Bug Spray:
As your first line of defense against computer bugs,
these updated security tools will protect you from just about anything
by Mike Hogan

HO-HUM, ANOTHER day, another critical Windows vulnerability threatening to let some stranger enslave my PC and drain my bank account. What's on the menu today? Phishing? Pharming? Spyware? Maybe some new Trojan/worm souffle?

We don't need terrifying statistics anymore to convince us the sky is falling. But here's another meteor on the noggin: Gartner Inc. reports that online bad guys stole an average of $900 from each of 3 million Americans in the past year. And that doesn't count the many PCs rendered useless by spyware.

Not that they'll find $900 in my bank account, but I long ago succumbed to fear, uncertainty and doubt. I scan for bugs more often than Monk's Tony Shalhoub washes his hands. When was your PC's last good scrubbing? GRAB YOUR SECURITY BLANKET

* Norton Internet Security 2006 (www. symantec.com)

PROS: Plain-language interface aggregates everyday security tasks in a new Norton Protection Center; suggests system setting improvements

CONS: Still demands more processor speed and memory than many PCs have to give

* PC-cillin Internet Security 2005 (www. trendmicro.com)

PROS: Smart, nimble, compact enough for old PCs, extras like Wi-Fi network detection

CONS: Nice features hidden beneath a somewhat clumsy interface

* ZoneAlarm Security Suite 6.0 (www. zonelabs.com)

PROS: Small, quick, extremely customizable with superior protection right down to Windows' kernel

CONS: Pops up a lot of alerts while it learns your preferences

Entrepreneur, Nov, 2005

MIKE HOGAN is Entrepreneur's technology editor. Reach him at mhogon@entrepreneur.com.