On each one of your computers, we recommend that you install an antivirus program, a firewall, antispyware, as well as antispam and antiphishing filters. To help you in your choice, we suggest the following guidelines.

1. Assess your security practices

Do you share personal information online? Do you always make sure the sites you visit are secure? Do you perform banking transactions on the Web? You can evaluate your risk level according to your practices on the Web with this free quiz.

2. Discover how secure your computer really is

You can find out how secure your computer is by using Videotron’s Security advisor, a free assessment tool that checks your computer for security vulnerabilities in 3 areas: firewall, antivirus and antispyware.

You should know that, even if Apple computers are less likely than PCs to be attacked by viruses and spyware, they can still transmit infected files to PCs using the Windows operating system.

3. Choose between standalone programs and suites

While 3 free standalone programs can act as a makeshift suite, they can create some inconveniences when used together. Tests showed they can cause a PC to run slower at times. For example, some programs pop up a promotional box when updated, and others add advertising messages as a footer in all out-going mail. Conversely, a pay suite can be simpler to use and less costly than using multiple standalone commercial programs, can be installed on multiple computers in the same household, and might offer features standalones don't possess.

4. Consider technical support

You should evaluate if you need technical support for your software. Free programs usually come with limited assistance, while most of the tested pay suites offer free e-mail and chat support.