Minimal security measures can be taken by using the right software. At SF Security we believe that for everyone, there is a good solution. For this reason we've provided both free and non-free software.

Please Note: We do not support any piece of software recommended here. Please contact the creator of the software or company through the website provided if you are having issues with their software. We hold no responsibility for your taking our recommendations on this software. We are not liable. Furthermore the following is our opinion and should only be taken as such. The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all security or software options.

A virus is any self replicating program. Many viruses only have the intent to spread to more systems, but many can cause untold damage to your computer and all of your documents.

Virus Scanning software is the most important piece of software for your computer's security. Below are a list of several well known anti-virus programs.

Norton Virus Scan - Norton is one of the leading providers of virus scan technology. This solution is not free but their software is very good.

McAfee Virus Scan - Comparable to Norton. Some people swear by Norton some people swear by McAfee. Also non-free, but very good software.

Avast! - Avast is a free virus scan that is very robust and full featured. Although it may not protect as well as Norton or McAfee it is a very good (if not the best) free alternative that should suit the home user just fine. It also supports several platforms including Linux!

Trend Micro House Call This little beauty comes in handy when you know you've been infected but have no software installed to handle it. This is a free service through trendmicro and it scans your computer via a website. It's great in a pinch. May require Internet Explorer. Also if you have no access to the Internet or the virus has ruined your web browser this option more than likely won't work.

Malware and Spyware create serious problems for your computer. By nature many of these programs are designed to spy on your activites (hence the term "spyware"). Other programs simply do things that are annoying. Overall these programs can cause a drastic drop in computer speed and internet speed. These programs have often been traced as the cause of identity theft. Even worse is the fact that they often come bundled with ligitimate programs. Many Anti-Virus software ignores these programs, however, because they are not technicly viruses. Because of this a new set of Anti-Spyware/Anti-Malware scanners have been created.

Listed below are several well known anti-malware / anti-spyware security programs. The use of these may save you a lot of trouble.

Ad-Aware - Ad-Aware offers both free and paid versions with the paid version offering more features and better definition files (files that identify spyware/malware). Very good software.

Spybot Search & Destroy - Very good piece of software that is comparable to Ad-Aware. Often seen being used in conjunction by more advanced users. What Ad-Aware tends to miss Spybot S&D tends to pick up (and vice versa). This program is free of charge and very full featured.

Firewall software is your first line of defense against viruses, intruders, and other problems such as malware. Although often touted as the "end all be all", firewalls aren't nearly as safe as many "experts" and companies making them claim. Sometimes times firewalls can be bypassed internally. However, this process requires quite a bit of knowledge and having one is a thousand times better than not having one. A firewall just may save your personal information one day! Many firewalls have been tested on many different levels. You can find results Here.

Here are some good firewall solutions:

McAfee Virus Scan

- Although Mentioned above and not specifically a firewall. McAfee does include firewall software and should be mentioned. Again, this comes with the virus scan software and is non-free. It has been my experience, however that this program tends to bog down the computer. This may or may not have been fixed in more recent versions.

Jetico - According to the above website, this is the best firewall you can have, very smart, very powerful. Very expensive however.

Comodo Firewall - According to the site's tests above the Comodo firewall is about a mid grad firewall. Blocks most things. However, the best part about it is that it is free.