Expert: Brian Benosky - 6/1/2008

Question
Hi, I am currently on the search for a new laptop.
I want it to be completely protected from any viruses it can get from the internet or anything..

Is there a antivirus/firewall/anti spyware/anti spam software you recommend I get?

Another thing I'm wondering is that with these laptops on dell, you can either get a certain anti virus thing already put onto your computer or buy it in a box and install in yourself, I'm confused because the box shows one price and looks like it offers completely different things, and the one that you buy with the computer says you have to renew it once a year etcc... I'm not sure what the differences are between the two, or if I bought the box would I have to buy that every year?
Sorry if my questions sound dumb I'm just completely clueless..

Answer
Hi Jessica

Don't be embarrassed.  I think PC manufacturers need to do a lot more to explain each feature and technical specification they offer on their products.  A confused buyer is likely to spend more money than they need to.  Security software is a great way for companies to create an annual profit from renewable products.  Software such as Norton is an example.  The product is sold for a nominal charge, or bundled as a trial in a new computer.  The company knows that the average consumer will continue to use that product and will pay for yearly updates because it is 'easier' than uninstalling the product and installing something else.  They know that better protection is available for free online, but only a small percentage of people will make the change.  
So what do I recommend?  I use products from several different companies to make a free security suite for my PC.  I use avast!4 Home as my antivirus program.  It also includes antispyware protection.  It's easy to use (set it and forget it!) and offers strong protection against attacks.  The firewall I recommend is Comodo Firewall Pro.  I can't say enough good things about this program.  It's like having a watch dog guarding your internet connection.  It offers free features that not even paid programs can touch.  I suggest you read about the products yourself.  It never hurts to understand the software you use.  The links are below:

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-free-home-antivirus-antispyware.html

http://www.personalfirewall.trustix.com/whycomodofirewall.html

Note that each programs do offer a paid version, however (companies do need to make money to stay alive).  They offer some features not available in the free versions, but generally are unnecessary.  I will leave you with one more link to freeware replacements for common commercial software.  There are many free alternatives for most software you buy, such as office, graphics, and burning tools.  Check them out here:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic3616.html

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  I hope this makes you a bit less 'clueless'.  :-)

Brian