Best Internet Security Software

Confused about which is the best Internet security software program? See these unbiased, independent reviews that combine ratings from industry professional and consumer satisfaction surveys to find the best program for your needs.

1.

$49.95

 Ranked the best Internet security software by several industry leaders, including CNet, ZoneAlarm offers the world’s leading firewall protection with top-rated anti-virus protection, licensed from Kaspersky. Faster than many of its competitors, the program offers game mode, stealth mode, and auto learn to quickly adjust to your security needs. Additional options include solid anti-spam and identity protection modules. Though powerful, it is easy to install and use, and offers a short video tutorial. Microsoft Vista support is forthcoming.

2.

$69.99

 PC Magazine ranked Norton as the best Internet security suite for 2007, touting its improvements in speed, lack of pop-ups, and world-class anti-virus protection “as effective against spyware as the best standalones.” Norton takes up significantly more resources than most security suites, but offers the strongest defense available. Parental control and fair anti-spam protections are included, and Norton is Vista-ready.

3.

$59.95 for three PCs

 Earning a five-star rating from PC Pro and highly rated elsewhere, F-Secure is touted for its ease of use, venerable protection, and efficiency. DeepGuard technology protects your computer at multiple levels, scanning for problems with limited need for user intervention. The 2007 version includes anti-spyware protection by award-winning LavaSoft. The deep-root scanning is exceeded only by Norton, and active protection from Web sites slows browsing only marginally. This Internet security software makes a great choice for users who want solid protection without unneeded bells and whistles slowing the system down. A Vista upgrade is scheduled for May.

4.

$69.95 for three PCs

 Circuit City customers rate Panda as one of the best Internet security software suites, with a balance of speed, protection and value. Professional reviews from sources like Computer Active favor Panda, with a good or better rating found elsewhere. Award-winning technology called Truprevent monitors your system for suspicious activity. Containing anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware, anti-spam, parental control and identity protection, the product is faster than most offering similar protection.

5.

$69.95 for two PCs for two years

 BitDefender is the recipient of numerous awards and certifications, including being named the number one “Best Buy” and one of the “Best 100 Products of 2006” by PC World. Industry certifications, such as ICSA Labs, Checkmark and several others, show that this product stands up to rigorous lab testing and anti-virus standards. Spyware protection is improved by identifying dangerous changes in a computer system even if the spyware is unidentified. Most concerns with BitDefender are its slow scan speed, much like Norton, and potentially problematic uninstall feature. The product also contains excellent anti-spam devices and parental control, and is Microsoft Vista ready.

6.

$49.95 for two PCs

 User reviews and professional reviews are polarized, though users favor Trend, and the company has its share of awards. Little intervention is needed to utilize the program, and the drain on system resources is moderate. Limited complaints concerning conflicts with other programs and overall use are found. The biggest concern is the program's effectiveness, particularly in terms of malware (e.g. spyware, ad-ware, and viruses) protection. It is above average but less reliable than some of its competitors. Trend is trusted by many corporations, offers a viable security choice, and is lower priced than other top programs.

7.

$49.99

 McAfee tends to fare well with professional reviewers while average users frequently give it a poor to abysmal rating. This discrepancy arises because the program doesn’t lack in security capability but is down-rated for its speed, unfriendly user interface, and potential conflicts with other programs. Eight products are available in one, including anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, anti-phishing, and firewall protection, as well as PC performance enhancement and parental controls. The McAfee line tends to be favored as a corporate or network security solution.

Prices listed are direct from the manufacturer. For the best prices, conduct comparison shopping on cnet.com and additional comparison shopping sites.

Also note that a full Internet security software suite may have more product than you need. Each of these contains a firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware program. Most of these also have added privacy protection, anti-spam features, and parental controls. However, for optimum compatibility, a suite is often recommended over individual programs from different vendors.

Each retailer provides individual or combination programs (e.g. anti-virus and anti-spyware) at a lower cost, allowing you to purchase exactly the level of Internet security you need.

Written by Donna Porter