There are many different versions of internet security software available, both online and across the counter at your local computer store.
Some of this internet security software can be found free, whilst some require a purchase fee or recurring update payments.
Generally, the paid versions are much more effective and provide more up to date support.
Free versions, however, are better than no protection at all if you are short of cash. Be warned though – some websites use pop-ups and other tricks to say your computer is infected when in fact it isn’t.
This can be designed to try and push you into a unnecessary purchase or to get you to download a ‘cure’ that in reality will actually put a virus on your system!
Another advantage of free software is that you can trial an internet security software suite to see how it meets your needs before making an informed decision on a later purpose.
So, whilst not the most effective solution, free internet security software does offer some protection at zero cost, as well as giving you an insight into what your actual needs may be.
Some of the larger brands, such as McAfee and Norton offer free trial periods to their software which may be worth looking at if you plan to upgrade in the near future.