Firewalls are software applications that are located in the network gateway server. These applications are capable of offering unique levels of protection to the computers. They face the virus attacks and programs infected by viruses. They will also keep an eye on the unwanted incoming traffic having the motive of attacking computers. They act as a barrier by blocking all the communications that try to access your computer system without consent. One of the best defenses against Trojan Viruses ,backdoors, and other computer spyware is to keep a firewall active on your computer.

What is a Windows Firewall?

Most of the operating systems from Microsoft including Windows Vista and Windows XP and the Windows Server 2003 are enabled with a free firewall to protect the users’ data and their computers. These are known as ‘Windows Firewall’. They allow connections from the home networks only. They restrict all other efforts taken to access the PC without permission.

The primary aim of Windows firewall is to maintain traffic between the computer networks of diverse levels. The working of these applications will be efficient if provided with the proper configuration. The Windows Firewall comes bundled with the operating system of your computer and turning it on is the only thing to do.

How to Install a Firewall

The personal as well as work requirements must be kept in mind while opting for firewalls. Succeeding the selection is the installation process. Installing the firewall must be done carefully as the security systems are often positioned in a critical path inside the network topology. Configuring the firewall is also important.     

Installation can be done with the help of computer help centers in case of any confusion if this is your first time installing a firewall. This will help you to complete the installation process perfectly. Online computer support has been evolved greatly in the recent times to help the PC users in all their queries so why not make use of it. You can get access to the best computer support centers by just posting a search on the Internet.

Getting help from the computer help centers is the best thing to do as they not only help you in installation but also get the configuration of firewall done in no time. Most of these help centers work round the clock. There are many online help centers offering complete package of the computer support services you would require as a PC user.  So get the help of an online help center in installing a firewall in your computer.

Can’t seem to navigate your way around the available 2009 anti-virus programs? Well, the following is a short review of 10 of the best anti-virus programs on the market today intended to help get you going with choosing your computer security software! Protect yourself from malware today!

Top 10 2009 Anti-Virus Programs

#1 2009 Anti-Virus Program – Kapersky Labs Anti-Virus 2009
The Kapersky 2009 Anti-Virus program features a brand new GUI(graphic user interface) and has new application filtering features. If you don’t require parental controls and have a anti-spam service already, this may be the right anti-virus for your needs.

#2 2009 Anti-Virus Program – BitDefender Internet Security 2009

BitDefender now comes with remote configuration and online backup features that weren’t there in the previoius version. Overall decent performance and may be your best bet if you need the special features.

#3 2009 Anti-Virus Program – ESET Smart Security 4.0

ESET 4.0 has one of the smallest performance impacts on your computer speed of all of the combined security products on the market. An all-in-one product, you get a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam features in the tool.

#4 2009 Anti-Virus Program – Norton 360 Version 3.0

Norton 360 is the premier tool offered to the public by Symantec. It has a very low hit on your computer’s performance, and has a great industry reputation. If you want to try out one of the proven computer security tools on the Market, Norton 360 may be the anti-malware program for you.

#5 2009 Anti-Virus Program – Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009

Trend Micro is well known for the free version of their tool, however, the premium edition doesn’t disappoint this year. Its not quite as efficient as Norton, but it gets the job done for malware prevention and removal.

#6 2009 Anti-Virus Program - ZoneAlarm Extreme Security
Zone Alarm Extreme Security combines Check Point Software’s previous tools into one software package. It is very competitive with Norton 360 and just lags the Norton product in overall performance.

#7 2009 Anti-Virus Program – McAfee Total Protection 2009
McAfee really improved their malware detection with their 2009 software package and it has one of the best anti-spam tools on the market. The software interface is still a bit sluggish and takes up a significant amount of your computer’s resources.

#8 2009 Anti-Virus Program –

CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2009

A combination of a number of anti-virus tools, the CA suite is ok. If you have another option, you may want to consider another anti-virus package.
#9 2009 AntiVirus Program – Panda Global Protection 2009
The Panda 2009 anti-virus suite has great Artificial Intelligence with improved spam filtering. The spyware and malware protection was a bit off this year.

#10 2009 AntiVirus Program – ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2009

ZoneAlarm has an excellent firewall. Reviews state that it still has problems with removing malware your computer is already infected with, but is still assessed as a strong anti-virus program.

Computer Malware and Spyware can negatively impact your computer’s performance and put your personal security at risk! With each passing month, there is more and more Spyware that is released on the Internet, potentially placing your personal information and computer at risk.  Spyware does this through:

-         Display of a Large Number of Pop-Up Advertisements

-         Decreasing the Speed of Your Computer

-         Crashing Your Computer

-         Invading Your Privacy

-         Stealing Your Private Information

Spyware Protection Steps

Spyware Protection Step #1 – Using a Firewall

Most computers come with a built-in Firewall today. Many users, however, are either 1 – Scared of using a firewall or 2 – Become annoyed at firewall warnings of spyware or malware attack against their computer that are false alarms and turn it off. Installation and use of a firewall, however, is critical in guarding your computer against spyware and Trojan viruses that attempt to gain control of your computer for use by hackers! Windows XP and Vista come with a Firewall already built in to the Operating System in order to help you guard against Spyware targeted at Microsoft produced OS’s!

Spyware Protection Step #2 – Update Anti-Spyware Software and Spyware Removal Tools

Keeping Windows updated on a regular basis is another key to keeping your computer free of computer spyware and malware! New spyware and malware is released every day and if you delay updating Windows, you could put yourself at greater risk of spyware infection!

Spyware Protection Step #3 – Adjust Web Browser Security Settings

If you have a choice in what Web Browser to use, consider the freely available Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers. Each comes with additional security than is found in Internet Explorer and can keep your computer from being attacked by Microsoft specific spyware and adware. If you do use Internet Explorer, adjusting your security settings for the Web Browser to an Internet Zone level of Medium or higher will help prevent your computer from being infected with malware. This is the default setting starting with computers that run Windows XP Service Pack 2. To check and change your current Internet Explorer settings, do the following:

1 – Open Internet Explorer. Select “Tools->Internet Options>”

2 – Choose the “Security” tab and then toggle the security setting to medium or higher.

Spyware Protection Step #4 – Download and Install Antispyware Software

There are a number of Antispyware software packages available on the market. Windows Defender comes bundled with Windows Vista and is free to download for Windows XP, SP2. Norton and Symantec are two of the other well-known anti-virus and anti-spyware software companies on the market. Whatever software package you choose, however, check to make sure it is legitimate by reading multiple reviews on the software to avoid being tricked into downloading fake anti-spyware, spyware such as Barracuda Spyware!

Spyware Protection Step #5 – Be Careful Surfing and Downloading Files

Be judicious in your web surfing habits! Here are some tips to think about when surfing the Internet and downloading files or software:

-         Don’t download programs or files from websites you do not trust. If you haven’t heard of the company before, Google the software or company name to see if you see any negative complaints first.

-         Read the EULA (end user license agreement). A lot of Adware and Spyware will tell you what they are going to do in the fine print…

-         Do not choose “Ok” or “Agree” to close out of a window online. “Alt + F4” or the big “X” in the corner of the browser window will help prevent some threats from infecting your computer.

-         Be very, very leery of File sharing and free movie sites. One of the most common ways hackers get backdoors installed on work and home computers is through infected multimedia files. Don’t let them get to your computer!

These steps are not all encompassing, but by following them; you will be well on your way to being protected against computer spyware and malware.