With all internet security companies raising the bar of what system security should be, Trend Micro is no exception to the rule and once again returns with a truly impressive Internet Security program.

 

This will review will cover Trend Micro PC-Cillin Internet Security Pro 2009 and Trend Micro PC-Cillin Internet Security 2009, each offering the user slightly different options, depending on their usage, budget and what they need from an Internet Security Program.

 

With this in mind, Internet Security is no longer about viruses and Trojans, rather users need total protection as there are key loggers, sites that steal personal details such as your identity and credit card details and websites that can infect your computer with small downloads.

 

The face of security has definitely changed since the early days of the internet and Trend Micro are up their with the best. Before we get to the crux of the review, below is a comprehensive comparison between both programs.

 

Features
 

Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security Pro 2009

Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2009

Get essential protection Protect your PC from Viruses and spyware. Prevent unauthorised changes to your applications. Surf the Web safely Block email and image spam. Stop malicious downloads from websites. Prevent phishing and block unsafe web pages with Worry-Free Click™. Protect your children online Restrict Internet access based on Australian certified filters. Limit Internet access time and duration. Safeguard Multiple Computers Install Trend Micro Internet Security on up to three home or mobile computers. Benefits of Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2009: Automatic and continuous protection against malicious threats, whether at home or away, is easy with the smart, proven security features provided by Trend Micro PC-Cillin Internet Security 2009. Now even faster and lighter, Trend Micro Internet Security 2009 continues to proactively guard your computer without noticing a difference to your PCs performance. Trend Micro Internet Security 2009 is easy to install, configure and manage – PLUS Automatic updates will alert you of potential threats and remove them safely before they happen. With tailored security features which prevent phishing, illicit downloads from websites and unauthorised email and image spam – you can surf the Web and send and receive emails with confidence. Rest easy in the knowledge your whole family is protected – take charge of when and where your children go on the web by blocking inappropriate websites and setting time restrictions. With Worry-Free Click you can feel safe while you browse online knowing access to suspect websites have been identified and disabled

Get essential protection Protect your PC from Viruses and spyware. Prevent unauthorised changes to your applications. Surf the Web safely Block email and image spam. Stop malicious downloads from websites. Prevent phishing and block unsafe web pages with Worry-Free Click™. Protect your children online Restrict Internet access based on Australian certified filters. Limit Internet access time and duration. Safely bank, shop or invest online Stop keyloggers from stealing your data with cutting edge encryption technology. Remotely lock files in the case of computer theft. Defend against advanced threats Automatic warning against suspicious links in IM and email. Extend your security protection to Smartphones and PDAs. Maximise your PC’s performance Clean up your PC for faster performance. Get a complete snapshot of security activities on your PC. *Up to 20GB of online backup per computer. Benefits of Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security Pro 2009: Maximum protection against security threats and identity and financial theft, whether at home or away, is easy with the smart, real-time security features provided by Trend Micro PC-Cillin Internet Security Pro 2009. With cutting edge technology and customisable security, ensure your identity is protected and privacy is maintained when banking, investing and shopping online. Trend Micro Internet Security 2009 Pro is easy to install, configure and manage – PLUS Automatic updates will alert you of potential threats and remove them safely before they happen. Using tailored security features which protect against phishing, data theft by keyloggers and email and image spam – you can confidently surf the Web, email, send instant messages, shop, bank or invest online. Rest easy in the knowledge your whole family is protected – take charge of when and where your children go on the web by blocking inappropriate websites and setting time restrictions. With up to 60 GB of online backup*, and registry cleanup and system tuning, Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009 will boost your computers performance.

Although both programs offer very good internet security for threats such as viruses, Trojans, anti-spam, firewalls and anti-phishing, the PRO version does give the user a few more powerful tools that we do recommend, however if you are on a budget, the non-PRO version is still quite thorough.

Installation
 

The system requirements of both programs are rather low with both systems needing a minimum processor speed of 800Mhz of greater and with a 256MB of RAM or greater.

 

Of course, the faster the processor and more RAM you do have installed, the better the program will operate. The standard edition requires 350MB of hard drive space, whereas the professional version needs 500MB.

