The Wild West? The only way to make your computer completely secure is to turn it off or disconnect it from the Internet. The real issue is how to make your computer 99% secure when it is connected. Not having protection is like leaving your car running with the doors unlocked and the keys in it which a thief might interpret as "please steal me". Stated another way, when was the last time you handed a stranger your wallet and encouraged them to take your social security card, drivers license, cash and credit cards? Locking a car, using a "club" or installing a security system makes stealing a car more difficult. Internet security and privacy products provide adequate protection by making it difficult for "outlaws" to find and gain entry to your computer.

Bottom Line -- If a personal firewall is the sheriff, a posse is needed to help the sheriff capture the pests sent out by Internet outlaws like spyware, browser hijackers, viruses, Trojan horses, worms, phishing, spam and hybrids thereof. A layered approach is best to protect your security and privacy:

• First line of defense -- Choose an Internet service provider (ISP), an email service and/or a website hosting service that offers online virus, spam and content filters.
• Second line of defense -- Install a hardware router with a built in firewall between your modem and your computer or network.
• Third line of defense -- Use personal firewall, anti-virus, anti-Trojan, anti-spyware, anti-spam and privacy software on your desktop computer and every computer on your network.
• Important Tips -- After installing any security software, immediately check for updates at the vendor's website. After installing a firewall, use an online testing service to make sure that it is working correctly.

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