• Price: Free to try (30-day trial); $49.95 to buy (Buy it now)
• Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 7
• Date added: September 03, 2009

Confidently download, share and open files from friends, family, co-workers – and even total strangers. Protects against viruses and other malware using industry-leading technology. Scans all Web, e-mail and instant messaging traffic in real-time. Provides an unmatched detection rate of new threats based on two different proactive technologies. Blocks spyware programs that track your online activities. Protect your identity: shop, bank, listen and watch, privately and securely. Blocks web pages that attempt to steal your credit card data. Prevents personal information from leaking via e-mail, Web or instant messaging.

CNET Editor’s Note: The Download Now link will download a small installer file to your desktop. Remain online and double-click the installer to proceed with the actual download.

ESET’s Smart Security takes the structure built by their popular antivirus program NOD32 and adds on two wings: a personal firewall and a spam filter. Because much of Smart Security is the same as NOD32, this review will focus only on the firewall and spam filter.

The firewall’s advanced settings are Smart Security’s strength. Users can extensively customize the firewall’s behavior, but don’t have to. There are five default settings: automatic, automatic with user-defined exceptions, interactive, policy-based, and learning. You can set safe zones, configure remote desktop access, and manage intrusion detection, all from an uncluttered and easy-to-use menu. ESET chose usability over flashiness with its design, and users can jump between advanced options for any of Smart Security’s tools from the same pane.

The antispam filter is similarly effective and configurable. The program can automatically mark outgoing addresses as safe, as well as detect global address books. Smart Security is surprisingly light, consuming around 50MB of RAM when running, and users should note that NOD32 has consistently scored near the top of several independent antivirus testing organization ratings for finding the most malware while encountering fewer false positives than most. Uninstallation is still tricky, unfortunately, leaving behind residual system files and Registry settings. Still, for getting all your security tools in one box, Smart Security is an effective and well-respected choice.

Publisher’s description

Using advanced ThreatSense technology, ESET Smart Security proactively protects you from new attacks during the critical first hours when other vendors’ products are not even aware the attack exists. ESET Smart Security detects and disables both known and unknown viruses, trojans, worms, adware, spyware, rootkits and other Internet threats. Version 4.0.437 is a bug fixing release.

F-Secure Internet Security 2010 offers better security online without slowing down your computer. The completely redesigned new version offers significantly improved performance, including 70 % less memory consumption and 60 % faster scanning. It also provides enhanced protection against viruses, malware, spam e-mail, and cyber criminals.

Automatic updates and advanced cloud computing technology ensure the fastest protection against new threats. The new Browsing Protection feature tells you which websites are safe to enter and which you should avoid. Harmful sites are blocked automatically to ensure safe surfing while renewed Parental Control keeps children safe from inappropriate web content. Extensive usability studies have helped us create a user experience that sets a new standard for safe PC use. Any problems are handled automatically, without disturbing the user. You are safe, whatever you do online.

Protecting your computer from viruses is not something to take lightly, so we’re glad to say Kaspersky Internet Security does a better-than-average job of keeping your PC safe. Three new features along with expected upgrades to their antivirus engine keep Kaspersky competitive.

New features in the 2010 edition include a behavioral-based detection system called the Urgent Detection Sytsem. The UDS uses tthe anonymous data Kaspersky customers who choose to participate in submitting their system scans for analysis. In fact, the UDS must be opted-out of–there’s a check box and data collection statement to read when you install the program. Also new, the Safe Run sandbox nearly doubles the amount of RAM the program uses, but provides a secure environment for launching programs. Safe Run also comes with a sandboxed folder into which you can save files without worry. Programs can be launched into Safe Run manually through the Kaspersky Security Zone panel, or launched on the fly using the context menu.

A gamer mode, somewhat superfluous virtual keyboard to avoid keylogging, and auto-run disabling are the less-impressive new features, joining stalwarts like antivirus protection for files, e-mail, HTTP traffic, and instant messaging. There are protections against spam, phishing, and banner ads, firewall control, and a network monitor to track network activities for users who like to drill down deep into their system’s behavior. There’s also a parental control filter, with options to customize for children or teens. Kaspersky is a strong security suite, but the extra features only available in Internet Security make it worthwhile to pay for.