 

Best of all, the programs still support Windows XP and all Vista platforms. Another impressive feature is that the both programs support Firefox and also Windows Live Messenger which is good for those using the internet for online chats.

 

We tested the machine on an AMD 9600 Quad-core CPU with 8GB of RAM and 500GB of hard drive space. Once the CD was detected by our system, it automatically installed the software with little prompting from the user.

 

Even though the installation was rather quick when compared to other Internet Security Programs, Norton Internet Security 2009 is still the fastest program available on the market when it comes to installation.

 

In terms of this software suite, the installation did not require a reboot of the system and it automatically downloaded the latest updates required to keep our system safe against the latest threats.

 

Given the fact that previous Symantec products have been riddled with un-installation problems, this has not been the case with Trend Micro software, as the program does come with a powerful removal tool which will totally remove both programs from your system. T

he only issue with the installation of Trend Micro's Internet Security 2009 is that it seemed to use a large amount of memory which means people with slower computers and less RAM will notice some slowdowns.

 

Interface

The interface of Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2009 and PRO is quite reminiscent of the previous version, however the interface appears to be more redefined with a sleeker and more modern interface.

 

The program is basically split into two views, a menu system on the top with icons that include areas such as "Virus", "Internet" and "Other Settings" with the bottom window used as the workspace.

 

With the professional version, it allows you to protect mobile devices and has more home network functions which is definitely worth the extra money if you have these devices.

 

The program also uses colours to ensure that your system is protected, for example, green means your system is "safe", whereas "red" is for alerts and "yellow" is for warnings. Definitely a slight improvement over the previous version.

 

We tested some of the features of Internet Security 2009 for the main internet threats which included infected e-mails, "fake" websites that masqueraded as real websites and also the anti-spam features.

 

As per usual, Internet Security 2009 prevented all known threats from infecting our computer. As to scanning times, the program has had a slight increase over its predecessor and is quite fast, even compared to the lighting quick Norton Internet Security 2009.

 

The anti-phishing aspect of the program uses a white list, including its own algorithms to prevent any unauthorised access or details to be passed across. It should be noted that the professional version also includes a great function called "first visitor" which scans for any malicious code on a website that you may be the first person to visit it. Definitely a powerful feature.

 

Physical computer theft also plays a role in the professional version of the program with a nifty ability of remote file-locking. This feature basically password protects your folder and if a doomsday scenario did occur and your computer was physically stolen, you could activate this feature the next time your PC connected to the internet.

 

Both programs offer a great parental feature which prevent your children accessing adult or unsuitable websites and we were pleased to note that this feature worked quite well. You can even limit the amount of time your children spend on the internet which is definitely a bonus in today's day and age. Best of all, these filters are based on Australian certified filters which offers additional protection.

 

Each of the programs also offers 12-months of free updates and support which ensures almost total protection. Match that with the ability to install this on up to 3 computers and this is one of the most affordable internet security packages available on the Australian market.

 

As mentioned earlier, the Home Network aspect of Internet Security 2009 Pro allows you to monitor your home network, however it also allows you to control the security settings on another two computers on your network such as a laptop or another desktop.

 

The PRO version also offers a great registry cleanup utility and system tuning program. The registry cleaner is great for removing programs that failed to successfully remove the files installed on your computer, whereas the system tuning program offers the ability to speedup and in some circumstances fix your computer issues.

In relation to support, users will be pleased to know that Trend Micro offers free technical support and if you are having issues online, there is a great online chat feature which allows you to connect to a technician in order to assist with your problems. There is also phone support available during weekdays should you experience a problem that cannot be resolved through online chat or through the website.

 

Lastly, the program comes equipped with Carbonite on the PRO version, a leading developer of online storage utilities which are now available for the home and office user. With this feature, it allows each of the three computers of up to 20GB of online storage for 12 months.

 

In conclusion, the Trend Micro Internet Security Suites are quite affordably priced and is almost on par with Norton Internet Security 2009 with features and is slightly better than the McAfee Internet Security suites.

 

The program is quite easy to use due to the innovative menu system and features good support. If you regularly use the internet and need good computer protection than we would recommend you investigate both of these products, especially if you use online banking or use your credit card online. Prevention is definitely better than cure.

 

Still don't believe us? Log onto www.trendmicro.com.au for a free trial!