Trend Micro's PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 builds on the already superb foundation of virus, spam, and firewall protection found in their 2004 security suite. Now PC-cillin 2005 also includes spyware removal, anti-phishing controls, Wi-Fi intrusion detection and home network controls. All this, plus free tech support via a toll-free number, and it's priced significantly cheaper than the competition.

AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall Edition is light on resources, heavy on protection. The firewall provides permission-based access control reminiscent of the popular ZoneAlarm firewall. The high level of control and customization will appeal to the most advanced users, while less savvy users will find the Basic interface simple to understand and use.

It takes more than just antivirus software to prevent infection. Fortunately, following the few simple steps outlined below can provide a good measure of security in very little time.

Symantec's Norton AntiVirus 2002 combines all feature selections in one integrated interface. NAV 2002 scans 175 file types and has highly configurable logging capabilities.

What is the top windows antivirus? What about Macintosh antivirus protection? What features are important? Choosing the right antivirus software can seem like a daunting task, but it can be simpler than it seems.

In what can only be described as one of the most egregious abuses of the Google AdSense program, antivirus vendor McAfee has hijacked the good name of BitDefender. Insult is then added to injury - the BitDefender antivirus software is called a "virus" in the advertisement appearing on Google.com. The ad copy reads "Remove Bitdefender virus. Clean your PC if already infected" and links to the mcafee.com website. The sponsored link appears when a search for "BitDefender" is performed using the popular google.com search engine.

An online virus scanner should never be considered a substitute for an installed antivirus scanner. But if you suspect your installed antivirus is missing a threat or you simply want a second opinion, an online scanner can be a valuable adjunct to security. Each of the following online scanners are considered best-of-breed and can offer important adjunct protection.

The Internet makes it possible for a new virus to spread around the globe in only minutes. Antivirus software is one of the single most important pieces of software on your system. While many new systems come with antivirus software pre-installed, it may not be the best choice for your needs and it most certainly is out of date by the time it's delivered to your home.

F-Prot Antivirus is top-notch protection, though perhaps more suitable for users already experienced with antivirus software.

NOD32 is a solid performer, easy to use and with little impact on system resources. Version 2 builds on the product's past accomplishments, remaining true to a singular theme - virus detection.