Suites combine multiple
features into a single product from one or more vendors.
There are tradeoffs in using suites. It is convenient to
have several features bundled together. Dealing with one
vendor may be easier for upgrades and support. If 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
it's not their fault. If you have 3 home computers, a 3 license suite may save you money and reduce
the work to install and maintain your security software. On the other
hand, suites may have strong features mixed with weaker
ones. They may not have every security and privacy feature that
you need or want.
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 --
For current prices, see our custom Internet Security Suites Price List
powered by Amazon.com or click on one of the products below:
Choices(alpha order) -- Vendor and review links
follow.
Top Security Suites --
Norton by Symantec, ZoneAlarm by Checkpoint, and BitDefender.
2010
Security Suites: The Best and Worst, Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
October 22, 2009 -- BitDefender, CA, eScan, F-Secure, FortiClient,
K7, Kaspersky, Norton, Panda, Trend Micro, ZoneAlarm
The
Best Security Suites for 2010 [not really, these are the first
ones out], Neil Rubenking, PC Magazine,
August 24, 2009 -- BitDefender, eScan, K7, Kaspersky & Panda
Internet security suites, Nathan Taylor, Netguide, August 19, 2009 --
AVG, BitDefender, CA, F-Secure, Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton, Trend
Micro, ZoneAlarm, ESET & Bullguard
Securing the Desktop: Eight Internet Security Suites, Robert
Vamosi, PC World, May 28, 2009 -- AVG Internet
Security 8.5, BitDefender Internet Security 2009,CheckPoint
ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2009, Comodo Internet Security Pro 3.8,
G-Data Internet Security 2009 [editor's choice], Panda Internet
Security 2009, PC Tools Internet Security 2009, and Symantec Norton
Internet Security 2009.
Internet Security Software Reviews,
Consumer Search, March 2009, best is Norton Internet Security
2009 and best budget is Panda Internet Security 2009.
Norton Internet Security 2010
orNorton 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 Internet Security was rated #1 out of nine
products by PC World 1-22-09, it was a PC Magazine Editor's Choice
9-9-08, and a Computer Shopper Editor's choice 10-1-08. "Norton 360"
adds automatic backup and restore with 2 GB of online storage, PC tune
up and embedded support components; it was a PC Magazine and Computer
Shopper Editors' Choice in March 2009.
25th
Annual Technical Excellence Awards, Eric Griffith & Neil
Rubenking, PC Magazine, October 22, 2008 -- Software -- Norton
Insight [part of Norton Internet Security 2009]
Norton 360 3.0, David English, Computer Shopper, March 2009
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suiteor
ZoneAlarm Extreme Securityfrom 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. It was rated #2 out of eleven products by PC Magazine
10-29-08.
BitDefender Internet Security includes personal firewall, antivirus, anti-spyware,
anti-phishing, privacy protection, file vault, IM encryption, Wi-Fi
monitor, content filter, game mode, and more. It was rated #1 for
protection by Consumer Reports in September 2008. It was also rated
second out of nine products by PC World 1-22-09 and was recommended
by the PC Advisor UK 3-21-09.
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).
Kaspersky Internet Security
features intrusion protection, anti-virus, personal firewall,
anti-spyware, anti-spam, and blocks auto dialers, ads and pop-ups.
Laplink PCdefense includes real-time protection against spyware
and keyloggers, on-demand scanning for malware, disaster recovery, and
repair of various system settings.
Panda Platinum
Internet Security -- Antivirus, firewall, blocks spam, privacy protection, web content filtering,
anti-spyware, PC security diagnosis and repair, and automatic updates.
PC Live -- Freeware version
includes antivirus, antispyware, popup blocker & personal firewall; $5
per month fee will add [when available] diskeeper, parental controls, &
24/7 technical support.
Preventon Secure Internet Desktop --
The standard version includes firewall, antivirus and parental
control. The Pro version adds anti-spyware and anti-dialer.
TrustPort PC Security -- Antivirus, antispyware,
personal firewall, anti-spam, anti-phishing, site filter, electronic
signature, data encryption, data shredding.
Declutter Your PC's Hard Drive, Wayne Rash, Computerworld, PC
World, March 24, 2009 -- CCleaner, Norton Utilities, and System
Mechanic
Suite Deals, Smart Computing, March 2007 -- System Suite 7
Professional, WinCleaner Complete PC Care 10, System Mechanic 7
Professional, and Norton SystemWorks Premiere
Iolo System Mechanic Pro is a security and
utility suite; see description and reviews in the security suite section above.
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