|
|
|
Internet Security & Utility Suites
On this page you will find important tips,
comparative reviews,
recommended products, and links
to many more security and
utility suite vendors and reviews.
|
|
These suites combine multiple features into a single product from one
or more vendors. There are tradeoffs in using these products. It is
convenient to have several features bundled together. Dealing with one
vendor may be easier for upgrades and support. If the parts of a suite
have trouble getting along, the vendor may be more likely to fix the
problem since it's harder to say that its not their fault. If you have
three home computers, a 3 license suite may save you money and reduce
the work installing and maintaining your security software. On the other
hand, these suites may not have every security and privacy feature that
you need or want. A suite may have several strong features mixed with
some weaker ones.
|
Important Tips
- Just One, Not Two -- Never use two
firewall or two anti-virus products (or two suites that include
them) at the same time. Completely uninstall one before
installing another. Use the vendor's uninstall utility or if not
available, use the Windows XP add/remove software tool in the
control panel.
- Patches & Updates -- Most
security software is only as effective as its most recent
update because it is inherently reactive treating "known" threats. So
when you install a security suite, go to the
vendor's web site and update the program immediately
and then turn on the auto update feature (if it has one).
- Firewall Testing --
After you install a firewall, be sure to check it
with an online service like
Security Space
to make sure that it is configured correctly. Testing
your firewall is the only sure way to tell that your computer is really being
protected.
- Get Online Protection Too -- Consider using an Internet service provider or email
service that includes server side anti-virus and spam email filtering as a
second layer of defense.
- Prices -- See our custom Internet Security Suites Price List
powered by Amazon.com
Choices (alpha order) -- Vendor and review links
follow.
- Top Security Suites --
Norton (by Symantec), ZoneAlarm (by Checkpoint) & Kaspersky
-
More Security Suites -- Aluria, AVG, BidDefender,
Blink, Bullguard,
Computer Associates, F-Secure, Grisoft, eEye, Iolo, Laplink, McAfee,
Microsoft, MicroWorld, Norman, Panda,
Preventon, Steganos, Trend Micro, VCOM
& Webroot
- Utility Suites -- Iolo System Mechanic Pro, Symantec's Norton Systemworks, VCOM SystemSuite
& WinCleaner Complete PC Care
Comparative Reviews
-
A Look At Live
OneCare Versus ZoneAlarm, Samara Lynn, ChannelWeb,
May 2, 2008
-
Does Your Security Suite Also Protect Your Privacy? Erik Larkin,
PC World, February 26, 2008
-
All my Life's a Circle: More Rounds with new Security Guards,
Briard, Tech Support Alert, January 2008 -- ESET, AVIRA, Kaspersky,
F-Secure, Bitdefender, Norton, McAfee & VCOM
-
Internet Security Software Reviews,
Consumer Search, January 2008, summary of 24 reviews of 35 products
-- BitDefender, Norton & Panda
-
Security Suites 2008, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
December 12, 2007: See comparison chart on first page -- BitDefender,
BullGuard, CA, ESET, F-Secure, Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton (2),
Outpost, Panda, Trend Micro, MS Live OneCare & ZoneAlarm.
-
All-in-One Security Suites: Tried and Tested, Erik
Larkin, PC World, November 29, 2007 -- Norton,
Kaspersky, McAfee, BitDefender, Trend Micro, CA, Avira & ZoneAlarm
-
Review: Five Security Suites That You May Not Know About, Serdar
Yegulalp, Information Week, November 7, 2007 -- Dr. Web Antivirus,
ESET Smart Security, MS Live OneCare, Trustport Workstation &
ZoneAlarm Security Suite
-
CyberCops: Six Security Software Suite Reviews, Barry Brenesal,
Computer Shopper, November 2007 -- CA Internet
Security Suite Plus 2008, BitDefender Total Security 2008, Trend
Micro Internet Security Pro, Norton Internet Security 2008, Steganos
Privacy Suite 2008, McAfee Internet Security Suite 2008.
Top Security Suites
Norton Internet Security 2008
or
Norton 360
from Symantec include personal firewall and
protection from viruses, worms, spyware, intrusion, phishing and root
kits. Also includes behavioral monitoring features. The
free online add-on pack includes anti-spam, parental control, confidential
information blocking, and ad blocking. "Norton 360" adds automatic backup
and restore with 2 GB of online storage, PC tune up and embedded
support components.
