Best Premium Internet Security Software

Premium Internet security software offers all-round computer protection

Premium Internet security software offers all the functions and performance of a regular security suite, plus extra features to provide all-around protection. Reviewers are torn between BitDefender Total Security and Norton 360 2013, placing them both in the top three of their premium Internet security software lists, with Total Security offering more features but Norton 360 being faster.

Reviewers report that Norton 360 doesn't slow down computer performance, and this software is the fastest security suite in tests at PCMag.com. BitDefender Total Security, on the other hand, while performing very well in the standardized malware protection tests at AV-Test labs, draws complaints from reviewers about its slower scanning for viruses and the amount of time it takes to clean up and repair malware damage.

Both Norton 360 2013 and BitDefender Total Security have the additional features of online backup and PC tune-ups, and both programs come with a free 2 GB of hosted online storage. If you need more storage, you can purchase more or check out Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete (*Est. $30 for 3 PCs) , a mainstream security suite that comes with a staggering 25 GB of free hosted online storage. An alternative is to look into the multitude of cloud storage services currently available; see our report on online backup services for more information.

The PC tuning tool of BitDefender Total Security has some extra features above the usual defragmentation and cleanup features. You can select which files to clean up from a registry list, and the duplicate file finder cleans up excess files that are stored in more than one location. In contrast, reviewers consider Norton 360's tune-up feature to be limited and not as effective as stand-alone products.

BitDefender Total Security provides additional protection with its file shredder tool, which lets you permanently delete a file from your hard drive, and the device anti-theft tool, which allows you to remotely lock or locate your laptop when you misplace it, and even wipe it clean remotely if it's been stolen.