Why use free security software?

A customer asked me a question that I get asked quite often on the radio show and when I’m making my daily house or office visits. “Why do you use free products versus the larger commercial pay products for keeping a computer secure?”

My answer can be summed up in word: effectiveness.

Time and time again, the products I recommend prove themselves in the field as being thorough, effective, and unobtrusive programs. Unobtrusive is a big one for me these days as the leaders in security software (Norton, McAfee, etc) bloat their software beyond recognition and slow down even the fastest, newest machines. Norton claims that their newest versions are speedier…but too little, too late in my opinion.

Security software is extremely important and necessary in today’s broadband environment, but it also shouldn’t slow down or inhibit a computer users ability to use the computer. I don’t sacrifice effectiveness for cost either. All the products I recommend protect as well or better than their large company counterparts.

Cost does play a small factor in my recommendations in that I understand how expensive owning a computer can be. Keeping that in mind, I like to provide listeners and customers the option of free products when available and appropriate. Often companies provide free products to computer users knowing that if their product is good enough, they will recommend the commercial product for their businesses or to an employer.

Some products offer free versions that have limited automated abilities. For example, I recommend Malware Bytes as one option in fighting spyware. Their free version works fine, but the computer user has to manually update it and manually run the scans. Their pro (pay) version automates both of these processes for a small fee. Also, many free products are meant for home use only. If you run a small business or even a non-profit, some products require you buy the pay version. Read the usage policies carefully.

You can see a list of the utilities and programs I recommend by visiting the Links & Resources section or searching our site for the single word security.