Imagine, if you will, an antivirus test taking place simultaneously in parallel universes, each differing from the others only by which product is being tested. This sort of quantum-computing test methodology is only available in the Twilight Zone, alas, but the researchers at Dennis Technology Labs come about as close to that ideal as possible. They capture the contents of real-world malicious sites and then use a replay system so each tested product encounters the malware attack in the exact same way.

In the latest test, Kaspersky Internet Security (2013), Norton Internet Security (2013), and Bitdefender Internet Security 2013 rated AAA, the top rating.

Scoring Protection
Each product earns points for correctly detecting and preventing malware attacks, and loses points for failing to do so. Defending the system by completely preventing malware from launching earns three points. Neutralizing the attack after launch and fully reversing its effect is worth two points. Terminating the malware without fully cleaning up gets just one point. A product that fails to detect the malware or that tries and fails to prevent system compromise loses five points.

Researchers tested with 100 different real-world malware samples, so scores could range from 300 to negative 500. With 291 points, Norton edged out Kaspersky by a single point to take the top spot. At the bottom were Microsoft Security Essentials and McAfee Internet Security 2013, scoring 127 and 144 points respectively.

Looking at things another way, Bitdefender actually won this challenge, because it detected every attack and either defended or neutralized them all. Kaspersky and Norton missed a couple, but earned higher scores by fully defending against almost every detected threat.

False Positives
In addition to testing real-world defense against malware attack, the researchers also worked to verify that these security products correctly refrained from blocking legitimate programs, or reporting them as suspicious. Each product starts with a perfect 100 false positive points. Blocking a legitimate program costs anywhere from 0.1 point (for a very low impact program) to 5 points (for a very high impact program). The “fine” for reporting a legitimate program as suspicious is half that amount.

Microsoft and McAfee did much better in this test, both earning a perfect 100. With 75 points, ESET Smart Security 6 had the lowest score. Norton’s 90 points put it second-lowest.

Overall Accuracy
Adding the scores for protection and false positives gives us the product’s total accuracy, with a theoretical range from 400 points down to negative 1,000. All three of the AAA-rated products scored over 380 points. avast! Free Antivirus 7 rated AA, with 366 points. The other free antivirus tested, AVG Anti-Virus FREE 2013, earned a C rating, due more to poor protection than false positives. In between those two, ESET and Trend Micro Internet Security 2013 rated a single A.

As for McAfee and Microsoft, their stellar lack of false positives couldn’t overcome their poor performance in the protection test. Neither received certification even at the C level, though Microsoft scored 100 points more than in the previous test by Dennis Technology Labs. That’s a steady improvement by Microsoft, given that in the test before that it earned a below-zero score.

I’m highly impressed with this lab’s testing methodology. I only wish they’d put a wider range of products to the test. If you’d like to dig deeper, the very detailed full test report is available on the Dennis Technology Labs website, along with parallel reports on SMB and Enterprise security products.

By Neil J. Rubenking

Japanese officials accidentally leaked private inter-government details this week when they used the wrong privacy settings for Google Groups.

The consequence: More than 6,000 government and private sector messages were made public, including emails from ministries about sensitive issues, Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

Using the free Web-based Google service, senior officials of the Environment Ministry inadvertently made public information about January’s negotiations for an international treaty, including details of meetings with foreign officials.

More than 60 emails regarding the Minamata Convention on mercury were published for all of the Internet to see; there is no word on whether the slip-up will affect the future of the treaty, which is expected to be signed this fall.

“It was problematic that the processes around ongoing negotiations could be seen by outsiders,” a ministry spokesman told AFP this week. “We have taken corrective steps.” Though the memos were not “top secret,” they were certainly not meant for public consumption, the spokesman said.

The ministry, which is currently conducting an investigation into the matter, appears to be blaming Google Groups for the mishap, saying that the service “violates the ministry’s information management regulations,” the Yomiuri said.

Google did not immediately respond to PCMag’s request for comment.

Groups allows users to participate in and organize online discussions, via email or directly on the Web. But because its default setting allows public access to all content, it is easy for users to unintentionally share group threads.

According to the Yomiuri , seven medical institutions and nursing care facilities had no privacy restrictions, therefore leaking medical information on more than 300 patients.

The public release also struck the Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism Ministry; the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Ministry; and the Reconstruction Agency. At least one political party also used the service, revealing a list of its supporters.

