Internet Security Software - CHOICE # 390 (April 15, 2009)
PDF version
Internet hacking is ever on the rise and becoming more
devious.
Sensible choice and application of internet security software
can go a long way for your protection.
The Consumer Council in a joint test with the ICRT
(International Consumer Research and Testing) has evaluated a total
of 3 computer operating system, 3 anti-virus software (freeware
that can be downloaded from the homepage of software developers)
and 15 internet security suites.
The test covered: protection performance (60%), ease of use
(25%), management and resources (10%), installation and
uninstallation (5%). Used in the protection performance test were
various viruses or malware such as trojan horse, worms and
macro.
7 of the 15 internet security suites included in the test
claimed to include all 7 main functions: anti-malware, firewall,
anti-spyware, anti-phishing, anti-dialer, parental control and
anti-spam. All these are major potential problems with internet
hacking.
The suites were rated on a scale of 5. None scored the full
5-point rating in overall performance, though one was awarded 5
points for its performance test on firewall.
The top 3 performers were awarded 4 points, while 4 others
received only 2.5 points.
Consumers should take note that usage of computer resources
(e.g. memory and hard disk space) differs from software to
software.
As some software may occupy a large proportion of system
resources during operation, they should be aware of the system
requirement of different software before purchase.
For instance, the space used by the software on the hard disk
varies vastly from 39 MB to 380 MB; and on memory from 11 MB to 93
MB.
Other tips in purchase of internet security suites:
- In general, they range in price from $312 (with 1 user) to $802
(with 3 users)
- Many suites provide multiple-users version of either 2, 3, 5 or
10 users.
- Some anti-virus software are freeware which can be used free of
charge.
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