-
Norton Internet Security 2008
-
Best
(and Worst) of 2007, Sascha Segan and Eric Griffin, PC Magazine,
December 4, 2007 -- Best Software: Norton Internet Security 2008
-
Norton Internet Security 2008, Robert Vamosi, CNet,
November 28,
2007
-
Norton Internet Security 2008: Faster, Stronger, Edgier Protection
for Your PC, Wayne Kawamoto, Earthweb, October 9, 2007
-
Norton Internet Security 2008, Barry Brenesal, Computer Shopper,
September 2007
-
Norton Internet Security 2008, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
September 7, 2007
-
Norton 360
-
Symantec Norton 360 2.0 review, Roger Gann, PC Advisor,
March 17, 2008
-
Norton 360 version 2.0, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine, March 13,
2008 -- editor's choice
- Norton's
smart overhaul battles drive-by downloads, et al. Rob Kerr, The
Inquirer, September 18, 2007
-
Norton 360, Davey Winder, PC Pro UK, June 2007
-
Symantec's 360 security has your PC covered, Peter Griffin, NZ
Herald, April 19, 2007
-
So quiet, you won't know it's there [Norton 360], Ian Tan,
Electric Newpaper, March 16, 2007
- Norton
360: Is Hands-Off Security a Good Thing? Jack Germain,
eCommerceTimes, March 13, 2007
-
Norton 360, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine, March 7, 2007 --
Editors' Choice
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite
from CheckPoint (they bought Zone Labs)
features include network, program & operating system firewalls, antivirus,
anti-spyware, anti-spam, anti-phishing, identity theft protection, auto-learn,
game mode, wireless PC protection & SmartDefense service; Windows 2000/XP users
also get spy site blocking, privacy protection, IM protection, email security, &
parental control. CNet Editor's Choice January 2007.
-
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7.1, Davey Winder, PC
Authority, November 27, 2007
-
ZoneAlarm Security Suite 7.1 Adds Vista Support, Neil Rubenking,
PC Magazine, June 13, 2007
- ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7 [review], Davey Winder, PC
Authority, April 23, 2007
-
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2007 Review, Stephen Patrick,
Pocket-lint UK, March 6, 2007
-
Check Point ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7.0, Narasu
Rebbapragada, PC World, March 2, 2007
- ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7, Neil Rubenking, PC
Magazine, January 25, 2007
- CNet ZoneAlarm 7
review, Robert Vamosi, January 16, 2007 -- Editor's Choice
Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0
features intrusion protection, anti-virus, personal firewall,
anti-spyware, anti-spam, and blocks auto dialers, ads and pop-ups.
-
Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
August 1, 2007
-
Preview: Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0, Roger Gann, PC Advisor
UK, July 4, 2007
-
Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0.2.6.1.4 - Review, Matousec,
March 11, 2007
More Security Suites
(in alpha order)
Agnitum Outpost Pro Security Suite --
firewall, anti-virus/spyware, anti-spam, proactive monitor.
Aluria Security Center -- Firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam. Also
available as the
Earthlink Protection Control Center which is free if Earthlink is
your ISP or $5 per month or $48 per year if it is not your ISP.
AVG Internet Security --
Firewall, antivirus, anti-spyware and anti-spam.
Avira AntiVir Premium Security Suite
BitDefender Total Security 2008 -- Anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, parental control, spam filter
-
BitDefender Total Security 2008, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
August 23, 2007
-
Review: BidDefender Antivirus Plus v10 security suite,
Paul Lester, Personal Computer World, November 9, 2006
-
BitDefender Internet Security 10, Davey Winder, PC Authority,
November 6, 2006
-
BitDefender Internet Security v10, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
October 24, 2006
-
BitDefender Internet Security 10.0, Ursula Seymour, PC Advisor,
September 21, 2006
Bullguard
Internet Security Suite
-- Antivirus, firewall and storage
-
Review: Bullguard Internet Security 8, Simon Williams,
Computeractive, February 1, 2008
-
BullGuard Internet Security 8.0, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
December 7, 2007
-
Firewall for gamers: SteelSecurity, Security Hacks, May 14, 2007
Computer Associates eTrust
Internet Security Suite
-
Review: CA
Internet Security Suite PLus 2008, Dave Thompson, Stuff,
December 11, 2007
-
CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2008, Roger Gann, PC Advisor,
November 5, 2007
-
CA
Internet Security Suite Plus 2008, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine, September
19, 2007
-
CA Internet Security Suite 2007, Robert Vamosi, CNet, March 2,
2007
ESET Smart Security 3 includes firewall, anti-malware & anti-spam.
eEye Digital Security
Blink Personal Edition freeware
includes firewall, anti-malware, zero-day protection, intrusion prevention,
patch tracker...
F-Secure
Internet Security 2008 -- Anti-virus, firewall, anti-spam,
anti-spyware & parental controls
-
F-Secure Client Security 7.1, Matthew Sarrel, PC Magazine,
January 28, 2008
-
F-Secure Internet Security 2008, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
October 9, 2007
-
F-Secure Internet Security 2007, Dan Sippy, TechTree, March 11,
2007
-
Review: F-Secure Internet Security 2007, Simon Williams,
Computer Active, January 11, 2007
Iolo
System Mechanic Pro
includes
Panda anti-virus and firewall, SpyHunter anti-spyware, a popup stopper and tools
for optimization, PC fix up, system cleanup and maintenance as well as search
and recover files, system shield (secure delete), and drive scrubber (wipe
entire disk).
