I haven’t said much about software in the last 12 months because it’s my impression that it is becoming less important to know what’s good. There are a lot of good tools out there, including the basic stuff that is included on most new computers. So it’s harder to go wrong than it once was.

You don’t have to be a Windows fan to say that IE7 is reasonably secure, Windows Defender is an adequate antivirus/antispyware program, and Windows Firewall will do a fine job for many home users. There are better programs, but I don’t see the urgency in advocating them that I once did.

Since 2006, there are newer applications that appear to serve these roles better (the most recent releases from Symantec, MalwareBytes, and others).

I’d appreciate hearing your updated opinions of the effectiveness of what’s on the market today.

Thank you!