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Best Reviewed
Firewalls
- Best firewall Comodo Firewall *Est. $0
- Best security suite/firewall combination Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 *Est. $80
- Best Mac firewall Hands Off! *Est. $25
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- Balanced protection
- Comprehensive protection
- Strong, nonobtrusive firewall
- Expensive
- Most protections are not best in class
March 2012: A new version of this software is available. Please see our review of Kaspersky Internet Security 2012.
Finding an all-in-one security suite that offers top-shelf protection against all types of threats can be an exercise in frustration. However, if a suite that's easy to use and offers protection that ranges from more than adequate to nearly bulletproof will do, Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 emerges as a clear choice. Turning first to the firewall (after all, that's what this report focuses on), the demanding tests at Matousec.com show it to be a small step behind the very best, such as the top rated firewall that's part of the free Comodo Internet Security suite (and also available on its own), but it's still good enough to beat out most competing free and paid solutions, earning it recommended status. Experts say usability is also excellent, with PCMag.com saying it does its job efficiently and quietly, without driving users to distraction with incessant questions and alerts. Other parts of the suite are also well regarded, providing good overall protection and usability, though perhaps a step behind the very best, such as Norton Internet Security 2011 (Discontinued). Though Kaspersky Internet Security is on the expensive side, you can often find offers and rebates that can ease the pain.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 gets lots of coverage. In terms of firewall performance, the reports at Matousec.com and PCMag.com provide the best insight. Reviews at Web User and MaximumPC are also helpful. Amazon.com has lots of user reviews.
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Our Sources
1. Matousec.com
Matousec.com rates Kaspersky Internet Security 2011among the better choices when it comes to firewall protection. Though it falls short of the absolute best, it still finishes higher than most firewalls, earning it a recommendation.
Review: Proactive Security Challenge
Neil J. Rubenking finds some issues with Kaspersky Internet Security 2011, but not enough to stop him from awarding it a solid rating of 4 (out of 5). One of the suite's major positives is a firewall that's "smart enough to do its job without hassling you." Rubenking's chief issue with the software is that although Kaspersky does well in anti-malware tests conducted by the independent test labs, it didn't quite do as well in PCMag.com's own test suite.
Review: Untitled, Neil J. Rubenking, Aug. 16, 2010
3. WebUser
Britain's Web User doesn't rate Kaspersky Internet Security 2011, but Andy Shaw calls it "One of the sturdiest security suites around." The firewall gets good results relative to other comprehensive all-in-one suites at Matousec.com. The major downside is that a comprehensive feature lineup and an interface that's judged to be "complex" might make it a challenge for the less experienced to use.
Review: Kaspersky Internet Security 2011, Andy Shaw
4. MaximumPC.comDetails/Subscribe
MaximumPC has a reputation for being a little irreverent at times, but that doesn't prevent Paul Lilly from making his feelings for Kaspersky Internet Security crystal clear. In short, though the protections provided border on overkill, at least in his eyes, the security is comprehensive and effective.
Review: Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 Review, Paul Lilly, Nov. 20, 2010
5. Amazon.com
Nearly 250 mostly satisfied owners have posted user reviews at Amazon.com, giving Kaspersky Internet Security a solid rating of 4 stars (out of 5). That said, there are a fair number of reports that note that installation and configuration can be a challenge. Others complain of system crashes or slowdowns. On the other hand, far more seem to be pleased
Review: Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 3-User, Contributors to Amazon.com
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