Best Reviewed
Internet Security Software
- Best Internet security suite Norton Internet Security 2012 *Est. $70
- Budget Internet security software Bitdefender Internet Security 2012 *Est. $40
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- Virus, spyware protection
- Quick scanning
- Fewer conflicts with other software
- Can be installed on three computers
- Can be complicated for beginners
- Some system drag
December 2007. Among all-in-one security suites, BitDefender Internet Security 2008 gets the best reviews. A common complaint about security suites is that they slow the computer, and reviews indicate that BitDefender (which is not perfect in that regard) improved with its 2008 versions. Reviewers also cite fewer conflicts with other software than they found with other security suites. One major review downgrades BitDefender somewhat, saying that while it's a good product, it's a bit complicated for beginners.
Most reviews say BitDefender performs well in every area compared with other suites, and reviews say its weaker functions (such as parental controls) can be tweaked or shored up with freeware downloads. User reviews are mixed -- that's very common for security software -- and some say installation was difficult. If you are looking for something cheaper, reviews recommend Panda Internet Security 2008 (*est. $40).
PC World, Consumer Reports and PC magazines perform thorough, unbiased testing and score the products for comparison''. We think PC World ought to be the first stop. Consumer Reports doesn't provide much information beyond its ratings chart. PCMag.com rates the more expensive BitDefender Total Security rather than BitDefender Internet Security. The user reviews at Amazon.com are useful, but be prepared to see complaints in common among the different security suites. We found a very detailed review on CyberTopCops.com that suffers only from the fact that competing products aren't addressed.
| BitDefender Internet Security 2008 - 2 Years/3 Pc's | |
(39 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
1. PC World
PC World gets an assist from AV-Test.org on performance testing of eight security suites. BitDefender ranks fourth because while it's effective, ''expertise is required to get the most from it.
Review: All-in-One Security Suites: Tried and Tested, Erik Larkin, Dec. 2, 2007
2. ConsumerReports.org
Consumer Reports rates 11 security suites, including BitDefender Internet Security, based on thorough testing. But the rundown is behind a subscribers-only wall and there's little information besides the chart.
Review: Ratings: Security Suites, Editors of Consumer Reports, Sept. 2008
3. PCMag.com
PCMag.com has a broad frame of reference in testing software, and it gives the more expensive BitDefender Total Security package a rating of 3.5 out of five. Hunt around the site and you'll see the Editors' Choice award goes to Norton Internet Security 2008.
Review: BitDefender Total Security 2008, Neil J. Rubenking, Aug. 23, 2007
4. Amazon.com
About 30 owner reviews give BitDefender a combined middling score (2.5 out of five stars). They cite installation problems and poor customer service.
Review: BitDefender Internet Security 2008, Contributors to Amazon.com
All in all, they supply a pretty thorough review, but CyberTopCops.com hasn't tested BitDefender's top competitors. Still, de Beer recommends BitDefender Internet Security, noting its effective parental controls when properly configured.
Review: BitDefender Internet Security Review, Coenraad de Beer, Mar. 22, 2008
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