Every internet user should protect themself from identity theft utilizing an antivirus software program, but with so many to choose from, how does a consumer know which product to buy? With this product review, consumers can gain knowledge about a new version of PC Security Shield, 2008 and all the features it provides including standard antivirus and spyware protection as well as not so standard features.

Read more for information on PC Security Shield, it's anti-virus software system, features, special products and services, cost, and how to purchase and use PC Security Shield 2008.

The internet is a powerful tool. With it, you can stay in touch with friends and family, shop, find out information, make travel plans, help children with their homework, and perform a million other useful functions. But with the fun also comes the danger of identity theft and an anti virus software program is absolutely essential for every internet "surfer" no matter what the use.

The three most prevalent internet dangers regarding identity theft are "phishing," " spyware," and "spoofing." Phishing refers to bogus email from an online service or your bank indicating that your account information needs to be verified or that your security may have been breached and you need to confirm you log in information. These messages take a variety of different forms, but these two or the most easily recognized. If you follow the instructions provided in the email, you may provide a third party with your account information. Spyware is an insidious little software system that you may not even know is on your computer without a spyware detection system. This software is used to record keystrokes to obtain either personal and financial information whenever you shop or bank online. It can also be used to access confidential information on your hard drive. Lastly, spoofing, refers to the process through which a legitimate internet site is taken over; redirecting people to a fake internet site where they are asked to provide confidential information.

Some of the most important features to look for when you are searching for an anti virus software program for your personal or business use is to make sure that it provides features to protect against and regularly update for these types of problems. One of the many newer antivirus systems available to consumers is PC Security Shield 2008. This anti virus software program is standard in its provisions of anti virus, spyware and adware protection, personal firewall, automatic daily updates, your choices of real time, and/or scheduled scanning, as well as parental controls which you purchase online, then download to your personal computer. However, PC Security Shield also has some very unique and useful features that consumers may not be aware of.

First, consumers have two options for their subscription service, unlike the majority of antivirus software which usually require a one year subscription. With this software you may purchase your service either monthly or yearly. Second, in the event your computer does become infected with a virus, Security Shield provides a "patch" within 2-3 hours and a complete repair of the virus within 5 hours. According to PC Professionals, Security Shield using F-Secure technology responds 3-4 times faster in repairing viruses as well as updating customers' service with the latest antivirus protection "twice" as often as other anti virus software systems. (PC Professionals, Issue Aug. 2006). Third, this anti virus software system uses not only a filter, but a "blacklist" of sites that send unsolicited email for use in phishing schemes, stops these messages from entering your in box and stores these emails in a separate folder for your safety.

Additionally, the Parental Control features offered with PC Security Shield 2008 are special in that parents can not only block websites according to content, but they can also block internet use during specified times of the day. Parents who have children home after school or whose children may be older and use the internet often unsupervised may find this feature to be particularly helpful. It helps keep children and teens off the internet when necessary and assists them in scheduling supervised times of use, according to the parent's schedule.

Lastly, PS Security Shield 2008 does not have an additional charge for the use of its technical support services for repairs or assistance. Many anti virus software systems charge a per event or per minute technical assistance fee in addition to the purchase of the software download.

The technical support for this software system provides online support in the form of instant chatting, frequently asked questions, and product guides. When I attempted the instant chat session I was responded to immediately, however be sure to have your product or key code associated with the software program available. They also provide for email and telephone technical support. The telephone support does not provide a toll free number, and I was on hold for a little over 5 minutes before a technical support specialist was available.

The system requirements necessary for downloading and utilizing the PC Security Shield 2008 appear to be consistent with industry standards and the equivalent of those required by most other software providers.

The cost for this service is currently $39.99/year after a $20.00 mail in rebate promotion that is currently available. In order to be eligible for the rebate you must: register for one year of service (not monthly); use the service for 90 days; and end your pre-existing anti virus software support with any one of those listed by PC Security Shield. The monthly service program is $5.99 a month for one computer or $9.99 a month for up to three computers.

In our household the most important features are the ability to control not only just web content, but also the times that my children are permitted to be on the web, along with the fact that I can change these times according to my schedule. The other favorite feature is that it protects emails from spy ware, phishing, and keylogging types of emails through two different services; the one being up to date research and the other being a compilation log of "bad" sites that may attempt to hi jack your personal information.

To purchase this service, you simply register online with PC Security Shield; and choose the service plan you are interested in. After that you are provided with a confirmation email which gives you a "key code." You revisit the site, log in, and use your key code to be permitted to download their antivirus software to your computer. Many of the preference settings within PC Security Shield are easily understandable. However, you may wish to use the online chat session to help you with the more advanced settings involved in parental controls or scheduling scans and updates.