Expert: James Filmer - 3/16/2009

Question
what  is a backdoor trojan and what does it do?  I bought my first laptop and my norton will run out soon what is the best  security software to get if you a beginner?

Answer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_horse_(computing)

NetBUS and Back Orifice are examples (bottom of page).

A beginner should pick a few sites they think will be trustworthy and up to date for obtaining basic maintenance and security information and review them as often as possible, contacting them if you're comfortable. But there's no replacement for lots of reading and deciding for yourself.  

Too many opinions and different kinds of systems to say what is the best security software for a beginner or expert without knowing more about what you "do" know.

For example, check out Claymania, Gizmo's Freeware, Home PC Firewall Reviews, or AskLeo, Computer Help Center and links to other sites + the computer tips (just happen to be located on enrgy21.com but other sites like it too).

You've taken a great step in the right direction asking here, but there's so much to know. Norton's fine if you know what you've really got - and your options. Maybe you want to keep if it works OK.

What if you try another and mess up your system? Or maybe you should test another one, or 3. And then there's more than version of Norton. It's tough being a beginner, but the key is finding balance based on your knowledge and skills. And the key to that is finding the right sites to help you learn, and using search engines for any individual set of words like "backdoor trojan", "Norton anti-virus/firewall reviews, and anything else.