Panda Internet Security 2011: Puts the pain on malware, but is also painfully slow

Panda holds a ton of promise, and if it weren’t for a few niggling issues, we’d anoint it your favorite security suite. But there are some things that just can’t be ignored, like the same persistent pop-ups like in the 2010 release. It started from the get-go with Panda reminder that we still needed to activate the program. Shortly after, another pop-up appeared imploring you to register, something that is usually optional. In this case, the only choices were to go ahead and register or be reminded at a future date (one day, one week, or one month), with no option to disregard it forever. Bad Panda!

Panda does its due diligence in alerting you to potential threats, but it overreacts to your home network, at least at first. Less savvy computer users may end up inadvertently blocking file shares, thinking that the pop-up represents a real danger when in fact it doesn’t.

The other issue is with Panda’s pokey scan engine. Panda subjects certain files to its Collective Intelligence database in the cloud, and a company representative warned us this would slow down scanning. It did, but the real problem is with Panda’s poor file-caching algorithm, which shaved only 26 seconds off a second system sweep that wasn’t that fast to begin with.

Click to try Panda Internet Security 2011

That’s what we don’t like about Panda, but there are plenty of redeeming qualities. We were told to expect improved boot times over time, and that’s what we saw. Initially, Panda added 15 seconds to startup, but after several reboots, Panda settled down to five seconds over a clean install. We also dig the repainted UI. It’s mostly an aesthetic change from last year’s version, but still packed with features—like a home network manager, ID theft protection, remote access, and more—all thoughtfully arranged.

When we fed Panda all malware samples, it chewed them up like a real panda bear chomps on bamboo. It also zipped through AV-Test.org’s much larger collection of malware, scoring higher than the industry average in each of four virus categories. And as an added layer of protection, Panda now includes a virtual keyboard, in case you’re paranoid about key-loggers.

Panda’s not the fastest security suite, nor is it always well behaved, at least at first. But if you can overlook its flaws, it will protect your system unconditionally.

Download now Panda Internet Security 2011.

A valiant shot at redemption that clanks off the back rim

Like Norton, McAfee’s struggling to overcome an unflattering reputation among the tech-literate in hopes of expanding its user base beyond the OEM crowd, and last year’s completely retooled version went a long way toward that goal.

Not much has changed in the McAfee Internet Security 2011 version. It’s still easy to navigate, comparatively light on resources versus pre-2010 versions, and malware
detection is still a mixed bag. McAfee started off strong by breezing through the initial spyware and virus tests, and nearly finished bombarding the suite with all expanded collection of dirty files without incident. But when a zero-day test file slipped past McAfee undetected, the test bed gave up the ghost and entered a BSoD loop.
McAfee isn’t the only program that had trouble recognizing the file and only 12 out of 42 virus scanners flagged it as malicious. Nevertheless, McAfee’s behavioral-based scanning didn’t detect anything was wrong, and that’s troubling.

Refer to the malware experts to see if the findings mirrored theirs. Virus Bulletin denied McAfee a VB100 award because it let a virus from its WildList—a list of currently active viruses in the wild—slip through undetected, and according to AV-Test.org’s test results, McAfee performs below the industry average in protecting against zero-day threats. Not so good.

McAfee isn’t without merits. The two-way firewall is incredibly easy to configure, and for mobile warriors, the 2011 update adds CPU monitoring intended to improve battery life. It does this by delaying automatic definition updates and other background tasks when the system disk is in an idle state. And contrary to popular assumption, McAfee had little impact on system performance. Kudos for all that, but when the rubber meets the road, McAfee’s airbag may fail to
deploy, sending you crashing through Windows.

Protect your computer with McAfee Internet Security 2011 now.

An antivirus for geeks, not newbs

With the release of Norton Internet Security 2011, it’s apparent Symantec is still trying to shed its lingering image in power-user circles as a resource pig, perhaps a little too hard at times. The new user interface is sleek and sexy with plenty of configuration
options to drill into, but it’s also a little daunting for less savvy PC users. It’s the polar opposite of Microsoft Security Essentials, and if you’re experienced with computers, that’s great.

The main window provides on/off switches for a variety of modules, and if you dive into the Settings menu, you’ll find a whole bunch of additional tools. It’s sheer overload for normal user who won’t understand the difference between Browser Protection, Safe Surfing, and Download Intelligence, all of which appear on the main interface. Hover over any of these, however, and Norton does a serviceable
job explaining what they are.

Unlike last year’s version, trying to trip up Norton Internet Security 2011 with our malware samples proved futile. Symantec upgraded its SONAR technology, which pays close attention to how a program behaves rather than relying solely on virus definitions. The idea is to catch zero-day threats that slip into the wild, and it worked beautifully with our contaminated archive. NIS also shields against potentially harmful websites, though you can still truck through if you suspect it’s a false positive.

Installing Norton had no impact on boot time, and system scans were among the fastest of the bunch. We’re beating what’s left of a dead horse at this point, but this isn’t the same Norton from three-plus years ago. The only real complaint is that Symantec perhaps caters a little too much to enthusiasts and risks alienating some mainstream users.

Click now to download Symantec Norton Internet Security 2011 Comprehensive Control At Your Fingertips.

This Eset Smart Security 5, includes Anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and anti-spam functions are combined in the latest version of Eset’s all-in-one security software.

