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Trend Micro Internet Security 2013 Review: Internet Security Software |
| Visit Trend Micro Internet Security 2013 Website | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best bet for users looking for quality, inexpensive software. New features up the software's game. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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[Editor's Note: Trend Micro is offering an exclusive deal to NextAdvisor.com readers. Simply click any Trend Micro link on NextAdvisor.com and get 30% off Internet Security.]
Year after year, Trend Micro goes above and beyond to make improvements to their security software. For their 2013 version, they've upped their offerings in privacy, performance and identity theft features, among other improvements. Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2013 is the best suite they've released, and even beats out some of the top names in security software this year. Installation Downloading and installing the software takes longer than most other programs, but nothing out of the ordinary for a large download. Trend Micro doesn't ask a lot of questions during the install, which makes it less of a headache than some of the more demanding programs. Overall, a painless experience. Interface Trend Micro's new interface is one of the most dramatic changes for the new software. The software looks more sleek and is easier to navigate. The main page, as with most security software, lets you know whether you are protected or not, along with an easy Scan button underneath that allows you to choose from three different scans. In addition, there is clearly displayed navigation across the top that points you toward PC/Mobile protection, Privacy settings, Data theft protection and parental controls. Each section has its options clearly labeled with an icon underneath, although there is no explanation of the options, which can make it confusing for the user. You need to click on each icon to get the full explanation of what each option does. For example, the PC/Mobile protection section has a System Tuner option, but doesn't explain what a System Tuner is or what it does until you click on the icon. Once you click on it, an introductory window pops up that gives a full explanation, but this seems like an unnecessary step. Once you get past this step, though, the interface becomes a cornucopia of information. Each option is clearly explained, most accompanied by images to help clarify. While it can be confusing in some places, the interface as a whole is very visual, making it easier to navigate. It's one of the most user-friendly interfaces that we've seen from the 2013 software. Antivirus/Anti-malware and Performance
Trend Micro's interface is not the only thing that has been overhauled. Both the protection offerings and the performance have gained ground since our last review. The new suite offers a slew of protection features, including some of the best social networking protections we've seen, as well as new privacy features in the System Tuner section. The new software includes a Facebook Privacy Scanner and a Social Networking Protection option that protects you from any compromised links on the most popular social networking sites. Another new addition is the Secure Erase, which not only deletes a file, but overwrites deleted files several times with random data so that no one can retrieve the contents. In addition to the new features, Trend Micro still offers protections such as Data Theft Prevention, Parental Controls, a Rescue Disk and Internet and email protections. Trend Micro has been a little hit-or-miss in independent testing as of late. It scored 1 out of 3 stars in the most recent AV-Comparatives' Whole-Product Dynamic Test, which takes into account the sum of the product's parts in protecting PCs, but scored 2 and 3 stars in the previous two tests, respectively. However, Trend Micro performed well in all of our tests, and continues to be a trusted name in security software. Performance
In independent testing, Trend Micro scores 2 out of 3 stars consistently, meaning it won't slow down your computer too much, but isn't as good as some of the top security software suites. What it lacks in software performance it makes up for in performance features. Trend Micro boasts a System Tuner that allows you to track your computer's performance. It allows you to see stats on how much disk space you are using and how much space your startup programs are taking up. In addition, the feature lets you perform a tune-up on your computer's performance, which will help get rid of unnecessary files and programs that are weighing down your computer. Conclusion Trend Micro is the most reliable protection software of the smaller security suites. It offers many of the same features that the more expensive suites offer, as well as similar test results. It has grown a lot in the past few years, and we happily recommend it for those looking for reliable, inexpensive security software. System Requirements: Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 * AV-Comparatives ratings on a variety of tasks related to the antivirus and anti-malware product. "Known Malware" refers to a product's ability to catch pre-identified viruses, while "Unknown Malware" refers to its ability to detect brand new viruses. Older scores may reflect previous software versions. Visit Trend Micro Internet Security 2013 Website | Compare to Other Internet Security Software |
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**Score indicates impact of antivirus product on system performance. Average of performance tests by AV-Comparatives. 
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