Panda Internet Security 2009 Review

Overview:

Panda Internet Security Suite 2009 provides above average protection against internet-based threats. The features and tools are similar to those of its competitors, but the program lacks some essential user-friendliness on its interface. The current user interface is a remnant of old software programs, and the program could use a better design for more appeal and convenience. However, Panda Internet Security Suite 2009 is able to detect and remove most known viruses and spyware, as well as provide real-time protection of an acceptable level. The software is priced at $79.95 per year for up to three computers, which is a tad too expensive for the general user. But, if you buy it for a three-year period, your discounted price becomes  $58.63 per year.

The Panda Internet Security Suite 2009 program offers anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing and anti-rootkit protection, while providing a firewall, identity protection, anti-spam, parental control, system backup, technical support and upgrade tools. The internet security suite works best with Windows XP and Vista systems.

Ease of Use:

Usability is an area of deep concern when it comes to software produced for the average computer user. In Panda Internet Security Suite 2009, the ease of use is a combination of good and bad. There are four main screen areas in which you can view the Security Protection, Optimization, Unwanted Content Filters and Backup Copies. A visible green light means your computer is protected in real-time. Updates and subscriptions can also be managed within the primary screen area.

Although the main screen is helpful, informative and easy for anyone to navigate, configuring the software with different settings can be a laborious task. The software is setup in its default configuration upon installation and in the case of multiple computer licensing, the security suite must be configured for networks and many users. Some options require you to navigate through several menus and this makes it tedious for ordinary users to complete simple configurations.

Ease of Installation/Setup:

Installing Panda Internet Security Suite 2009 is very easy because it comes with a configuration wizard. However, once the default settings are configured and the software runs on your computer, you may need to configure more advanced settings for shared computers and network use. In this scenario, you’ll face some difficulty with setting advanced options, unless you are a seasoned administrator. Nevertheless, the software gives average usability for general users and non tech savvy individuals.

Security Features:

No internet security suite can be effective unless it has a high-quality firewall. The Panda Internet Security Suite 2009 offers a very good firewall, but it has some configuration issues that are difficult for the average user. The default configuration is enough for the majority of users, but if you need to access any P2P material or online gaming programs, advanced configurations are needed. The option menus are available under several layers of navigation, which can be frustrating if you don’t have the patience or the tech savvy to complete the function.

While some limitations exist, the security suite offers anti-virus and anti-spyware tools as well. Scans can be scheduled or run randomly when required, and you have the flexibility to choose from Typical, Custom and Localized scans to detect and remove infections from specific areas of your computer. A default setting is already available and unless you need advanced scanning, no changes are necessary for the scans to be effective.

If you use any email client other than Outlook or Outlook Express, the virus scanner will not check your sent and received emails. The mail scanner is not compatible with Hotmail, Yahoo, Thunderbird or AOL email clients, which makes it a poor choice of virus scanning engine for an internet security suite. The program does have a very good parental controls feature, where you can set passwords and monitor internet use as necessary.

Web filters are available for use as parental controls or organizational internet use management. The presets available include Kid, Teen, Employee and Default. The filters can be adjusted to permit certain content and block others, which is helpful in managing what your kids browse when they surf the web and keeping your employees focused on job tasks rather than social websites and blogs.

Panda Internet Security Suite 2009 is effective against browser hijacking, trojans, keylogging and various other malware threats. It has a feature to send threat alerts to a specified email address, which comes in handy if you need to monitor a computer while you are away or during times when you need to impose parental controls.

Performance:

The Panda Internet Security Suite 2009 is an above average performer when considered in its entirety, with many standard features enabled in its default settings and some usability difficulties as negative aspects of the software. The main program screen displays all statistical data and reports for easy monitoring, while the scans are available as real-time, scheduled and random. This specific internet security suite can be recommended for general computer users who need basic protection from viruses, spyware and internet threats.

Help/Support:

If you need technical support or customer service assistance from Panda Internet Security Suite 2009 producers, their website offers a very good user guide and a FAQ page, which answers most questions and solves 90% of the problems. You can also contact customer support via email, although no telephone support or live chat facilities are available.