Top Windows client security tools for end users

Free security tools Free tools defend against malicious Web sites in the enterprise Windows security toolbox: Our experts' favorite freeware

Of course, you can narrow down the options quite a bit just by doing some research and reading some reviews. Finding out what experts think, or, more importantly, what other companies similar to yours have chosen, can help significantly when choosing the right security tools.

To jumpstart your search, lets take a look at these top picks for best Windows client security tools:

1. BitDefender 9 Antivirus
   While it doesn't have the name recognition of Symantec or McAfee, BitDefender 9 out-performs both of them and all others. It is competitively priced and has a relatively simple, intuitive interface.

2. Webroot Spy Sweeper 4.5
   Viruses and worms have seniority as the top dogs of malware, but spyware has spiked over the past couple of years and now challenges them for malware supremacy. Spyware has become more insidious and is used as a tool for deploying other malicious software such as Trojan Horse programs or keystroke loggers. It is essential that computers on your network be spyware free, and Webroot's Spy Sweeper 4.5 is the best product available when it comes to catching and blocking spyware threats.

3. Sysinternals RootkitRevealer
   Rootkits continue to grow as an emerging threat for Windows PCs. By definition, a good rootkit runs undetected in the background on a compromised PC and allows an attacker to gain access, execute software and hide or erase their tracks. RootkitRevealer is a great tool for scanning your computer to make sure it hasn't been '0wn3d' by an attacker. Sysinternals' parent company, Winternals, was purchased by Microsoft, but the Sysinternals utilities are still available for free.

4. Internet Explorer 7 (IE7)
   After much media coverage and a lengthy beta-testing process, Microsoft's IE7 is now available to the public. IE7 has many security improvements over previous versions of Internet Explorer, which makes it a clear choice for securing and protecting computers that connect to the Web. With anti-phishing technology, better control over ActiveX applets and a slew of other improvements, IE7 makes Web surfing much safer.

About the author: Tony Bradley is a consultant and writer with a focus on network security, antivirus and incident response. He is recognized by Microsoft as an MVP in Windows Security, and he is the About.com Guide for Internet / Network Security, providing a broad range of information security tips, advice and reviews. Bradley is co-author of Hacker's Challenge 3 and author of Essential Computer Security. He also contributes frequently to other industry publications. For a complete list of his freelance contributions, visit S3KUR3.com.

Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us    RELATED CONTENT Windows desktop security tips Underlying causes of inconsistent patch management Monitoring user activity with network analyzers Microsoft's Patch Tuesday brings a bumper crop of security fixes Using third-party technologies with Microsoft's NAP Understanding Microsoft's NAP's internal and external components Microsoft's NAP can ensure security compliance Top 5 registry keys for Windows XP Secure Windows XP before a Windows 7 upgrade Nine common password oversights to avoid Secure your Windows systems with proper password practices Endpoint security management tools MDOP for Windows 7 available now Microsoft's Online Desktop Manager caters to small IT shops Monitoring user activity with network analyzers Using third-party technologies with Microsoft's NAP Understanding Microsoft's NAP's internal and external components Microsoft's NAP can ensure security compliance Top 5 registry keys for Windows XP Microsoft releases WSUS 3 SP2 with Win 7, R2 support Using System Center Essentials as a patch management tool Troubleshooting Microsoft WSUS connectivity issues Network intrusion detection and prevention and malware removal Underlying causes of inconsistent patch management Windows security tools for the busy desktop administrator Check IT List: Five steps for rootkit detection Hacking Exposed Windows: Windows security features and tools Tools for virus removal and detection Windows security testing: Five tips for the summer Buffer overflows can be prevented by GS cookies Windows Resource Protection (WRP) protects critical system resources How to secure BitLocker configurations Windows Vista security: Top 10 tips of 2007 RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary system tray  (SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com) RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.