Security

Antivirus: Can you name the antivirus program that’s on your PC? I hope so. The Windows Security Center will remind you if you don’t have one at all, or if it is out of date. If your antivirus is about to expire and you’re trying to save money, don't depair. There are free choices available from Avira, AVG, Bitdefender, Panda Security and more. Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with a built-in one, Windows Defender, which does a decent job. Remember, ones you pay for will have additional features which you may want on your PC.

Firewall: You can check the effectiveness of your firewall on the GRC.com site. Steve Gibson of Gibson Research Corporation has created a great online tool that allows you to test your Windows firewall. It’s called ShieldsUp!! and tests the ports that communicate with the Internet and other devices. The online test can let you know if your system is exposed to harm over the Internet. You will also find a SecurityNow! section on the GRC.com site, with podcasts of various programs of technical interest.

How effective is your antivirus program?: How does your antivirus program compare to others? Check out the site http://www.av-comparatives.org/ to find out. They regularly test and report on many of the antivirus and security suites you’re familiar with: McAfee, Norton and others. You may learn about others you may not have heard of, ones that may just do a better job than what you use now. Check their reports to see how the program you use fares. It’s free.