Explanation of Features

• Malware Protection: Malware is the universal label for viruses, trojans, rootkits, bootkits, spyware, and any other crap the bad guys want to install onto your PC. So, how well does the Internet Security Software work against these threats?
• Low Resource Usage: Keeping a PC secure is one thing, but at what cost? If your PC becomes so slow it's unusable, what's the point? So, how well does the software do its job while still letting you do yours?
• Social Network Protection: Threats on Facebook and Twitter are just the start. So, how well does the software protect against threats found on social media sites?
• USB Scanning: As surprising as it might sound, not every product out there automatically protects you against threats on USB devices. So, which ones do?
• Email Scanning: Although it's one of the oldest places malware can get into your PC, it's still one of the most common. So, how well does the software protect you against threats that come via email?
• Easy to Use: Every product claims to be easy to use. Some are. Some aren't. So, how well do they compare in ease of use?
• Tech Support: Hidden fees. Upsells. Off-shore call centers. Outsourced support. All kinds of shenanigans. Luckily, not every antivirus software plays games with their tech support. So, which ones do support well?

The Difference that Makes a Difference

When looking at an Internet Security Suite, the most common question is,

What's the difference between antivirus software and an Internet Security Suite?

Followed by the second question,

Do I need both?

Let's start with the second question first: no, you don't need both.

ALL features in basic antivirus software are also in Internet Security Suites. Period.

As for what's the difference, the jump from basic antivirus to an Internet Security Suite means you get more protection.

Exactly what you get varies by brand, but the biggies are a software firewall and a malicious website filter.

Yes, there is a software firewall built into modern versions of Windows; however, the firewalls built into the Internet Security Suites tend to be significantly better and far easier to manage.

Aside from that, the malicious website filter is the other big difference. Like every other part of antivirus software, these filters are constantly updated, and if you intentionally or accidentally visit a known malicious website, the software will block (or at least warn you) the site is a possible threat and offer to take you back to safety.

With as many known phishing and ransomeware attacks as there are, the few extra bucks to upgrade to an Internet Security Suite are well worth it for the extra protection you get.

Aside from that some suites bolt on other features like parental controls and backup, but in our view these extra features are much less important than getting the basics like a good firewall and malicious website filter.