Kaspersky Internet Security 2009

Author's product rating:   

Instructions / Help	Excellent
Ease of use	Satisfactory
Ease of Installation	Good - quick to install
Value For Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Possibly the best internet security/antivirus program
Disadvantages:	I've heard that on Vista some features are not available

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

=== KASPERSKY INTERNET SECURITY 2009: My Review ===========

Kaspersky Internet Security is an Internet security suite developed by Kaspersky Lab and designed for computers running Microsoft Windows. It supports the detection and removal of malware, as well as protection against spam, hackers, phishing attacks and data leaks. It is also known by "experts" to be the best Internet security and anti-virus program of these latest years.

I've known Kaspersky since last year when I got a new computer and I wanted to keep it as protected as I could from the evil Internet, full of trojans, malaware, when not viruses. This time I didn't want to be a cheapskate as I usually am and having just spent more than £400 for the computer, I thought that a few dozens pounds more for a good internet security/anti-virus were more than a fair price to pay for safeguarding my new and valuable purchase.

WHY INTERNET SECURITY AND NOT ANTI-VIRUS?

Perhaps some of you already know that Kaspersky Lab produces two products. One called Kaspersky Anti-Virus, another is the Kaspersky Internet Security. The last one includes all the components of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, as well as some additional ones and it features real-time protection, detection and removal of viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, adware and keyloggers, as well as detection and removal of rootkits. So, the more the better, I completely ignored the Kaspersky Anti-Virus, although cheaper, and went straight for the Internet Security.

HOW GOOD IS IT?

Very!
According to Anti-Malware Test Lab, Kaspersky Internet Security has the best real-time protection and self-defense capability of solutions tested. It is known for having a high detection rate (as shown with tests by AV Comparatives , AV Test, Virus Info and Virus Bulletin), mainly due to its fast response rate (on average, an update is delivered around 0 to 2 hours after malware outbreak) and built-in heuristics technology. Also, according to Matousec Transparent Security, a company dedicated to the testing of firewalls, Kaspersky Internet Security has one of the best firewalls of all Internet security suites tested. Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 TR has achieved an approximate 85% proactive protection in Av-Comparatives latest Proactive/Retrospective test, using both heuristic analysis and Host-based Intrusion Prevention System. Kaspersky Internet Security has won numerous awards from respected IT Journals, such as PC Authority, PC World, PC Professional, PC Pro, Computer Shopper and Computerbild. It is also the winner of many editor's choice of websites like CNET and Softpedia... and they are often proud to put these awards on the cover of the box.

MY EXPERIENCE

Until Kaspersky I've always used Norton Antivirus and Norton Internet Security because they were often successiful products with very high rating in the protection and detection of virus and other malaware. Lately though I was growing tired of their CPU-eating latest versions which are renowned for slowing down even brand new computers, plus they weren't as effective as Norton products used to be a few years ago. You still got undetected malicious software installed without knowing it. This I could testify after installing Kaspersky and runnig a scan. Useless to tell you that I did find LOADS of stuff which Norton never even detected.
Kaspersky is the best I've tried till now (and I've tried a few, not only Norton), it saved me from many dangerous situations. It's rather easy to learn to use it and when you launch a new application it asks you if you want to allow it always, once or block it.
This new 2009 version looks similar to the previous "7" but they made majestic improvements and added new useful functions (read the "features" part).

I forgot to mention that mine came in a nice box with a thick manual, that I've never read, and installation disk + license number.

SUPPORT AND UPGRADES

Kaspersky also offer free version upgrades to all users who are holders of a valid license for the duration period of the license. There is also 24/7 technical support and an active user forum where users can seek help. I was very glad to update my Kaspersky Internet Security 7 to this new and improved version (for free).

FEATURES

As I wrote before, Kaspersky Internet Security includes all the components of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, as well as some additional ones and it features real-time protection, detection and removal of viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, adware and keyloggers, as well as detection and removal of rootkits.
It also includes a personal firewall, parental control and spam and phishing protection and a full HIPS (intrusion prevention system) system for application control and improved detection for suspicious packers and advanced heuristics to proactively detect new malware. In addition, it features automatic update and a tool for creating rescue disks, as well as a self defense feature which prevents it being disabled by malware. Version 2009 introduces Virtual Keyboard, which can be used to prevent keystroke logging.

FINAL NOTES

In short, Kas. Internet Security, in my opinion, has it all! And I can add it's well worth the price. I haven't had a single virus since I've started using it. When I bought it it was on the version 7 which I was able to upgrade for free to the 8 (also called 2009) while I still had a valid license. It's also quite easy to use, you can even set it to a paranoid level of protection where it decides by itself what to allow and what is best to keep blocked. Its automatic choices are often the wisest. If you don't know much about computers in general let Kaspersky choose for you.

When my license will expire I have no doubts at all that I will renew my current one. Kaspersky Lab made an excellent product with very few limitations and great capabilities.

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

Believe it or not I bought it from Play less than a year ago for around £20 brand new with box, manual and everything. But that was a very special offer. From Kaspersky website it sells for around £40 (1 license for 1 PC), £35 on Play.com. If you buy it with a friend or two it comes even cheaper since they also sell a version with a license for 3 PCs (£43 on Play.com).

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

On Windows 2000 (SP4 or higher) / XP (SP2 or higher) / XP Professional x64 Edition: Processor Intel Pentium 300 MHz or higher (or equivalent), RAM 128 MB, free hard drive space 50 MB.

On Windows Vista (32/64-bit): Pentium 800 MHz or higher (or equivalent), RAM 512 MB, free hard drive space: 50 MB

Lastly...

This is an Internet Security program that I suggest to everyone. Forget Norton or that terrible Panda or even the free Avast. If you buy this product you are sure that your money are well spent.

LINKS

http://www.kaspersky.com/