Publisher’s description

The advanced Internet security software with premium protection from viruses, spyware hackers and spam. Also includes comprehensive identity theft and phishing protection, parental and privacy controls, and superfast performance. Key features: Complete PC Protection–Green means your computer is up to date and completely safe and secure from malicious threats. Kaspersky Urgent Detection System–Offers the ultimate real-time protection when you surf the web, use web mail, or download files. Kaspersky Security Analyzer–Scans all applications to ensure you’re running the latest and safest software. Kaspersky iSwift and iChecker Scanning–Automatically adjusts scanning as your activity increases for superfast performance. Efficiently scans only files that have changed since your last scan. Automated Hourly Updating–Kaspersky delivers especially small signature updates directly to you for highly-efficient computing and premium protection. Kaspersky Virtual Keyboard–On-screen keyboard makes entering data completely secure. Kaspersky Security Network–Every Kaspersky user benefits from the immediate global threat intelligence gathered by the Kaspersky Security Network, which links millions of participating Kaspersky users from around the globe. Kaspersky Whitelisting and Application Control–Delivers up-to-the-second threat intelligence to determine security privileges for every application you launch. Kaspersky Anti-Spam and Two-Way Firewall–Keeps out hackers and annoying spam attempting to infiltrate your system. Parental Controls–Protects your children online by limiting time and access to inappropriate sites, instant messaging, games, and online auctions.

New in version 2010: Kaspersky Safe Run–Lets you run your applications and browsers in an isolated location on your PC, preventing access to your private data or computer resources. Auto-Run Disable–Prevents peripherals like portable USB drives from automatically executing when they are plugged in to the machine, prompting users to scan the drive for any hidden threats. Kaspersky URL Advisor–Plug-in for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox to warn you of links to dangerous web sites.

BufferZone is the only security software that creates a separate environment allowing you unlimited freedom to enjoy all Internet activities without the fear of external threats. With BufferZone Pro, you can finally surf anywhere, download anything, open e-mail attachments, share and chat with your friends and e-bank with peace of mind. BufferZone Pro complements and enhances your existing security suite providing an added layer of protection against the risks of the Web and external media devices as reinforcement for weaknesses in your PC security software. BufferZone Virtualization technology contains Internet applications, websites and files from external media/storage inside a separated environment called the “Virtual Zone,” displayed as a red border around your screen.

BufferZone is the only security software that creates a separate environment allowing you unlimited freedom to enjoy all Internet activities without the fear of external threats. With BufferZone Pro, you can finally surf anywhere, download anything, open e-mail attachments, share and chat with your friends and e-bank with peace of mind. BufferZone Pro complements and enhances your existing security suite providing an added layer of protection against the risks of the Web and external media devices as reinforcement for weaknesses in your PC security software. BufferZone Virtualization technology contains Internet applications, websites and files from external media/storage inside a separated environment called the “Virtual Zone” displayed as a red border around your screen.

What’s new in this version:

Version 3.21-41 includes general performance and stability improvements as well as several bugfixes.

The powerful technologies in Webroot Internet Security Essentials provide proven all-around protection. WISE removes traces of your online activity, making your PC invisible to hackers, and offers local and online backup of your irreplaceable photos and files. A global early response network keeps you ahead of potential attacks, and an intuitive dashboard makes choosing your protection levels easy. Provides total PC security without sacrificing speed, as WISE doesn’t create confusion with an overload of unnecessary features.

ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2010 gives users a full-bodied feature set that focuses on immediate security, but a clunky interface makes some key features hard to get to and activate. Among these are the virus scan, the cornerstone of any security product, and the new gaming mode. ZoneAlarm is boasting of scan times that it says are 80 to 90 percent faster than in previous versions because developers have finally unified their antivirus and antispyware engines. ZoneAlarm has also made improvements to its download scanning protocol, and has included an optional add-on for encrypting laptop hard drives as well as keylogger protection so that only the intended program can read your keystrokes.

Other features include an identity protection module to encrypt personal information and alert you when it leaves your computer–as well as helping you set up an eBay fraud report, if you’re an eBay user. There’s also an outbound e-mail alert, in case your account gets hacked, parental controls, and the browser toolbar for Firefox and Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, the browser protections only work in those two browsers. ZoneAlarm’s well-known firewall is included, and after spending half a day with it on a Windows 7 computer we didn’t notice any of the usability problems that have notoriously plagued it. That doesn’t mean they don’t exist, of course, but we didn’t experience them on the latest version.