This isn’t the first time that confusion over privacy settings has resulted in public embarrassment. In December, Randi Zuckerberg, older sister of Facebook chief Mark, posted a photo on what she thought was her private social network timeline. But the photo was shared with a larger number of people thanks to tagging and ultimately ended up on Twitter, much to Randi’s chagrin.

By Stephanie Mlot

Whether you opt for an Apple iPad or one of many Androids, choosing the right media-consumption tablet isn’t necessarily a snap. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the store.

It’s difficult to remember a time before tablets, but it’s been three short years since the original Apple iPad hit the scene, and the current tablet market was born. Since then, we’ve seen scores of manufacturers trying to snag a slice of the tablet pie, which so far, has been dominated by Apple, now on its fourth iPad iteration. Growth is so rapid in the segment that some analysts claim tablet sales are set to outpace laptops this year. There’s no denying that the tablet is here to stay.

But which tablet is right for you? Whether you’re eyeing an iPad, one of the many Android tablets available, here are the key factors you need to consider when shopping for a tablet:

First Off: Do You Even Need One?
Simply put, tablets aren’t really filling any true need—even three years in, they’re still neither replacements for computers nor smartphones. While you can tackle productivity tasks on a tablet, you won’t get a desktop-grade operating system, like you’ll find on a PC. Plus, since we’re talking about slates here, we’re talking about on-screen keyboards. Of course, there are plenty of worthy add-on hardware keyboards, especially for the iPad, but few will provide the same comfort you’ll experience with a laptop or a desktop. The main focus of the tablets we’ll discuss here is media consumption, not productivity. If you want a slate or convertible tablet for work, take a look at the top-rated Windows 8 tablets we’ve tested, but be prepared to pay laptop prices, many run around the $1k mark.

Tablets do have advantages over both laptops and phones, offering a more portable way to check email, browse the Web, video chat, watch movies, listen to music, and play games than your laptop can provide, but with a bigger screen than on your smartphone. Even so, you probably don’t need one, but if you want a tablet, read on.

Choose Your Operating System
Just like with a full-fledged computer, if you’re getting a tablet, you need to pick a camp. And just like with a computer, your decision will likely come down to your gut feeling. Right now, the top two contenders are Apple with its iPads and iPad mini, and Android with its many hardware choices from the likes of Acer, Amazon, Asus, Barnes & Noble, Google, Samsung, and others.

Microsoft recently entered the race with its Surface$699.00 at Microsoft Store tablet, running Windows RT, a slimmed-down version of Windows 8, which runs on mobile devices with ARM processors. We’ve also seen RT-based tablets from Asus, Dell, and Lenovo, but overall, the platform hasn’t really taken off, with some vendors like HP and Samsung canceling RT-based tablet releases to focus on Android and Atom-powered Windows 8 models.

Generally speaking, the greatest strength of Apple’s iOS, the operating system on the iPad and iPad mini, is twofold: It’s very clean and intuitive, and the wide selection of iPad apps that you can buy right on your tablet—more than 300,000 iPad-specific titles at the time of this writing—work uniformly well with very few exceptions. (For more, check out our full iOS 6.1 Review.)

Google’s mobile OS, Android, is a more complicated story. Besides having your choice of hardware from several manufacturers, at any given time, there are a few iterations of Android floating around on various devices. The latest version, Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), is the best yet, with maximum configurability, a top-notch notification system, fast, smooth Web browsing, and seamless integration with Google applications like Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Talk for video chat. The latest Android version also adds support for multiple user logins so you can share your tablet with a friend or family member, a useful feature that’s missing in Apple tablets. The only problem: Right now, you can only find Android 4.2 on Google’s own Nexus tablets and a small handful of others including a couple of Transformer models from Asus.

PCMAG

The standard desktop tower still reigns as the basic PC, ranging from smaller budget-priced systems to powerful towers that can double as workstations or gaming rigs. You’ll get a lot of performance and plenty of features even at budget prices, but perhaps the biggest draw for desktop buyers is the fact that, unlike slim laptops that won’t even let you swap the battery, the tower still allows the user to maintain and upgrade their system. Even the simple tasks of upgrading RAM or swapping out an old hard drive with a newer, faster solid-state drive will extend the life of a PC for months, or even years.

