Security software review

A good security suite is as essential to your computer as a keyboard. Most new computers typically come loaded with an anti-malware program, usually a trial version. When the trial runs out, you either pay up or you're on your own.

Our latest security software Ratings show that you don't need to pay up. Free software offers very good protection from online threats, we found, and should adequately protect all but the most at-risk Internet users from malware such as viruses and spyware and from other online threats, such as phishing scams.

Our tests, which included 1,000 visits to malicious websites, were performed in conjunction with International Consumer Research & Testing, an association of independent nonprofit organizations.

Pair a free program such as Avast, which we recommend, with other free tools to build a "suite" that should keep you safe. Make sure Windows Firewall is on to help block malware and keep malicious websites from grabbing data off your computer. But if you remotely access files on your computer when you're away from home, you'll need stronger protection and should consider a pay suite such as G Data.

Windows also includes limited parental controls that let you block any game or program and place time limits on computer use. For more robust controls, such as protection when your child is browsing, consider a full for-pay software suite.

If you use a Web-based e-mail service such as Gmail, Yahoo, or AOL, you already have strong protection from spam. But if you use a stand-alone e-mail program, such as Windows Mail or Outlook, and it allows too much spam to get through, add a free anti-spam program such as Spamfighter.

Widely used browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari, warn you if you go to a risky site used in phishing scams or one that might host malware. Most of the software we tested offers additional, if spotty, protection from such sites. Even the best missed 20 percent of them; the worst missed 85 percent or more.

Apple computers suffer far fewer attacks than PCs. Their built-in security features offer sufficient protection. But Mac users may want to install a security program, such as Avira Free Mac Security (which we didn't test), to avoid passing along Windows malware.

Before installing free software on a Windows PC, uninstall any trial programs. Some free programs have persistent pop-ups that try to sell you the pay version, though that was more of an annoyance with Avira than with the others.

Pay suites offer more features and are simple to use, with a single control panel; they require just one download and installation, and periodic upgrading of only one program. Watch for automatic renewals, especially if you don't plan to use the program again. Anti-malware programs let you know with pop-up messages when your subscription is about to end. Several automatically renew, although you can opt out of that service.