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!