Smaller Security Suites

Semi-suites cover more than anti-virus

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.

Norton 360 2.0 (*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 and a backup service. However, reviewers say Norton 360 is designed from scratch, meaning it is not necessarily an extended version of Norton Internet Security. Several reviews essentially describe it as Norton Internet Security for dummies: a good choice if you want full-spectrum protection running quietly in the background, but potentially frustrating if you like to tinker with your settings. CNET's Robert Vamosi was initially impressed with the last version of Norton 360, but poor owner feedback has changed his verdict this year. According to Vamosi, if you're installing on up-to-date hardware with no existing security software, Norton 360 2.0 should be effective and trouble free. If you don't have the latest system, or if you've run any type of security software on it before, you could run into installation and backup issues. A new version, Norton 360 3.0 (*Est. $80), is scheduled for release in April 2009.

Webroot Internet Security Essentials (*Est. $60) includes the company's antispyware 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's Neil J. Rubenking likes the powerful malware blocking and effective cleanup, but he is critical of the leaky firewall and the lack of antispam, 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 gage consumer response, 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 (*Est. $60), recently updated as ESET Smart Security 4, is built around ESET NOD32, which is considered by many experts to be the best antivirus program this year. 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.

Critics at Which? magazine say ESET Smart Security is easy to use, and they like the effectiveness of the firewall and the top-rated anti-virus component. The big flaw, according to tests by Which? is that it does an inadequate job of cleaning infested PCs. Another downside, if you're not an advanced user, is the complex and technical firewall interface.

Microsoft is perhaps the most controversial competitor in the security software industry. Windows Live OneCare (*Est. $40) is an automated web-based security service that offers file backup, includes antivirus and anti-spyware components, and has a two-way firewall. The service includes 24/7 support, wireless network security and online identity theft protection. Microsoft has been attacked in the computer press for promoting its security software, mainly because imperfections in its products create most of the need for such software. Editorial reviews have been mixed. Which? magazine calls it a solid but somewhat limited suite that comes into its own when combined with Windows Vista. Other reviews of the current and earlier versions are not as complimentary.

In November, Microsoft announced that Windows Live OneCare would be discontinued effective June 2009. It is scheduled to be replaced by a free security product, code named Morro, sometime during the second half of the year. Morro is expected to be a simpler antivirus and anti-spyware application. Microsoft said that support for Live OneCare, including updating of virus definitions, will continue until Morro becomes available.