Best antivirus firewall software

Free vs paid-for antivirus software

Internet security suites sell themselves as a complete security software package and offer a variety of security software – such as antivirus, firewall and anti-spyware programs – in one. They cost around £40 and will usually include a year's subscription to software updates. After this, you'll need to pay another year's subscription in order to keep receiving the updates.

When choosing the best internet security software, you don't necessarily need to spend money on an entire software suite. There are some excellent free security software tools available to download – four are Which? Best Buys – and most are easy to use. However, you're unlikely to get the kind of support you'd receive with a paid-for suite, and you'll need to download and install separate programs to create a 'pick and mix' suite. 

• Which? Best Buy internet security software
• Choosing the best security software
• Protecting your PC from spyware video guide

Different types of internet security software

You'll need more than just antivirus software to keep your computer fully protected. A decent firewall is important as it blocks unwanted communication to and from the internet, while anti-spyware protects you from programs that monitor your actions online. 

Some internet security software includes anti-phishing features, which will block potentially fraudulent websites. It's also worth looking out for anti-spam software, which filters out spam mail to prevent it from arriving in your inbox, and parental control software, which allows you to limit and mange your child's internet use. Which? can help you compare antivirus, firewall, anti-spam and anti-spyware software (click on 'Type of program').

• Types of internet security explained
• Understanding PC security terms
• Choosing the best security software

Tips on protecting your PC

As well as choosing the best antivirus and security software, there are other things you can do to protect your computer when you're online. Choose strong passwords and never use the same password for more than one account.

Regularly delete your browser history and cookies, which store personal details, and be alert when you’re asked to enter credit card details into a webpage. A secure web page is prefixed ‘https’ (the ‘s’ at the end stands for secure). You should also check for a padlock icon in your address bar.

• Choosing the best security software
• Essential PC security tips

Watch out for antivirus and security software that's difficult to use

The best antivirus, firewall and security software should be easy to use. There's no point having it if it works well, but you can't figure out how to set it up properly. 

In Which? antivirus and security software tests, we install each software package on a clean PC, then rate how easy it is to install, navigate and update. The Which? Best Buy software not only offers impressive protection against threats, but is simple to set up and use. 

• Which? Best Buy antivirus, firewall and security software
• Which? security software ratings