to verify everything.
Having basic security software and common sense seems to suffice for many. But back to security software. If you go with what’s on your PC, Microsoft in Windows 10 and older versions. It’ll scan your machine for malicious software and handle basic anti-virus duties. Find it at .
If you pay for internet, your provider might offer internet security software for free. Comcast has Norton’s Internet Security free for Xfinity subscribers in () and (). CenturyLink also offers a basic ().
And if you want to support Colorado companies, there’s Broomfield-based Webroot, which sells security software for Macs, PCs and mobile devices. More details at .
A plethora of sites review security software. PC Magazine has a for editor’s best: Webroot, McAfee and Bitdefender (see ). PC Matic and SpeedZooka aren’t on the list.
PCMag also has reviews of security suites at . Another legit site, Tom’s Guide, gives to Bitdefender AntiVirus Plus 2016 and Kaspersky Total Security (see ).
There’s no end. But I’ll end with my lecture: Read user reviews on respected sites and be smart about what you do online.
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