CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2008
CA's Internet Security Suite 2008 comes with a full complement of features to safeguard you and your computer from all kinds of malicious threats while you're surfing the web. This new version has an easier to navigate interface to aid you in accessing its various security components.
Each of these parts performs a specific function. For instance Blue Coat K-9 Web Protection Parental Control lets parents block access to objectionable content; PestPatrol Anti-Spyware detects and removes spyware, there is also the required antivirus function and a bi-directional firewall. The antivirus provides fast scans while not dragging down system performance when it's running.
All the above makes for a decent if not exceptional product. One big downer is CA's tech support. This has three options:
1) Online Chat-this may take awhile to initiate.
2) Online Query Form-you enter your question/problem into their online form
and submit it. A response may take several days.
Antivirus Features
- Automatic email scanning
- Real time scanning
- Interactive virus detection messages
- Heuristic scanning
- Fully automatic updates
Firewall Features
- Easy setup
- Pre-loaded security settings
- Automatic program control
- Stealth mode for internet use
- Intrusion blocking
- MailSafe
Other Features
- eTrust Anti-Spam
- Blue-Coat K-9 Web Protection
- PestPatrol Anti-Spyware
We think the firewall does an adequate job of protecting your pc and the antivirus function is quite good. Parents of underage children will be most interested in the combination of Blue-Coat K-9 Web Protection (which has to be installed separately-it doesn't load with the other features) and PestPatrol Anti-Spyware to block access to objectionable websites and to prevent downloading of potentially dangerous software. If you use PestPatrol by itself it will quarantine any suspect downloaded material before it can cause you grief.
Overall, this is a good product. In our opinion its big positive feature is the Blue-Coat K-9 and PestPatrol combination as outlined above. However, as noted, CA's tech support could be improved. Toll free no charge telephone support would be nice for a start. And it really should include Wi-Fi protection and monitoring.
A good product but, you should take closer look at Panda Internet Security.
