With so many options for keeping your system spyware- and virus-free, it's tough to gauge how well your security tools are working. AOL's Active Security Monitor quickly scans your PC and rates the effectiveness of your protection. It can diagnose one computer or your entire home network.
The application scans in a snap, and it delivered an accurate security score in our tests. The intuitive interface made getting recommendations easy. We especially appreciate the built-in tips, links, and explanations of multiple methods for improvement. While the program does offer one or two corporate plugs, the main focus remains on protecting your computer, not on hawking subscription services.
In most cases, AOL Active Security Monitor will provide step-by-step instructions for closing your security holes if you click over to the "Improve Score" tab after identifying issues. Note that Help windows open only in IE and that disregarding IE settings can lower your score. If you're looking for a program to help you keep tabs on your basic security settings, though, this one performs very well.