BitDefender Total Security 2008

(Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista)*

BitDefender does it again with their all-inclusive, total internet security package: BitDefender Total Security 2008. It's got all the essentials including firewall, antivirus, antispyware modules, spam protection, and parental control. This 2008 version even includes a backup module and a system tune-up tool. What makes BitDefender Total Security 2008 so special, is that they make all of their essential tools strong and resilient.

In several independent tests, BitDefender scored high marks for antivirus and antispyware detection and removal. The personal firewall excells in preventing rootkit attacks, trojans, and other malware. The parental controls and anti-phishing tools are basic, but still worthy. All-in-all, a solid all-in-one protection suite.

$59.95



Editor's Overview

• Top-notch antivirus
• Great antispyware
• Good antiphishing
• Protects your PC in real time from viruses
• Descent identity theft protection
• Hourly updates
• Gamer Mode stops gaming interruptions
• Average antispam
• Strong personal firewall
• Average parental control
• New PC tune-up option
• New PC back-up option

BitDefender Total Security 2008 gives Maximum Internet Protection

Aside from expert antivirus, antispyware, and personal firewall features, BitDefender adds a few new features to the mix. The parental control section now takes its place along side the other major functions. However, the parental control options are basic at best. The PC tune-up and PC back-up options are new this year as well. Tune-up isn't necessarily a security issue, but it's a nice touch to an otherwise robust software application. The back-up feature is also a nice bonus for backing up files from one drive to the next. Again, not a security feature, but welcome nonetheless.

The personal firewall fairs excellent in independent studies. Once the antivirus and antispyware sweeps have disinfected your system, it's near impossible for malware threats to get back into your system. You have the option of blocking or granting access to income attempts to access your computer, making it harder and harder for direct attacks to be successful.

Internet Security Features

• Antivirus
• Antispyware
• Antiphishing
• Gamer Mode
• Antispam
• Personal firewall
• Parental Control
• PC Tune-up
• PC Back-up
• Hourly updates
• Real-time scanning
• System clean-up
• Easy interface
• Intuitive settings

Is There Anything Lacking with BitDefender Total Security 2008?

The anti-spam is average, but does ok at identifying potential spam or phishing emails.

The anti-phishing security module protects only as well as most browsers do already, so BitDefender will need to come up with a new bag of tricks to make this feature better than average.


Support

24/7 email, phone, or chat at no extra cost. You can't get any better than that.


Conclusion

BitDefender Total Security 2008 is a great bang for your buck. Although it may seem a little more expensive than the competition, you can hardly beat the software performance. Plus, the easy install, intuitive interface, and award-winning antirvirus features all make this a top-rated total internet security package.


*System Requirements

• Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4
• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (32/64 bit)
• Windows Vista (32/64 bit)

$59.95