The PC is making headway in the living room, as well, with home theater PCs (HTPC) gaining ground. These PCs connect easily to an HDTV and tout smaller, sleeker designs that will will fit into a home theater set-up without looking too out of place. Whether it’s a tiny HTPC for streaming Netflix movies to your TV, or a heavy duty gaming PC that blends in next to stereo equipment, the desktop PC has moved from the office to the den, and the trend looks to continue in future months.

But the biggest shift in the desktop PC is the move from tower-based designs to all-in-one systems which pack the PC components into the chassis or base of the monitor. The result is less cluttered, with fewer cables and without the tower providing extra space stealing bulk on your desk. Since the release of Windows 8, the all-in-one shift has added touch to the mix, providing large screens that can be tapped, swiped, and poked for a more intuitive navigation experience.

But with so many different options, which should you choose? We’ve sifted through the dozens of desktops on the market and selected the ten choicest systems to pick from.

By Brian Westover

Also, many of the top home alarm companies are now offering remote access and even camera surveillance. You can keep track of what’s going on at your home no matter where you are. As long as you have a smartphone or an internet connection you can always know what’s going on.

Home security is often something many don’t think about it until something happens. The best thing to do to prevent an incident in your home is to get a monitored security system. It might not only stave off burglars but could save your life, and let’s be real, new alarm technology cool fun apps and webcams are totally fun! Our home alarm systems reviews detail everything you’ll need to look for when choosing a the best home alarm system.

Article from: http://www.alarmsystemreport.com

1. Peace of mind. Having an alarm system in place will help you to rest easy knowing that your home and loved ones are better protected.

2. Deterrent. Most alarm companies place a sign in front of your home or stickers on the doors and windows alerting potential thieves to the fact that the house is equipped with a home security system. This serves as a major deterrent. Thieves will move on simply by realizing that it’s not worth the risk. These warning labels also cut down on broken windows because the thieves find out the house is protected before they try to break in.

3. Light up the night. Many security systems come with outdoor motion detectors and flood lights as well as sirens and alarms. These security features cut down on late night vandalism, car theft, and other outside crimes.

4. Monitoring. Most security systems offer monitoring services. If your alarm goes off, the monitoring service will alert the police or dial a list of numbers that you have supplied them to make sure everything is okay.

5. Fire and panic button. If you have the monitoring service, the fire and panic buttons on your security system’s keypad will automatically call for help if you punch them in an emergency. For example, if you answer the door and someone is forcing his way in, you can push the panic button and the police will be summoned.

6. Insurance discounts. Most insurance companies offer a discount on homeowners insurance for houses equipped with home security systems. This discount can range anywhere from 5% to 20% each year.

7. Evidence. If your home security system is equipped with cameras and a recording system, police will have valuable evidence should a crime occur.

8. Remote surveillance. With certain types of security systems, you can remotely view areas of your home when you’re gone. With wireless cameras and an Internet connection, you can log on from any location and see exactly what’s going on in your home. You can use these systems as “nanny cams” or to check on your pets while you’re at work.

9. Arm the system remotely. If you have a wireless security system that you can access remotely, not only can you use the system for remote surveillance, you can also arm it remotely if you forgot to arm it when you left the house. Imagine being on vacation and realizing in your haste to get to the airport you forgot to arm the system. With remote access, all you need to do is log onto your home security system console from your laptop and arm it.

10. Get help if theft does occur. Many home security system companies offer an “anti-theft” guarantee. If your home is burglarized with the particular security system in place, the company will help you with your insurance deductible or pay you an outright fee. These offers vary by company and may not be available in all cases.
It makes sense to install a home security system both in terms of security as well as for financial reasons. Many alarm companies are now offering wireless systems that have more features (such as remote monitoring and access) for less money than their hard-wired counterparts.

If you are hesitant to commit to the monthly monitoring fees, you can now find computerized, wireless home security systems that allow you to preprogram in phone numbers for the system to dial under specific circumstances. For example, if a break in occurs while you are at work, the system might dial your work number and alert you so that you can take action and call the authorities yourself rather than paying each month to have the monitoring service make this call on your behalf.

Published by Celeste Stewart

Celeste Stewart is a freelance writer with a background in telecommunications and marketing

With an easy-to-use touchscreen, great accessories and multiple communication options, the Honeywell Lynx Touch 5100 is a great and reliable wireless security system for homes, apartments and businesses.

A touchscreen keypad means fast and easy control. With a color screen and large icons, you can navigate and set your new alarm system with zero frustration. The keypad also has a built-in speaker with voice announcement of system and zone status. Three panic functions are also built-in to the keypad for fast action in an emergency situation.

