No one should be without antivirus software on his or her computer to protect against malware, which is another name for malicious software. Malicious software is any software designed to cause damage to a single computer, server, or computer network, whether it's a virus, spy ware, etc.  Types of Malware are chain letters, Hoaxes, Spyware, Adware, Viruses, Worms and Trojans. We have received these in our emails and surfing the Internet at one time or another. Antivirus software programs are limited and do not offer as much protection for your computer.  Antivirus software is used to prevent, detect, and remove malware, including computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses

Since they do not include a firewall, Windows XP has a firewall built in. Microsoft regularly releases improvements to Windows to help keep you protected from constantly changing Internet threats. Windows Firewall is one such improvement, first released as part of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2. If you have Automatic Updates enabled, Windows Firewall is already protecting you.

Windows Firewall protects your computer by blocking communications that might actually be dangerous software trying to find a way to connect to your computer, rather than communications from a person or program you want to interact with. Windows Firewall is smart enough to allow connections from computers in your home and to block those connections from computers on the Internet. For example, Windows Firewall will allow you to share files or a printer between two computers in your home, but it will block any attempts from people on the Internet to connect to your computer.  Windows Firewall does offer some protection from network attacks from malicious software known as worms. However, Windows Firewall does not protect you from viruses or spyware.

But to fully protect your computer, an Internet Security Suite is the best bargain, although many security suites have some antisocial behaviors. They are unwilling to share your computer with other security programs, and in some cases, they interfere with unrelated harmless programs and may slow your computer down.

Internet security software combine several of the most important types of security software -including antivirus, antispam, anti-spyware and firewall program -- into one package. They protect against malware, firewall and protection from viruses, worms, spy ware, intrusion, phishing and root kits, parental controls, anti-spam, information blocking and ad blocking.  

Look for internet security software with a multi-PC license if you have more than one computer to protect. Many Internet security suites are offered in versions that allow them to be installed on more than one computer, typically three. If you only need protection for one computer, however, less expensive versions that can be installed only on a single machine are usually available.

Be sure your software is set to check automatically for updates. Antivirus software needs to be kept up-to-date with frequently downloaded virus definitions, and patches are issued often for Internet Security software. 

StarReviews Top 3 Internet Security Software

1) Security Shield 2010

2) CA Internet Security 2009

3) BitDefender Internet Security 2009

Compare All Internet Security Software

Before purchasing any antivirus software or internet security software, check that the software is compatible with your operating system.  Most of today’s software programs work with Windows XP. 

Also check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) first before purchasing software to protect your computer.  Some cable and DSL companies offer it free with your service. AVG antivirus software for Windows 7, XP and Windows Vista is also a free edition and has proved very reliable for me for years and works with both cable and DSL.

Consider the features and limitations of each product compared to your needs before making a final selection and remember to perform updates as per manufacturer’s instructions so you will always have the most current definitions and files.  Whichever software protection program you choose, you can set your software to update automatically to keep yourself fully protected.