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ESET Smart Security Home
Price: £44.99 inc VAT

Features
Performance
Ease of use
Value for money
Overall

Reviewed By: Andy Shaw

This review updated: 18/12/2007
Featured in magazine:
Issue 177
Manufacturer Contacts:
Supplier: ESET
Tel: 0800 138 0802
Web Address: www.eset.co.uk


ESET's NOD tool has a superb reputation for anti-virus protection. Web User checks out its elevation to a suite

Although the security company ESET might not be particularly well known to Web User readers, its anti-virus offering NOD32 has certainly struck a chord among the more knowledgable members in our forums. And rightly so: it's offered one of the best paid-for anti-virus tools around for a number of years. Those who don't want to pick and choose their security software around particular programs should be pleased to hear that the security experts at ESET have fleshed out their security software and are now offering a full suite of programs to cover your security basics.

Features:
There's been a recent spate of newcomers to the security arena, giving rivals McAfee and Symantec a run for their money. ESET Smart Security Home is another new offering for regular users and it covers all the basics of security: anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware and anti-spam. It doesn't include any extras like parental control or network protection, sticking instead with the core basics needed for keeping a computer safe online. The software uses both standard scanning and heuristic technology for picking up new threats, which ESET is calling ThreatSense. This will report back to ESET any anomalies it finds on your computer with a view to using the information to protect other users, though this can be turned off if you wish.

Performance:
ESET has a stunning record on the anti-virus front – it hasn't failed a Virus Bulletin (www.virusbtn.com) VB100 test since 2002, and has also had excellent results this year from AV Comparatives (www.av-comparatives.org). The firewall does a good job of protecting from the standard line of hacker-type threats and the anti-spam element performed well in our tests at picking out spam.

Ease of Use:
Despite its power, the software is simple to use. It features an 'install and leave it' option for those who are after the least amount of bother, or a serious control tweaker for advanced users. When you've drilled down far enough to get into the nitty-gritty, a window pops up with all the software's options, so you don't have to flick about to tweak the different elements. Its tree-like structure, though unattractive, offers simple navigation through the various options, with a good balance between power and usability.

Value for money:
Perhaps the only downside is the £45 price tag, which feels like a lot of money for basic security. Rival suites tend to bundle more features. If you don't need them, then fair enough, but if you're looking to have add-ins like parental controls integrated into your suite, then you'll have to shop for them elsewhere.

More Firewalls reviews:

• Symantec Norton 360 Version 2.0
• Microsoft Windows Live OneCare 2.0
• Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2008
• Agnitum Outpost Security Suite Pro
• ESET Smart Security Home