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Step 1
Scan your hard drive for viruses and other problems before installing the security software. Most security programs allow you to do this directly from the CD or DVD before the operating system loads.
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Step 2
Install the software and allow it to check for updates. This will ensure you have the latest anti-virus definitions and other changes.
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Step 3
Let the program perform another scan of your system. There should be an activity bar or other indication that it's doing its job.
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Step 4
Reset the firewall security settings to the highest level and then try going to your favorite website. If it's working properly, there will be certain items on the site that won't load. These could be graphics, ads, pop-up windows and possibly programs the site needs to operate.
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Step 5
Reset the firewall to a more moderate level to allow the website to load properly and try it again. If it's back to normal, with a few minor exceptions, the firewall is doing its job.
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Step 6
Testing the anti-virus software is a bit more complicated. Some security software developers provide files for you to download to your computer that have the same properties as viruses, worms, spyware and other intruders. If the security program identifies them and kills them, it's working properly.
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Step 7
If you use an email reader such as Microsoft Outlook or Eudora, the software may have installed add-ins to check for SPAM, viruses and other intruders. Test this by downloading your email to your pc, and see if messages are put into SPAM or other folders instead of your inbox.
