Which software to choose?

There are three basic types of software designed to protect Internet users. These are firewalls, anti-Trojans and anti-virus software. To decide what type is best for your system use the following criteria:
 = okay
  = better
   = best

1.   Protection of your computer from Internet attacks via Trojan horses
How capable is the software at protecting your computer from unauthorized outside access?

2.   Protection from other types of attack
How capable is the software at protecting your computer against: attacks through security holes in your software (browsers, Internet-pagers, etc.), attacks using specially created harmful data streams designed to disrupt your system, attacks taking advantage of errors in your NetBios settings?

3.   Blocking your computer's dissemination of information about your system over the Internet.
How capable is the software at blocking the leaking of personal information? Can it block Ad Ware or Spy Ware?

4.   Ability to locate and remove Trojans from your system.
How capable is the software at locating and removing Trojans?

5.   Ease of operation
How easy is the software to set up and operate for an average user?

6.   Software price
How affordable is the software?

	Criterion		Firewall	Anti-virus	Anti-Trojan
	Protection of your computer from Internet attacks via Trojan horses
	Protection from other types of attack			-	-
	Blocking your computer's dissemination of information about your system over Internet.			-	-
	Ability to locate and remove Trojans from your system		-
	Ease of operation
	Software price

The table makes it obvious that firewall software gives the most overall protection but it's not easy to set up or use. Although this is gradually improving, right now most firewalls require a near expert to configure properly.

The chart could lead one to think that anti-virus software shouldn't be used, as it is fails on the most important categories. But, despite its complete inability to protect your computer from attacks, anti-virus software is good at locating and removing Trojans and its essential as a protection from all types of viruses.

Simply considering network security, we cannot rely on anti-virus software to protect our computers and data, certainly not as well as an anti-Trojan can or the even more effective firewall.

Anti-Trojans use the same principles as anti-virus software, but their main objective is specific Trojans. No generalized program accomplishes this task better than a dedicated anti-Trojan. The makers of anti-Trojan software specialize in the research of Trojans and in detecting, recognizing, nullifying and removing Trojans from all types of computers and networks. An anti-Trojan's database of known Trojans is much more extensive than those listed in an anti-virus software's database.

It's unfortunate that there is no software currently that combines a firewall with both anti-virus and anti-Trojan functionality. Users are left to choose between these separate products or purchase several. We recommend the following:

Minimum(most effective for a small budget):
Purchase a good quality firewall. Follow the security recommendations we provide.
Degree of protection: 60% (if properly configured)

Standard:
Purchase a good firewall and anti-Trojan software. Follow our basic security recommendations.
Degree of protection: 75%

Maximum:
Purchase firewall, anti-Trojan and anti-virus software from trusted manufacturers. Carefully study the User's Guide of your firewall software. Read our basic recommendations on security.
Degree of protection: 99%

Our recommendation to all users is to have at least the Standard set-up. If you're on a tight budget, start with the Minimum and move to the Standard and then to the Maximum as quickly as possible.