-
Iolo System Mechanic Pro 7.5, Jon Jacobi, PC World, March 21,
2008
-
Meet your PC's new best friend, Noah Matthews, Post Bulletin,
February 7, 2008
-
System Shield Internet Security, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine, June
25, 2007
-
System Mechanic 6 Professional, Barry Brenesal, CNet, February 2,
2006
Laplink PCdefense includes real-time protection against spyware
and keyloggers, on-demand scanning for malware, disaster recovery, and
repair of various system settings.
-
Laplink PCDefense, Robert Vamosi, CNet, May 11, 2006
-
Review: Laplink PCdefense Security Suite, Jack Germain,
NewsFactor, April 5, 2006
-
Laplink PCdefense, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine, February 15,
2006
McAfee Internet
Security -- Personal firewall, anti-virus, surf & chat room for
kids, ad blocking, and private information safeguard.
-
McAfee Internet Security Suite 2008 - complete package, Robert
Vamosi, CNet, November 26, 2007
-
McAfee
Total Protection 2008, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine, October 30,
2007
-
Review: McAfee Total Protection 2007 internet security, Paul
Lester, Computer Active, March 9, 2007
- CNet McAfee 2007
review, Robert Vamosi, January 17, 2007
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare --
Firewall, anti-virus...
-
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare 2.0, Narasu Rebbapragada, PC
World, January 22, 2008
-
Windows Live OneCare 2.0, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine, December
5, 2007
-
Microsoft's OneCare 2.0 Adds Security, Convenience, Neil
Rubenking, PC Magazine, November 15, 2007
-
The Family Computer: Windows Live OneCare is worth a look,
Calvin Ross, Napa Valley Register, June 12, 2007
MicroWorld eScan Internet Security Suite
is $59 US
for 1 PC for 1 year, antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-adware, parental
control, anti-spam, pop up blocker, privacy clean up.
Norman
Security Suite
-- Firewall, antivirus, parental controls...
Panda Platinum
Internet Security -- Antivirus, firewall, blocks spam, privacy protection, web content filtering,
anti-spyware, PC security diagnosis and repair, and automatic updates.
-
Practically Networked
review, Aaron Weiss, December 11, 2007
-
Panda Internet Security 2008 - PC Review, Stephen Patrick,
Pocket-Lint, October 16, 2007
-
Panda
Internet Security 2008, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine, August 31,
2007
-
Review: Panda Platinum 2007, Simon Williams, Computeractive,
January 2, 2007
PCLive -- Freeware version
includes antivirus, antispyware, popup blocker & personal firewall; $5
per month fee will add [when available] diskeeper, parental controls, &
24/7 technical support.
PC
Tools Internet Security 2008 -- Includes
anti-spyware, antivirus, firewall and spam protection.
Preventon Secure Internet Desktop --
The standard version includes firewall, antivirus and parental
contro. The Pro version adds anti-spyware and anti-dialer.
Steganos Internet Security 2006
-- Personal firewall & anti-virus (from Kaspersky Labs), anti-spyware
(from Webroot), anti-spam, anti-dialer and more.
Trend Micro Internet Security
-- Personal firewall, antivirus, spyware protection, fraud
defense, wireless network monitoring, home network control,
vulnerability assessment, parental controls and Trend Secure services.
-
Review: Trend Micro Internet Security 2008, Ciff Joseph,
Computeractive, February 2, 2008
- Practically Networked
review, Wayne Kawamoto, December 18, 2007
-
Trend Micro Internet Security Pro: A One-Box-Fits-All Solution?
Rafael Hernandez, eSecurityPlanet, November 19, 2007
- Trend
Micro Internet Security Pro 2008, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
October 15, 2007
VCOM SystemSuite
(formerly OnTrack) with AutoUpdate, Fix-It Utilities, NetDefense (Sygate
Firewall), VirusScanner Pro (Trend Micro PC-cillin), CrashProof, EasyUninstall,
Crisis Center, DataEraser Personal Edition & PowerDesk Pro.
Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware & Firewall
Utility Suites
Comparative Reviews
-
Suite Deals, Smart Computing, March 2007 -- System Suite 7
Professional, WinCleaner Complete PC Care 10, System Mechanic 7
Professional, and Norton SystemWorks Premiere
-
The Trouble-Free PC, Lincoln Spector, PC World, January 5, 2004
Iolo System Mechanic Pro is a security and
utility suite; see description and reviews in the security suite section above.
Norton SystemWorks, Symantec, with LiveUpdate, AntiVirus, Utilities, CleanSweep, GoBack
& Web Cleanup.
- Norton Systemworks 2005 Premier
review, Barry Brenesal, CNet, May 4, 2005
VCOM System Suite (formerly OnTrack) is a security and
utility suite; see description and reviews in the security suite section above.
WinCleaner Complete PC Care by Business Logic is a security and utility
suite
- Computer Power User
review, Serdar Yegulalp, January 2006
- Vnunet
review, Paul Monckton, Personal Computer World, August 2005
Utility Software Resource Sites -- Freeware, Shareware
& Free-Trial
|
|
|