The Right Software for the Right Job: How to buy only as much computer protection as you need in easy to understand language.

Viruses • Worms • Spyware • Unauthorized access to your computer • Theft of sensitive files and information • Damage to your registry • ID Theft • Forced computer crashes • Re-routed transmissions • email program overloads • porn dialers • cyber stalking • remote logins • keyloggers • backdoors • chat loggers • RATS • Trojan horses • stolen passwords and usernames

Whether you're an individual, a small business, or large business, choosing the right software to fully protect your computer and your information can be very confusing.

Many PC users download 4 or more anti-spyware programs, run the firewall program that may have come with their computer, install one or more additional firewalls, subscribe to the protection software provided by their ISP, and run them all at the same time.

Some of anti-spyware programs install firewalls so that more than one firewall is also running. This can make it difficult for the spyware protection programs to do their job. Many firewalls deny Internet access to the protection software which prevents them from doing their job.

And in today's cyber world, Internet Service Providers (ISP's) like AOL and Earthlink are offering virus protection with some added Spyware protection. However, if you listen carefully to the ads, you will notice that they only promise to protect you from some or most attacks.

Install all of it and you can be looking at an overload of programs all trying to do the same thing at the same time, effectively overriding each other's commands. When you think you're better protected than anyone, you're actually wide open to attack.

No, you don't. More is not better. What you need to understand is what each program does. Some anti-virus programs only protect your computer from viruses, others include some spyware protection, others only guard against unauthorized access, and yet others cover everything but are more than is needed for how the computer is being used.

The table below explains each type of protection software. Some are vital to your safety, others depend on how you use your computer.

		Install ONLY ONE of each
	You Must Have	A Firewall filters the traffic coming in to your computer. It is your first line of defense against invasion and infection, and you must choose the level of protection you need (HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW) for the way you use your computer.
	You Must Have	Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses, just like it says. Viruses are malicious programs that cause destruction wherever they go and that you can pass on to your friends and co-workers without even knowing it. An anti-virus program protects you against viruses, worms, and Trojan horses (RATs).
	You Must Have	Anti-Spyware protects you from pests such as keyloggers, porn dialers, spyware, and adware.
	You Must Have	Computer access protection software prevents someone from physically opening your computer and protects your computer from backdoor access through the Internet.
	You Must Have for Windows	Registry maintenance software cleans out pests and viruses that attach themselves to your Windows registry applications and can leave bits and pieces of themselves there even after your computer has been cleaned. Alterations to your registry cause your computer to slow down and crash.
	You Must Have	Internet tracks erasing software removes the continuing activity record stored on your hard drive while you were surfing, making online purchases, logging into your online banking, and visiting web sites of your choice. All that information is stored on your hard drive for any hacker to access.
	Important	Sensitive files protection software locks up your sensitive and private information such that it can only be accessed by a password stored off-computer.
	Important	Startup monitoring software alerts you to programs that you may or may not be aware of that become active when you boot / startup your computer. Too many programs starting up when you do can make your boot take forever, plus some of those programs may not be friendly.
	Important	Crash recovery software stores your hard drive information so that even if the worst happens you can bring your entire system back to normal with ease.
	Important	Email checkers prevent you from downloading harmful emails.
	You must have before sharing or donating	Wipers completely clean your hard drive, media disks, and data disks so that there is literally no information whatsoever left. This type of software is vital if you are selling or donating your computer or sharing disks.
	You must have if you have children on the Internet	Web page scanners are used to prevent access to harmful web sites, some of which may contain viruses. A good web page scanner allows you to choose the keywords that are found on sites you want blocked. This type of software is usually included in child protection software.
	Very Important	Popup blockers prevent unwanted popups from spoiling your surfing experience. Additionally, some popups contain malicious viruses and spyware that download onto your computer when you click on the window to either follow the link or close it.