In order to protect computers, servers, networks, and files, millions of individuals and organizations all over the world use security software of some kind. Security software can come in many different forms but they all have the same goal in mind: to protect the user's information. The five main types of security software are firewall, antivirus, antispyware, end-point security, and network. This article will explain each of these types of security software and list several examples of such.

Firewall
A firewall is exactly what it sounds like: a wall that stops malicious programs from accessing the user's computer. Firewalls are specifically designed to allow pre-approved programs access to the user's computer while blocking unapproved software. Firewalls can be used for both software and hardware and can be found in both the original operating system and in third-party programs. Firewalls generally present a dialog to the user when a new program is trying to run so that the user can choose whether to allow or deny the program.

Antivirus
Antivirus software targets malicious programs that make it past the user's firewall. Antivirus programs can identify these threats, attack them, and even correct some of the damage that they have caused. Having an antivirus program installed is very important because computer threats can be found anywhere including email, daily Internet browsing, and sometimes in program updates. If antivirus is installed, however, it is also very important to update it as often as possible because new threats can be encountered on a daily basis that the user's antivirus program will not recognize if it is not regularly updated with the latest threat databases.

Antispyware
The problem with antivirus software is that damage must be done to the user's computer or files before it recognizes that there is a threat. Since spyware does not actually damage the user's information, antivirus software may not be able to detect it. Antispyware software, however, uses a different protocol of monitoring the user's computer in order to catch unauthorized communication and prevent it from taking place.

End-point Security
End-point security, or desktop security, refers to security software that remains active on the user's computer at all times. End-point security software can slow down the user's computer but is able to respond to threats in real-time rather than scanning for malicious activity at timed intervals. End-point security software can recognize a problem as it is happening, alert the user, take actions to prevent damage, remove the threat, and repair any damage that has been done.

Network
Network security software is used to protect an entire network of computers rather than a single device. Network security software relies on external devices such as gateways and routers to monitor communications between computers and stop threats when they are present. Network security software is used mostly by schools, government agencies, and business organizations.

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall with Free Antivirus
ZoneAlarm Free Firewall with Free Antivirus is a bundled software that is free to download and runs on all Windows operating systems. The program protects users from both inbound and outbound threats, runs a continuous browser security program that checks for phishing sites, and provides the user with 2 GB of free online backup. The software can run in stealth mode, detect and remove viruses of both known and unknown origins, and block malicious programs impersonating good programs.

Panda Cloud Antivirus
Panda Cloud Antivirus works by continuously updating itself with the latest information about threats and security issues and taking actions to safeguard the user's computer. Panda Cloud Antivirus responds to threats that breach any computer that is using the software by blocking them before they even attack the user's computer. The software is easy to use and takes up little CPU.

Spyware Terminator
Spyware Terminator is a great end-point security software that is capable of running in real-time and performing deep scans. When updated regularly, Spyware Terminator can catch nearly any threat, although it can frustrate some users who have the program set to a high sensitivity level. While it can slow the user's computer down when prompting for permission, the program goes unnoticed the majority of the time.

Spybot Search & Destroy
Spybot Search & Destroy is a rather easy software to use, especially for beginners. Users can select whether to run a scan or update the software without worrying about menus or complicated settings. The software is much more straightforward than other security programs and can be learned within a few moments. Spybot is good for quick scans but does not catch every threat so if a threat is detected, it is highly recommended that the user run additional software.