Your netbook might have cost less than other computers, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth protecting. Netbooks, just like any other computer, often contain private information like credit card numbers, private photos and telephone numbers. According to academic researchers, cyber criminals use the Internet to cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, including $500 million dollars spent each year cleaning up the havoc they wreak. Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft has provided Windows Defender to protect Windows 8 computers from spyware and other malicious software. Unlike many other virus protection software programs, you don’t need to download Microsoft Security Essentials if you’re using Windows 8; it’s already included with the operating system. If you’re using Windows 7 or an earlier version of Windows, you can protect your computer by downloading Microsoft Security Essentials at no charge. Both programs use a simple red, yellow and green color system to communicate your computer’s security status. Norton Internet Security

Norton Internet Security is a full-featured security suite capable of protecting your netbook from phishing and spam viruses. It also offers parental controls and a firewall. A longstanding presence in the field of Internet security, Norton continually updates its software to protect your netbook from new threats. It is relatively expensive in comparison to some other packages at $70. Norton 360, another Norton suite, also allows you to back up data and tune your computer’s performance for an additional $20. Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete

A netbook often cost less in return for less disk space, so if you own a netbook, you should consider using Internet security that doesn’t take much space. Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete fits the bill. At $40, Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete takes up very little space and identifies viruses by the way they behave, rather than by looking for them by their electronic signature. It also includes backup features and password management software. Comodo Antivirus for Linux

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