One of the biggest problems I had when I was a big-time online gamer was the constant battle between the game I was playing and my Internet security software. It used to be that you could have the most powerful gaming computer available, but you would still have to shut down your security software so it wouldn’t drain your computer’s resources. To me, it just seemed like defeating the purpose.

Luckily, Trend Micro has developed a solution to invasive security programs. Trend Micro’s new Titanium Maximum Security software promises to not slow your computer down while it’s active. The key to the program is the company’s Smart Protection Network, which actively monitors all of cyberspace all day, every day. That way, Trend Micro can search for viruses, spam, and other security threats before they reach your computer, thereby barely using any of your computer’s resources.

The Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security software is Trend Micro’s top-of-line software in its new Titanium line of products, all of which feature the Smart Protection Network. Aside from the better computer performance, one of the best features of the Maximum Security software is that it features an automatic warning system against suspicious links in instant messages and in e-mails.

That’s a really great innovation, and I’ve seen first-hand how that can be useful. My cousin’s Yahoo e-mail account was hacked last month, and her e-mail sent out an innocent looking e-mail to everyone in her address book. This was just after she had sent a few mass e-mails to her family and friends for her wedding pictures, so it looked like it was a continuation of that. But sure enough, it was a link for a “male enhancement” Web site. Titanium Maximum Security would have warned that you may not want to click on this link.

Other features included only in Titanium Maximum Security include system utilities that clean your computer’s registries, start-up manager, and temporary files; file deletion that meets the federal government security standards; 10 gigabytes of online backup storage; and the ability to remotely lock files in case your computer is stolen.

Trend Micro has long been one of the top names in anti-virus software and online protection. And whether you’re a high-end gamer, shopping for Christmas presents online, or simply checking your favorite social networking site, Titanium Maximum Security offers all the security you’ll ever need without slowing you down. I would highly recommend this product for your security needs.

It’s about mobile and wireless today.

Cellular phones, iPhones, iPads, Netbooks, televisions, Blu-Ray players, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo GameCube – these are what many people use to access the World Wide Web these days. No longer are desktops and laptops the only way connected to the Internet. In fact, by 2013, handheld devices will be the most popular way for people to access the Web. This is why Symantec has created Norton Mobile, to be ready for the day (that is quickly approaching) for when computers are not the main way for people to access the Internet.

Norton Mobile is a mobile destination that gives security and non-security offerings for the mobile platform to mobile users. Some of these offerings are listed below.

Norton Smartphone Security – This application is a free download that will protect your private information with anti-theft and threat protection. It works with Android and Symbian/Windows phones. Remote lock and wipe will protect your information in the event that your phone is lost or stolen. Application blocking allows it to prevent your battery from being drained and prevents CPU spikes. Roaming state detection prevents you from getting unexpected roaming charges as well.

Norton Connect Beta – A mobile application that allows users of Norton Online Backup or Norton 360 to access, email, and share backed-up files with their mobile device without a need for their computer!

Norton DNS – An application that is available for both the mobile and PC environment, this application will be free for everyone and will investigate every URL you type into your browser to ensure that it is safe for you to access. Norton verified Web filtering will provide basic antiphishing, antimalware, and anti-spyware services that will actually speed up your Web surfing, as these servers will be faster than the slow, default DNS servers that you use to traverse the Internet now. Beginning in June, Android users can also download a small, easy-to-install mobile application for faster and safer Web access on your phone.

As we continue in the Internet and Wireless Age, we will continue to access the Internet away from our computers, whether it would be with our cell phones, iPads, high-definition and 3-D televisions, or Blu-Ray players. Technology continues to advance, but unfortunately, so do the hackers and criminals who want to get at your personal information by any means possible and by any avenue possible. That is why it is comforting to see that Symantec has recognized the changing platform of how we access the World Wide Web and taking steps to provide us with products and downloads that will protect the mobile devices we now use to access the Internet.

Look at any web site devoted to VoIP technology reviews and you are bound to find material on Vonage. Reading the reviews can actually be quite amusing. There are people who go to great lengths to prove what a horrible company Vonage is. There are also those who staunchly stand behind Vonage. While not as divisive as major significant issues, Vonage does seem to bring out the superlative in both supporters and naysayers. Perhaps the only way to look at the company and question logically is to consider the pros and cons. In order to do so, I found it necessary to temper the over-the-top claims of the company on their websites www.vonage.com with the sometimes rabid declarations of www.wehatevonage.com, then filter it through several review sites.

Pros

The basic arguments in support of Vonage are as follows:

• The company’s strength lies in the portability and cool factor of the VoIP technology;
• VoIP and Vonage provide a cheaper alternative to traditional landlines and hind bound telecommunication systems;
• There are a variety of inexpensive plans;
• You can call anywhere in the world with plans like Vonage World;
• With the Vonage mobile application for your iPhone, blackberry and iPod, you can go anywhere, talk anywhere, be anywhere and still remain in touch;
• The company is innovative providing new forms of technology to enhance and expand the experience;

Cons

Those who have used Vonage and left agree the technology is cool. They know the viability and versatility of VoIP technology. They love the idea of the mobile application. The problem is, as one viewer succinctly put it, not the technology but the actual company. Those who have opted out of Vonage argue the following points:

• The company has the worst customer support system. One individual perceives the problem as being the result of outsourcing. There are not local responsive support services;
• There is frustration with the cancellation policies. Not only is it expensive to jettison, it is also difficult to inform the company of your decision. While it is possible to register online to sign up, you must get in contact by phone with the company to cancel. There is a myriad of anecdotes on how horrendous the process is;
• The quality is variable. Even with higher quality broadband widths and servers, some complain of echoes on the line;
• There are also issues of dropped calls;

In the end, it is your personal choice. Above all, talk to someone who has it, read the reviews, go to the negative and positive websites BEFORE you decide if you would go for Vontage. Oh, sorry, it’s Vonage.