September 2007 printable version
CR Quick Recommendations Software suites

A security suite makes sense if you want the simplicity of a single program. Suites also offer features that most stand-alone products don't include (and that we list in the Ratings chart, but did not test). And where stand-alone programs usually run on only one machine, some suites can be used on as many as three computers, making them a potential money saver.

However, we recommend suites only for machines with at least 1 gigabyte of memory; any less risks slow performance. All of the products offer a unified interface, automatic updating of all components, and a software firewall, and are compatible with Windows XP and Vista. Ratings reflect performance against viruses, spyware, and spam. Quick Picks considers performance and value.


Quick Picks
Best choice overall:
Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2007 $50

The Trend Micro suite excelled in every category and, even with its $50 annual fee, offers fairly inexpensive all-around protection for as many as three computers. The few extras it lacks, including an ad/popup blocker, file backup, and Windows cleanup utilities, might be found on other software you use, such as your operating system and browser.

A fine value:
Check Point ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7.0 $50

Check Point's antivirus and antispyware components didn't score quite as high as Trend Micro's, though its antispam protection was first-rate. Its annual fee is $15 less than Trend Micro's. It includes an ad/popup blocker, though it lacks the Wi-Fi monitor that Trend Micro offers. It can be used on as many as three computers.



   For full features at a premium price:
McAfee Total Protection 2007 $80
McAfee Internet Security Suite 2007 $70

These best combine high performance and ample features, including a file backup utility, and offer an integrated security solution, albeit at a relatively high price. The lower-priced suite also carries a lower annual fee. It's the better buy unless you really need a Wi-Fi monitor, a less-than-essential feature unless you suspect your neighbors of hacking into your network. Note that McAfee charges $10 extra per year to service each computer beyond one.