Internet Security Suites

Security suites protect against all types of malware

According to security software experts, an Internet security suite is an inelegant solution because the best of these programs often fall short in one or more areas. Security suites also include components and features that many users may not want, such as spam filters and parental controls. Still, if you use an Internet security suite and no other security software, you will have pretty good protection against all types of malware. A security software suite is often cheaper than buying individual programs. See our full report on Internet security suites for more information.

According to several of the most credible experts, including CNet, Which? magazine and PC Magazine, Norton Internet Security 2009 ( *Est. $45) is this year's best Internet security. It performs well in tests, and reviewers say Symantec has overcome some of the bloat that made previous versions somewhat unwieldy. A few users still say the latest release causes problems on their computer, but Norton Internet Security 2009 doesn't get the near-ubiquitous reports of system drag that plagued earlier versions. If you use only Norton Internet Security 2009 for security, you are less likely to have problems than if you are using Norton in combination with other brands of security software.

This year's version of BitDefender gets middle-of-the-road ratings. PC Magazine gives it a respectable but unspectacular 3 stars, with "decent performance" and a few extra features including online backup and remote configuration. BitDefender Internet Security 2009 (*Est. $30) and BitDefender Total Security 2009 (*Est. $50) are basically the same program, but the latter adds maintenance and backup software.

TopTenReviews.com isn't one of our favorite sources, but it's worth noting that editors there give gives the BitDefender Antivirus 2009 (*Est. $25) its best-in-category Gold award for its combination of quickness, ease of use, and low cost (this is the antivirus component of BitDefender Internet Security 2009). CNet's Vamosi hasn't covered the 2009 release, but he gave BitDefender Antivirus 2008 a high-average score, calling it "greatly improved" over previous versions. There aren't yet enough user reviews to add up to a strong impression of owner response, but early posts to Amazon.com and Newegg.com suggest solid middle-of-the-pack performance.

PC Magazine reviewer Neil J. Rubenking says Panda Global Protection 2009 (*Est. $30) is an improvement over last year's version, at least when it comes to the interface. While the company touts its cloud-based "collective intelligence" -- basically a network of servers for distributed malware detection -- Rubenking says that doesn't yet constitute a significant advantage.

Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare (*Est. $25) is an automated web-based security service. It includes antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall components, and it can back up files. The service includes 24-hour online support. A widespread belief expressed in the computer press is that Microsoft shouldn't be selling security software -- since imperfections in its products create most of the need for security -- but offering it for free. Professional reviews of Windows Live OneCare 2.0 are mixed. Its conventional Windows interface is a benefit for people who want simplicity and a short learning curve. In November, Microsoft announced it would be discontinuing Windows Live OneCare in June 2009, and that it will be replaced by a new anti-malware suite that will be offered free to consumers. Code-named Morro, the new suite is expected to be available in the second half of 2009.

Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2009 (*Est. $40) needs to be mentioned, because Trend Micro is the third leading security software seller. Last year's Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 got a mediocre rating from CNet, and Vamosi says it's hard to tell whether or not it's a good investment. TopTenReviews.com predictably gives it a higher rating, but warns of "severe slowdowns that can occur while performing seemingly unrelated tasks." Though the site claims the review is of the current version, we have our doubts on that score.