REDWOOD CITY, Calif., July 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Choosing a web browser can be the single most important security decision you make for your computer, so it's vital that the browser you choose not only delivers in performance but also provides top-notch security. The Personal Technology Experts at Support.com (Nasdaq:SPRT), a provider of technology services and software for consumers and small businesses, took a closer look at Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer, and identified seven great security features all users should take advantage of, no matter which browser they use:
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Pop-up Blocker
Pop-up windows are used by websites for displaying advertisements when visitors are on their site, but malicious websites often use pop-up windows to distribute malicious code. Pop-up blockers prevent websites from opening pop-up windows without your consent!
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Clear Data
During Internet sessions web browsers collect data including websites visited, cookies downloaded, cached data and images, recently used passwords, etc. The "clear data" feature in web browsers helps delete the collected data in just a few clicks.
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Parental Control
This excellent feature lets you filter web content and configure your browser to allow or block specific types of content/websites. Internet Explorer 9 has a built-in parental control feature. Although Google and Firefox do not have this feature built-in, you can install a quality third-party add-on or extension to get this feature.
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Auto-Update
It is extremely important that your web browser is always up-to-date with the latest security patches, but updating manually is not only time consuming but also a bit risky since you may miss an important update. Never miss a key update with this feature!
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Do Not Track
Many websites track and collect information about the pages you view on their sites and use it to deliver targeted ads back to you. The "Do Not Track" feature allows you to configure your browser to instruct websites not to track your browsing habits. Firefox and Internet Explorer have built-in "Do Not Track" features, while Chrome expects to introduce it by the end of 2012.
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Anti-Phishing
Online phishing takes a genuine-looking, but fraudulent website is created to steal personal information from unsuspecting visitors. Anti-phishing features detect fraudulent sites and display warning messages when you try to access those websites!
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Anti-Malware
These filter and safe browsing features in web browsers can help prevents users from accidentally visiting malware-infected websites and downloading malicious content from them. Unfortunately, no single security system or program is enough, and it is imperative that all users deploy multiple lines of defense to guard against increasing spyware and malware threats.
Consider the security features listed above and choose the web browser you like the most. We also recommend having multiple browsers installed on your computer so you can take advantage of the best each has to offer and use them accordingly.
About Support.com
Support.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPRT) provides technology services and software for consumers and small businesses. Support.com® Personal Technology Experts provide a quick, cost-effective and stress-free technology support experience over the Internet and the phone using the Company's advanced technology platform. Support.com also offers a wide range of easy-to-use software products that detect and repair common computer problems and optimize performance and security. Support.com offers programs through many of the nation's leading retailers, broadband service providers and technology companies, and provides software to over a million consumers and small businesses. For more information please visit us at: www.support.com, www.facebook.com/support.com, or http://twitter.com/support_com.
Support.com, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, visit http://www.support.com/about/careers.
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Copyright © 2012 Support.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Support.com and Personal Technology Experts are trademarks or registered trademarks of Support.com, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Internet Explorer is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Firefox is a trademark or registered trademark of Mozilla Foundation in the U.S. and other countries. Google and Chrome are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.