BitDefender Internet Security 2008

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.