Link: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2283521,00.asp

by Neil J. Rubenking

The PC security landscape is constantly changing. Well paid, malicious programmers keep cranking out new and different attacks, and the security software vendors do their best to stay ahead. The security vendors also contend with each other, vying (and claiming) to be the very best—it's tough to sort the wheat from the chaff, and there's plenty of chaff. More than half the products in our latest Worst Tech roundup are failed security apps. To make matters worse, there's a ton of rogue antispyware apps out there that actually assault your PC, while claiming to defend it. It's a mess. But don't worry: I've rounded up all the best security software that's come through my testing lab in the past few months to create a super-security guide for you. Whether you want a bulletproof security shield or just a spam blocker, there's a security app here for you.

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Suites
1. Norton Internet Security 2008
Norton Internet Security 2008 remains our Editors' Choice for security suites. Its virus/spyware scan scored very well on tests, and it cleans up more thoroughly than most. The firewall is tough and includes intrusion protection. And the new Identity Safe does a great job of managing personal info and passwords. The antispam is a throwaway, as is parental control—luckily, many of us can do without those.

2. Norton 360 Version 2.0
As a PC Magazine reader you probably prefer a hands-on security suite, but when it comes to setting up PCs for friends and family, Norton 360 2.0 is a better choice. It does its work effectively and quietly, without causing confusion. So with it you don't wind up as your dad's one-person tech-support department.

3. ZoneAlarm Internet Security 7
ZoneAlarm 7 blocks and removes spyware like a champ, though it had some initial glitches and can be very slow. New features reduce initial firewall confirmation pop-ups (and temporarily decrease security). It's a dandy suite, but NIS 2008 is less obtrusive and more stable.

Spam
4. Cloudmark Desktop 5.3.3 for Microsoft Outlook
All the algorithms in the world can't compare with the human mind as a spam-catching tool. Cloudmark Desktop uses its million-strong community to block spam accurately, and it virtually never blocks valid mail in error. It's a fine choice—as long as you use one of the supported e-mail clients.

5. iHateSpam 5.0
iHateSpam 5.0 relies on exactly the same spam-fighting community as Cloudmark Desktop, and it's just as accurate. For now, though, it works only with Outlook. But Outlook users can get all of Cloudmark's protection for half the price.

Spyware
6. Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 5.5
Cleaning an infested system with this utility can be an adventure, with forced reboots and repeated scans. But the end result—a squeaky-clean system—is decidedly worthwhile. And the software does an excellent job of keeping malware from regaining a foothold in your newly pristine system.

Parental Control
7.Net Nanny 5.6
Net Nanny 5.6 is powerful and flexible. Its content filtering, IM monitoring, and time scheduler are hardened, so kids can't circumvent them, and the Flash-based activity reports are outstanding. Net Nanny offers full remote management, though remote changes may not take effect immediately.

Free Web Site Rating
8. SiteAdvisor
SiteAdvisor's button tells you if the site you've surfed to is bad, and backs up its rating with hard facts. It also checks every site found in a Google, Yahoo!, or MSN search and overlays its rating icons on the results. Following its recommendations will help you avoid spam, spyware, and pop-ups.

Free Malware Protection
9. avast! antivirus 4.8 Home Edition
Its virus protection isn't far behind that of the top antivirus products. Avast! removes spyware nearly as well as the top antispyware, and its resident protection against new infestation is excellent. This is some seriously impressive protection, considering that it's free for personal use.

10. ThreatFire 3
ThreatFire 3, from PC Tools, blocks malware (including zero-day threats) by analyzing program behavior, and it does a better job than many signature-based products. Add its free protection to your security arsenal, but don't pay extra for the less-effective scan-and-clean Pro edition.

Free Firewall
11. Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0
Comodo Firewall Pro 3.0 aces all basic personal firewall tasks. Its Defense+ module protects critical system areas. Yes, Defense+ flags both good and bad programs, but Installation mode can cut down the hassle factor. Best of all, it's totally free for personal or professional use.