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Top Internet Security Suites

Symantec's easy-to-use Norton suite is a solid performer overall. BitDefender's package is a great value, while Avira beat all competitors in malware detection.

Edited by Nick Mediati, PC World

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Internet Security 2009 PCW Rating: 90.0PCW Rating: 90.0PCW Rating: 90.0

Last Rated: January 22, 2009

1. Symantec Internet Security 2009

Price when reviewed: $70 ($50 renewal price), Performance: Superior, Ease of use: Superior, Features: Very Good

Bottom Line: This strong security suite costs a little more than most alternatives, but it's easy to use and good at blocking malicious software.

Full Review • Test Report •
Internet Security 2009 PCW Rating: 87.0PCW Rating: 87.0PCW Rating: 87.0

Last Rated: January 22, 2009

2. BitDefender Internet Security 2009

Price when reviewed: $40 ($50 renewal price), Performance: Very Good, Ease of use: Good, Features: Very Good

Bottom Line: BitDefender's suite gives you good protection for a great price, if you're willing to put up with a couple of interface annoyances.

Full Review • Test Report •
Internet Security 2009 PCW Rating: 84.0PCW Rating: 84.0PCW Rating: 84.0

Last Rated: January 22, 2009

3. Panda Internet Security 2009

Price when reviewed: $50 ($60 renewal price), Performance: Very Good, Ease of use: Very Good, Features: Good

Bottom Line: The Panda suite covers all the bases with its features, and it scans quickly, but in tests it lagged some rivals in malware detection.

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Internet Security Suite 2009 PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0

Last Rated: January 22, 2009

4. McAfee Internet Security Suite 2009

Price when reviewed: $60 ($60 renewal price), Performance: Very Good, Ease of use: Very Good, Features: Superior

Bottom Line: Its mix of pluses (such as good detection rates) and minuses (such as slow scan speed) lands McAfee's offering in the middle of the pack.

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Premium Security Suite 8.2 PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0PCW Rating: 82.0

Last Rated: January 22, 2009

5. Avira Premium Security Suite 8.2

Price when reviewed: $54 ($54 renewal price), Performance: Superior, Ease of use: Good, Features: Poor

Bottom Line: Avira's suite is a good choice for more-technical users who want the best detection but don't need phone support or parental controls.

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Internet Security 2009 PCW Rating: 81.0PCW Rating: 81.0PCW Rating: 81.0

Last Rated: January 22, 2009

6. Kaspersky Lab Internet Security 2009

Price when reviewed: $80 ($120 renewal price), Performance: Superior, Ease of use: Good, Features: Good

Bottom Line: If Kaspersky wants to charge the highest price, the suite should have the best protection and a smooth, intuitive interface. It doesn't.

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Internet Security 2009 PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0

Last Rated: January 22, 2009

7. F-Secure Internet Security 2009

Price when reviewed: $60 ($46 renewal price), Performance: Very Good, Ease of use: Very Good, Features: Poor

Bottom Line: F-Secure's package provides decent detection and a clear, informative interface, but other suites offer stronger protection.

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Internet Security Essentials PCW Rating: 77.0PCW Rating: 77.0PCW Rating: 77.0

Last Rated: January 22, 2009

8. Webroot Internet Security Essentials

Price when reviewed: $60 ($50 renewal price), Performance: Very Good, Ease of use: Good, Features: Poor

Bottom Line: Webroot's first foray into security suites needs some work--and better malware detection--before it becomes worthy of consideration.

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Internet Security Pro 2009 PCW Rating: 74.0PCW Rating: 74.0PCW Rating: 74.0

Last Rated: January 22, 2009

9. Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009

Price when reviewed: $70 ($70 renewal price), Performance: Good, Ease of use: Very Good, Features: Good

Bottom Line: Trend Micro's latest suite fails at the most basic task of detecting and blocking malicious software. Not recommended.

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