Other Security Suites

Semi-suites and free programs that cover more than antivirus

Full security suites include at least five components. However, there are a couple of alternatives that offer more than a standalone product, but less than a full-fledged arsenal. Others, meanwhile, offer features that aren't security-related per se, or offer basic protection for free.

Norton 360 Version 3.0 (*Est. $80) is an interesting product. In terms of features, it covers the same ground as Norton Internet Security but adds some tune-up utilities, such as checking for Windows updates, and an online backup service. Unlike earlier versions, 360 3.0 also uses the same core engine as Norton Internet Security. Download.com's Seth Rosenblatt says that the program has "finally caught up with the times," and is now leaner, with "blazingly fast" installation. IT Reviews recommends Norton 360, calling it an excellent all-in-one security solution for those who need the backup and system tune-up features. (Presumably, those who don't would do better with Norton Internet Security.) Download.com user reviews, however, are split between those who love and those who hate the software. A new version, Norton 360 4.0, is scheduled for release in the spring of 2010.

Webroot Internet Security Essentials (*Est. $60) includes the company's anti-spyware program Spy Sweeper (*Est. $20), plus firewall, antivirus, tune-up and backup components. Spy Sweeper is a long-standing reviewer favorite, seriously outclassing Webroot's other components. PCMag.com's Neil J. Rubenking likes the powerful malware blocking and effective cleanup, but he is critical of the leaky firewall and the lack of anti-spam, privacy protection and parental control. Despite the meager feature set, Rubenking says Webroot Internet Security Essentials deals an unacceptable performance hit.

PC Advisor's Roger Gann makes a similar assessment: "It's undoubtedly good at stopping malware but it's not the fastest around and its firewall isn't cutting edge." There aren't enough user reviews online yet to measure consumer satisfaction, but early responses on Amazon.com are not encouraging. One user warns of weak components and system freeze-up; another complains about software clashes.

ESET Smart Security 4 (*Est. $60) is built around ESET NOD32, which is considered by many experts to be a top, if lesser-known, antivirus program. ESET Smart Security protects against viruses, spyware and spam, and includes a firewall. The suite is tightly integrated and, like ESET NOD32, it's designed to be easy on system resources.

Smart Security 4 gets an Editor's Choice from Rosenblatt, who says that, despite some installation difficulties "for getting all your security tools in one box, Smart Security is an effective and well-respected choice." Rubenking isn't as impressed. He finds that the firewall is "a bit retro" and that malware blocking and removal could use some improvement. Critics at Which? magazine, meanwhile, say ESET Smart Security is easy to use, and they like the effectiveness of the firewall and the top-rated antivirus component. The big flaw, according to tests by Which? Magazine, is that it does an inadequate job of cleaning infested PCs.

Microsoft Security Essentials is the free, scaled-down replacement for Microsoft's discontinued Windows Live OneCare program. Rosenblatt likes the new Windows Security Essentials, saying its use of system resources is low, and it comes pre-configured and is easy to use. But PCMag.com's Rubenking finds that Security Essentials' detection isn't very effective. He says that "it's not a big improvement over the now-defunct OneCare as far as malware protection goes." Most user reviews on Download.com and PCMag.com are more positive in their appraisals, however, as are reviewers at Which? magazine, who rank Microsoft Security Essentials above every other program except Norton Internet Security 2010. Which? magazine says that the program integrates well with Windows (as one would expect), and is a good anti-malware option, though the firewall and anti-spam features score lower. A lack of network management tools is another negative that's cited.

Another notable free suite is Comodo Internet Security, which offers a firewall, antivirus and anti-spyware protection. Rosenblatt finds that, overall, Comodo's antivirus protection is solid, but unspectacular. Other reviewers tend to agree that its firewall is the strongest part of this suite. However, Eric Larkin at PC World has serious issues with malware and virus detection, citing a large number of false positives. Rubenking strikes a similar chord, saying that he is "seriously underwhelmed by the suite as a whole."

IOBit Security 360 is free for non-commercial use. The security suite gets a favorable, though brief, review from Rosenblatt at Download.com. He says that the software is fast and light, with system scans among "the fastest in its class." However, the "PC Tuneup" option annoyingly leads to the download page for another IOBit program. Rosenblatt also notes that IOBit was accused of intellectual property theft in late 2009, and had to alter its virus database accordingly. IOBit Security 360 gets a lower, but still positive score from Download.com readers. However, PCMag.com's Rubenking says that the software "totally bombs" in testing, failing to detect or remove significant amounts of known malware.