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Internet Security Suites
A Firewall is a programme (software) or piece of equipment (hardware) that helps to prevent hackers from breaking into your computer by controlling what comes in and what goes out via your Internet connection. In answer to one of the most frequent questions I am asked about firewalls; even if you have anti-virus software installed on your computer, you still need a firewall as well. Similarly, a firewall will not keep your computer safe from a virus attack.
Windows comes with its own built-in Firewall, but it only monitors incoming traffic. A good firewall will monitor the traffic coming in and leaving from your computer. The reason this is so important is that hackers want to get their hands on your secrets, such as credit card and bank account numbers. Don't panic yet though, a good firewall can keep your data safe and is well worth spending some money on. They vary a great deal in price however, as well in the number of features they offer.
For home users, a software firewall is much more economical than a hardware firewall. If you connect to the Internet using a router, it will probably have a built-in firewall, but they are extremely difficult to set up so, unless you are a real expert in these things, be safe and invest in a decent software firewall for your own peace of mind.
There are many Internet Security packages on the market which combine anti-virus software and a firewall in the one application. Some have other built-in features such as anti-spam software as well. Other companies offer a stand-alone firewall, packaged on its own. It is often more cost effective to buy a security suite than it is to buy a stand alone programme.
The following table offers a guide to some of the many security suites currently available. If you are looking for a recommendation, based on reports in the trade press and Which? magazine, Zone Alarm is currently (January 2007) top of the pile, closely followed by PC-Cillin.
| Package | Guide Price |
Links | Features | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zone Alarm
|
$63 AUD |
|
1 | |
| PC-Cillin | $100 AUD $92 CAD €61 EUR £40 UKP $79 USD |
|
|
2 |
| Steganos | $63 AUD $58 CAD €38 EUR £30 UKP $50 USD |
|
|
3 |
| Kapersky | $100 AUD $92 CAD €61 EUR £40 UKP $79 USD |
 |
|
4 |
| Panda | $100 AUD $92 CAD €61 EUR £40 UKP $79 USD |
*12 months service for up to 3 PCs. |
5 | |
| The Sheild | $38 AUD $35 CAD €23 EUR £15 UKP $30 USD |
|
|
6 |
| Symantic | varies |   |
7 | |
| McAfee | $100 AUD $92 CAD €61 EUR £40 UKP $79 USD |
|
|
8 |
| F-Secure | varies |   |
9 |
Please note - recommendations are those of the author and not necessary those of the society.
