Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Internet Security Suites Software.

Ratings

Firewall

A firewall is a computer’s first line of defense and protects your computer and personal information while connected to a network or the Internet. We looked for Internet security suites with an adequate firewall.

Antivirus

New virus threats plague the web recurrently. This criterion considers how well the security suite protects your PC against harmful viruses.

Antispyware

Spyware comes in all shapes and sizes—adware, keyloggers and trojans are just a few. We graded Internet security suites according to how well they protect against these and other harmful spyware.

Other Security/Features

Most suites have addition security and features besides firewall, antivirus and antispyware. These features may include anti–phishing, email and IM scanning, computer maintenance and parental controls.

Ease of Use

It is important that every computer online has the proper security; therefore, it is important that everyone can use the software regardless of their knowledge of computers.

Ease of Installation/Setup

Security suites should be simple to install and set up and not bog down programs. Users should have the option of installing the suite and not meddle with it again.

Help/Support

We considered the help and support the manufacturers of security software provide. Help and support may include FAQs, a user manual or a tutorial. They should also provide customer service via the phone, email or online chat.

Firewall

ICSA Certified

The ICSA is an independent organization that has set criteria for certifying firewalls. These suites submitted their software to be tested and passed the ICSA certification. Click here to learn more about ICSA Labs.

File Protection

The firewall will keep spyware and hackers from accessing important files on your computer.

Personal Information Protection

Firewalls offer extra protection for the most sensitive information on your computer like financial data and passwords.

Registry Protection

The firewall protects your registry from hostile programs that attempt to alter it. The registry contains vital computer data.

Port Monitoring

Ports are doorways that allow data to travel in and out of your computer. If not guarded they allow intruders to sneak into your computer. Firewalls prevent port scanning and alert you if someone attempts a port scan.

Network Traffic Monitoring

This feature displays the current data traffic on your computer system. It shows which programs are open and a list of the ports each is using.

Data Filtering

This analyzes all incoming and outgoing pieces of data, which are called packets. Firewalls filter all packets to control which data has access to your computer; it often uses a blacklist or banned list to exclude data.

Antivirus

ICSA Certified

The ICSA is an independent organization that has set criteria for certifying antivirus software. These manufacturers submitted their software to be tested and passed the ICSA certification. Click here to learn more about ICSA Labs.

VB 100% Certified

The Virus Bulletin 100% is an award given to antivirus software that detects all current “in the wild” viruses during both on–demand and on–access scanning in Virus Bulletin’s comparative tests, and generates no false positives when scanning a set of clean files. These security suites were submitted and received the VB 100%.

W.C.L. Level 1 Certified

The West Coast Labs Checkmark level 1 & 2 certifications are given to antivirus software that detects all current “in the wild” viruses, generates no false positives, prevents virus replication and disinfects all viruses that can be disinfected. Manufacturers can submit their software to West Coast Labs to be tested.

W.C.L. Level 2 Certified

The West Coast Labs Checkmark level 1 & 2 certifications are given to antivirus software that detects all current “in the wild” viruses, generates no false positives, prevents virus replication and disinfects all viruses that can be disinfected. Manufacturers can submit their software to West Coast Labs to be tested.

On-access Scanning

The software scans your files for viruses when you receive them and when you access them.

Real-time Scanning

Your computer will scan for new viruses every few minutes.

On-demand Scanning

You can choose to scan specific files for viruses.

Scheduled Scanning

You can schedule when the computer should scan for viruses. This is a practical feature because it allows you to schedule a scan when the computer is not in use.

Heuristic Scanning

Heuristic scanning is used to detect newly made viruses. The sooner a virus is detected, the fewer computers it will infect.

Manual Scanning

You can scan your hard drive at any time.

Scan Compressed Files

The security software scans zipped (.zip) or other compressed files that are usually obtained through emails or downloaded from the web.

Auto-clean Infected Files

The security suite will automatically clean or fix files that are infected with a virus.

Quarantines Infected Files

If a file is suspected of being infected with a virus, it moves the file to a “quarantine” area where you cannot accidentally access it. Some programs have the option of sending the quarantined files to the manufacturer for inspection.

