I got a trial version of McAfee Internet Security with a new Windows 7 Pro computer. It would not update more than once a week. I am used to running a scan in the wee small hours of every day. On every computer. Could not tell from the McAfee website if Total Protection 2014 ran more often, but tried it. Only scans once a week. You can make it scan less often.

I’ve been using Norton anti-virus and backup products for years. While they had their installation and usage problems early on, they have gotten better year by year. This year’s edition installs flawlessly on Vista, Win7 and Win8 computers. While Norton occasionally informs us that it has blocked an intrusion, we have never had any spyware, malware or virus problems while using this product.nNot only that, but Amazon’s download prices are the best, far cheaper than purchasing the product directly from Symantec.

I’ve used this TurboTax version for as long as e-filing has been available. It really makes the yearly federal and state income tax filing about as easy as it can be. The program makes improvements in usability and filing procedures with each iteration.nThat said, the program doesn’t do everything: the user MUST keep good records. If you don’t have the information and understand how to enter it – the latter is pretty simple now – no tax program or human tax preparer can help you.

Norton’s products used to be a trial to install. No more. Each release has gotten easier and the latest one is a breeze. I bought this as a download. Does anyone want or need CDs any more? Can’t beat the convenience.nNorton’s anti-virus products always rate at or near the top in computer magazine reviews. I’ve never had a problem with malware getting past them.

This has been my go-to security package for years. Better each year. You may want to opt for the version that provides backup in the cloud. I use the Win10 backup to a dedicated external hard drive. A network drive will work as well. Recommended.

The Norton computer security products consistently receive top reviews from computer publications and web sites. I’ve been using Symantec’s Norton products for several years with few problems, especially over the last couple of years. There are always complaints that Norton slows down your computer some, particularly at boot-up, but remember it’s busy keeping your machine safe. Norton has addressed this problem with each release and Norton is much better than it used to be.

Have used TT for years. No problems; always works. My returns are relatively simple; this may not be the right product for someone with a complex financial situation.nHowever, you must have good records for income, deductions and deductible expenses. Many sources can tell you what to keep and for how long.

I’ve used TurboTax for about the past 15 years to prepare my relatively simple federal and state returns. It makes interpreting the changing and confusing tax forms, rules and instructions fairly easy to do. While very helpful in deciding which numbers go where – and this becomes easier and more automatic each year – the biggest help for me is that there are no longer math errors in my forms. I had to recheck each form at least twice when still doing the taxes on paper.

Nortons is the best product I have found to do a complete system backup that can be easily restored to a new Hard Drive. I started using Nortons with version 9 and now use 15.

I have used Quicken for years and usually up grade when new versions are available. It makes it easy to balance your bank statement every month and track your savings.