Our Wi-Fi communications module (sold separately) offers the lowest cost alarm communications/remote services solution-saving installation time (no data wire to run) and reducing monthly operating costs. Whether used as back-up or primary, the advanced 4G radio finds the best signal (2G, 3G or 4G) in the area – improving longevity and maximizing installation opportunities.

This system comes with 5 alarm accessories including 3 door/window contacts, a key fob and a pet-immune motion detector for pets up to 80 lbs. in weight. With one hardwired and up to 64 zones of coverage (48 programmable plus 16 key fob zones), nothing will get by this self-contained alarm kit.

The Z-Wave(R) connectivity module lets you integrate security, lighting, thermostats and more in one self-contained system providing complete local control at the panel (an optional Wi-Fi enabled wireless Android(TM) tablet keypad is also available). When combining LYNX Touch with Honeywell Total Connect(TM) Remote Services, users can control security, thermostats, lighting, locks and more using their smartphones or PCs from anywhere in the world.

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The majority of home burglaries occur through a door so it’s imperative that you put door sensors on each of your doors.  You may think using motion sensors alone can protect your home but keep in mind that you cannot keep motion sensors on while you are in the house without triggering the alarm system.   Not only do most burglaries occur through a door but you can keep door sensors on while you are at home.  Door sensors are a great way to protect your home and family ALL THE TIME.

Home Security Essentials #2: Interactive Monitoring/Remote Access

Interactive Monitoring is a new thing to home alarm systems.  However, it’s quickly becoming one of the most essential parts of owning a home alarm system.  With Interactive Monitoring you can use a mobile app on your phone or log in online to change alarm system settings, check system history and arm & disarm your alarm system.  Interactive Monitoring is also essential for receiving instant alerts about alarm system activity and keeping tabs on your home with wireless video cameras.

Home Security Essentials #3:  Smoke/Heat Monitoring

Everyone is required to have working smoke detectors in their home to protect their family from smoke inhalation or a fire.  However, many people skip over getting monitored smoke/heat detectors when purchasing their new home alarm system.  Smoke monitoring is NOT something you should overlook.  Having monitored smoke/heat detectors in your home will trigger a response from the local fire department if they go off.  Protect your home, family and belongings from a fire with monitoring smoke detectors.

Home Security Essentials #4: Cellular Monitoring

Cellular Monitoring is by far the safest and most reliable type of monitoring on the alarm market today.  No longer do you have to use your home phone line to have your home security system monitored – and risk your phone line being cut.  Cellular monitoring is an absolutely essential part of your new home alarm system.

Home Security Essentials #5:  A Great Alarm Company

This one might be a given, however, many people will simply choose an alarm company based on price or because it’s the first one they called.  Make sure to do your research when finding a home alarm company.  You want a company that is going to take care of you as a customer from the beginning to the end.  You can start by checking out reviews of alarm companies here on Alarm System Report and then Compare Alarm Quotes from different companies to find the best fit for you!

Article from: http://www.alarmsystemreport.com/home-security-essentials-the-top-five-things-you-need/

The companies on our list have all the attributes of a great home alarm company. Some are better at them than others but there are a few things to really keep a close eye on when choosing a home alarm company.

Of course you want to make sure the company is reputable and has positive customer reviews. A current customer of the company can give you great insight as to how they were treated. Second you want to make sure the company fits in to your budget. The best home alarm companies on our list offer some of the best bargains for great home security.

Companies that have great reputations normally have great alarm equipment and newer technology as well. So finding the best alarm company and the best alarm system go hand in hand. A company that doesn’t have the best alarm equipment won’t likely have great customer reviews.

Finally you simply want to make sure you are happy with your decision. By doing a little research including reading our reviews you can assure yourself that your making the best decision for you and your family.

Article from: http://www.alarmsystemreport.com

Also, many of the top home alarm companies are now offering remote access and even camera surveillance. You can keep track of what’s going on at your home no matter where you are. As long as you have a smartphone or an internet connection you can always know what’s going on.

Home security is often something many don’t think about it until something happens. The best thing to do to prevent an incident in your home is to get a monitored security system. It might not only stave off burglars but could save your life, and let’s be real, new alarm technology cool fun apps and webcams are totally fun! Our home alarm systems reviews detail everything you’ll need to look for when choosing a the best home alarm system.

Article from: http://www.alarmsystemreport.com