P2P File Sharing Protection

The software will scan P2P files that are downloaded from the web for viruses.

Detailed Virus Information

The program offers detailed information on any viruses found. This information may include the name of the virus and how it damages your computer.

Outbreak Notice

You are promptly notified of any virus outbreaks so you can avoid potential dangers.

Antispyware

ICSA Certified

The ICSA is an independent organization that has set criteria for certifying antispyware software. These manufacturers submitted their software to be tested and passed the ICSA certification. Click here to learn more about ICSA Labs.

Descriptions of Found Spyware

If the security suite finds spyware or adware components on your computer, it provides a description of the spyware (what it does, where it came from, etc.).

Real-time Blocking and Protection

The program actively monitors your computer in the background and alerts you or blocks spyware before the dangerous components are downloaded or installed.

Detects Adware

Adware monitors your online activities to initiate pop–up advertising or other targeted marketing purposes. Adware can install components onto your computer that track personal information (including your age, gender, location, buying preferences, surfing habits, etc.) Some Adware can install on your computer even if you decline the offer.

Detects Spyware

Spyware is any application that tracks your online behavior without your knowledge or consent.

Detects Keyloggers

Programs that capture and record your every keystroke, including personal information and passwords. Keyloggers are applications designed to monitor computer activity to various degrees. These programs can capture virtually everything you do on your computer including recording of all keystrokes including passwords, emails, chat room dialogue, web sites visited and the programs you run. Some keyloggers are capable of emailing the log files to another location.

Detects Trojans

Trojans are malicious programs that appear as harmless or desirable applications. Trojans are designed to cause loss or theft of computer data and to destroy your system. Some trojans, called RATs (Remote Administration Tools), allow an attacker to gain unrestricted access to your computer whenever you are online. The attacker can perform activities such as file transfers, adding/deleting files or programs and controlling the mouse and keyboard. Trojans are generally distributed as email attachments or bundled with another program.

Browser Hijackers/BHO's

Browser hijackers are programs that run automatically every time you start your Internet browser. These hijackers can sometimes control your browser. Some Browser Helper Objects (BHO’s) are good for expanding your browser capabilities, but there are others that don’t need your permission to install, which can be used for malicious purposes like gathering info on your surfing habits. This can cause anything from incompatibility issues to corrupting important system functions.

Security

Antispam

The security suite will monitor your incoming emails and block spam.

Anti-phishing

The software will monitor your emails and the websites you visit and detect suspicious phishing frauds. Phishers create a website or email that appears to be legitimate, possibly from a bank or school, in an effort to collect your personal information.

Privacy/Parental Control

The suite has a parental control function. This allows parents to dictate which websites their children can and can’t visit and how much time they can spend on the web.

Scans Emails

The security software will scan all incoming emails for threats.

Website Filters

The Internet security suite has an integrated website filter. Generally, you can filter websites by web addresses or by keywords.

Features

Website History Log

The software will keep a log of all websites users have visited.

Password Protection

The security suites settings are password protected. This ensures that only those with the password can change security settings.

Automatic Program Updates

The software automatically updates when updates are available. This ensures it will protect against the newest threats.

Local Data Backup

The software will backup your important data. This is a valuable tool that will make sure your information won’t be lost if your computer is infected with a virus.

Reports and Logs

The software will record and log all scans and other tasks that it performs. It will also log findings.

Technical Help/Support

Telephone Support

The manufacturer provided a phone number where you can reach technical support with any questions you have.

Email Support

You can contact customer service by email.

Online Chat

Online chat allows you to instant message a customer support representative with any queries.

Tutorials

The manufacturer provides tutorials that will guide you through the basics of how to run the software and use it effectively.

User Manual/User Guide

A user manual or user guide will teach you how to operate the software properly.

FAQ/Knowledgebase

You can find the answers to basic questions in the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section.

User Forums/Blogs

The manufacturer provides an area where customers can discuss Internet security issues by submitting postings. This is also a good place to look for information if you have a question or concern.

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