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Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 Review |
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| Simple to install and use | |
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Trend Micro calls Internet Security 2009 'PC-cillin' because it is like penicillin for your PC. Our research showed that this is probably an accurate description since the software incorporates all of the key features you would expect including anti-virus protection, adware blocking, and spam and phishing protection.
When we first reviewed this software last year, it only took a few moments to download and configure. We noticed right away that Trend Micro didn't have any significant impact on our PC's speed the way that several of the other software providers that we tested did. According to Trend Micro, the most recently released edition of their Internet security software actually installs even more quickly, boots up 50% faster and uses 40% less memory than the 2008 version. Additionally, the interface is very intuitive and we liked the fact that Trend Micro includes a Security Activity Dashboard to allow the user to keep track of how the software is working. Trend Micro did its job by alerting us to known spyware and virus that we attempted to download in our testing. However, we have seen some reports of the software not being as good at identifying new threats. This may have something to do with the fact that Trend Micro updates their virus definitions daily as opposed to hourly like some of the other security software products we have reviewed. The 2009 edition also includes a new feature called Quick Scan, which checks for threats in the most likely places more quickly than a full scan and without interrupting you while you use your computer. While Trend Micro does include a parental controls feature, it is not all that well designed. It is relatively easy to block certain sites, but once they have been set those sites will be inaccessible for all users on your PC. So, if there are sites that you would like to block your children from accessing you can do so, but you will also be prevented from visiting those sites. You can also choose what times your children are allowed to go online, and for how long, and even prevent them from typing personal information while online. Trend Micro also makes it easy to monitor what websites your children are accessing. The key thing missing from Trend Micro's Internet Security from our perspective was more advanced identity theft protection. The service does include anti-phishing protection and a fairly extensive firewall, but it would have been even better if it had also included more advanced identity theft protection tools like password encryption and anti-keylogging features. The latest software adds an enhanced Home Network Security Management function, which lets you see and manage other computers in your home network and block wireless intruders. Trend Micro is a good deal at $49.95 for up to three licenses. Its clean and intuitive design is a big plus for consumers that may be intimidated by the idea of running security software. Overall, we don't feel it is as feature rich as some competitors, particularly when it comes to identity theft protection, but we still recommend the software highly to most consumers. System Requirements: Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista |
| Price: | $49.95/yr for up to 3 users |
| Virus Protection: | Blocks viruses at point of entry |
| Adware and Spyware Protection: | Blocks spyware from tracking your movements online |
| Identity Theft Protection: | Phishing alerts prevent criminals from stealing personal information |
| Spam and Phishing Protection: | Automatically removes know viruses from emails and instant messages |
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