Thoughtful additions include a new Gamer Mode which helps the computer conserve system resources so that games run more smoothly.

Another new feature is the Parental Control mode which filters offensive or undesirable material. Users can set up individual accounts, each with its set of security filters.

Click here for more: Eset Smart Security 5

After putting Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper 2011 through its paces, I’m convinced this application was worth the wait. The new edition’s user interface has been redesigned with a strong emphasis on simplicity. On-screen elements slide into place rather than snapping open a new view. If the product is performing perfectly, the main screen is a serene green with minimal detail. A gray screen with a yellow warning icon indicates the configuration isn’t quite optimal. A real problem turns the main screen scary red. Yes, other products use same green/yellow/red status scheme, but Webroot has kicked it up a notch.

By default, the app downloads and installs all signature updates automatically, with no user interaction required. Also, Webroot automatically scans your system for malware when the system is idle, applying all of its malware-smashing technologies by default. It scans memory, the Registry, and the full file system; it looks inside archives, and it uses direct-disk scanning to detect rootkits. Despite all this activity, the scan is quite fast. On my standard clean test system, it took just 18 minutes. Real-time protection comes from over a dozen “shield” modules.

When I ran Webroot on 13 malwareinfested test systems, I found that it detected 83 percent of threats, the same as Ad-Aware Pro Internet Security 8.3. However, it did a better job at cleaning up malware, scoring
7.0 points overall to Ad-Aware Pro’s 6.4. In quite a few cases, Webroot wiped out every trace of the threat. Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 2010 beat them both, detecting 89 percent and scoring 7.3 points.

Webroot also set a new record in the keylogger removal category with 7.8 of 10 possible points, handily beating both Spyware Doctor’s 7.1 and the next-best 6.6 points achieved by Norton AntiVirus 2010. So while Webroot didn’t ace every test, it consistently made the top three, and, unlike many products, it did well both at malware prevention and at cleaning up existing infestations. You won’t go wrong choosing Webroot to protect your system against viruses and other types of malware.

Get it now at special price: Webroot Spy Sweeper With Antivirus 3-PC

Webroot Antivirus with Spy Sweeper 3-User

Product Description
Everyman’s PC Security Course

* Step One – How Secure is Your Home Computer
* Step Two – All About Viruses
* Step Three – Password Protection
* Step Four – Back Up Important Files
* Step Five – Should You Have a Firewall?
* Step Six – Do You Need a File Encryption Program?
* Step Seven – What Are Patches and Do You Need Them?
* Step Eight – Beware of Opening eMail Attachments
* Step Nine – What You Should Know About Phishing
* Step Ten – Download & Install Safely
* Step Eleven – Instant Messaging Do’s and Don’ts
* Step Twelve – Setting Up a SAFE Home Network
* Step Thirteen – Keeping Your Children Safe Online
… More >>

Everyman’s PC Security Course

• Easy to use protection — just install and forget. Works in background
• Improved virus detection based on better heuristics and NTFS data streams scanning
• Resident shield with on-access scanning
• Unique automatic threat-removal anti-spyware engine
• Self-protection at kernel layer guarantees gapless monitoring

Product Description
With AVG Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware 2 Year Edition gives your computer system better protection against the many dangers one can face online. Protect yourself more thoroughly from viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware and various other malicious and unwanted programs. Special 2-Year subscription with regular anti-virus security updates Strong signatures for higher resistance to malware (malicious software) variations New program versions and updates, for free, throughout the license duration 24/7 technical support provided at no extra cost… More >>

2YR Avg Anti-virus V8.5 Win 1LIC Big Box

Album Description
We thought the Virus was contained. But something made it through. Now that the RED 4:12 Anti-Virus has been implanted in the Enemy’s mainframe, the System must be rebooted for the changes to take effect!Stand out tracks are “Vertigo”, “Toy Soldiers” and “The End Of A Man”.This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply…. More >>

Reboot!

• 8-in-1 PC and Internet protection for a worry-free online experience
• Online security from identity thieves, spammers, and predators
• Protection from viruses, hackers, and spyware; keeps PC healthy
• Backs up and restores photos, music, and important files
• Warns about sites that send spam, install adware, or attempt scams

Product Description
Item #: 36084H. McAfee Internet Security Suite with SiteAdvisor provides trusted PC and Internet protection so your whole family can enjoy online activities such as surfing the Web, shopping, banking, e-mailing and instant messaging. Always on, always protecting and always updating, McAfee delivers a worry-free Internet experience because it guards both your identity and your PC from viruses, spyware, e-mail and phishing scams, and hackers.With its automated backup feature, McAfee Internet Security Suite with SiteAdvisor makes it easy to safeguard your most important photos, music, videos and files. If anything is ever lost or corrupted, you can restore files and data with just one simple click. In addition, th… More >>

McAfee Internet Security Suite 2008 – 3 User

• Anti-Viral Support
• Low Immunity Support
• Great for Cold and Flu Season
• Use before and while traveling
• Natural herbal defense

Product Description
Provides support for those who suffer from low immunity. Highly effective in balancing the body and allowing it to fight off a variety of common viruses. By augmenting the body’s immune system, Virus Fighter 1 allows you to recover quickly from viral attacks. Virus Fighter 1 is effective as a preventative aide during the winter months to fight off many of the common viral infections. If a severe infection already is present, an increased dosage is recommended…. More >>

Virus Fighter 1