Why use free security software?

A customer asked me a question that I get asked quite often on our show and when I'm making my 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 we currently 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. Security software is extremely important and necessary in today's connected 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 Adam and I recommend protect and clean admirably.

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. Norton even started out many years ago giving away their software and updates in order gain market share.

Some products offer free versions that have limited automated abilities. For example, we recommend AdAware often and their free version works fine, BUT the computer user has to manually update it and manually run the scans. Their 'pro' version automates both of these processes.

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

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