In terms of threat detection and removal efficacy, independent data isn’t available yet for this version. On ZoneAlarm Extreme Security 2009, the program scored better than average but not in the upper percentiles on malware detection, removal, response times, and only average on false positives. The trial period is shorter by half than its competitors, but if you’re looking for big-name protection, ZoneAlarm Extreme isn’t a bad place to start.

Publisher’s description

ZoneAlarm Extreme Security is a comprehensive suite protecting your PC, your browser, and your data. The OSFirewall monitors changes within your computer to spot and stop new attacks that bypass traditional anti-virus protection. The Advanced Download Protection analyzes browser downloads in three unique ways before they can infect your PC and warns if they are malicious. Virtual Browsing allows users to surf with full protection against malicious software like drive-by downloads and browser exploits. Hard Drive Encryption keeps your identity and data private in the event of PC loss or theft. Credit Bureau Monitoring Services protect your identity with daily credit report monitoring and provides victim recovery services. Two-way Firewall keeps hackers out by making your PC invisible online and blocking intrusions. Anti-phishing and Site Status blocks fraudulent websites including “phishing” sites that trick you into entering personal data. Keylogger / screengrabber jamming feature protects your passwords and other key strokes from being stolen by identity thieves. Private Browsing erases your surfing tracks and allows you to surf the Internet in complete privacy. Secure Online Backup backs up files and restores your data in the event of hardware malfunction. PC Tune-up cleans, organizes and streamlines your computer for improved performance. Parental Controls filter and block inappropriate websites. Anti-Spam filters out annoying and potentially dangerous email.

What’s new in this version:

Version 9.0 adds hard drive encryption for laptops, more browser security features, new unified anti-virus and anti-spyware engines, timing attack protection plus many performance improvements.

In the 2010 version of its flagship security suite, Symantec continues to build on the unexpected progress it made last year. In addition to maintaining the quick load and scan times, and significantly smaller system footprint, Norton 2010 includes a behavioral detection engine based on both behavior and reputation.

Called Quorum, this new engine doesn’t adversely affect Norton’s performance–a major concern after years of system-crippling sluggishness. It works in concert with Norton Insight, introduced last year as a whitelist-style guard for ”trusted” files. By examining your files and how they behave–both locally and when trying to access the Internet–and comparing them with other Norton users, Symantec claims it offers better protection than its competitors. Like its competitors who also have behavioral detection systems, however, Norton allows you to opt out of anonymously submitting your data without sacrificing the protection that Quorum provides. Third-party detection and removal ratings are not available for this new version, but last year’s results placed Norton in the upper echelon for efficacy.

The premium services in Norton Internet Security include a firewall, add-on parental controls through OnlineFamily.Norton, Wi-Fi protection for unsecured hot spots, and identity protection including antiphishing tools and browser search result authentication for Internet Explorer and Firefox. Although Norton lacks a searchable knowledge base, e-mail, IM, and phone support are available, as well as the well-trafficked Symantec forums. A single license is good for three computers, making Norton a competitive choice for families with more than one PC. With the trial doubled from 15 days to 30, Norton Internet Security should be a top consideration for any multicomputer family.

Publisher’s description

Norton Internet Security 2010 delivers fast and light comprehensive online threat protection. It guards your PC, network, online activities and your identity with innovative, intelligent detection technologies optimized to combat today’s aggressive, rapid-fire attacks.

Improved Norton Safe Web technology blocks Internet threats before they can infect your PC. So you can browse, buy and bank online with confidence. It even warns you of unsafe web sites right in your search results. Plus, unlike other Internet security suites, it provides easy-to-understand threat and performance information to help you avoid future threats and keep your PC running fast.

CNET Editor’s Note: The Download Now link will direct you to the developer’s site where you’ll be asked to provide your e-mail address to download a file.

MCS Firewall 2008 is a tool which protects computer in Internet. Application can prevent interception and impersonating user’s computer, blocks dangerous connections and monitor ports, protects against many trojan horses and spy-ware applications up-to-date (without need of manual scan). Application helps you to protect your computer against hackers attacks. MCS Firewall allows you to register and target all incoming and outgoing packets.