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McAfee Internet Security Suite 2005
Price: £50 inc VAT (£80 for three licences)

Performance
Ease of use
Content
Value for money
Overall

Reviewed By: Andy Shaw

This review updated: 06/01/2005
Featured in magazine:
Issue 99
Manufacturer Contacts:
Supplier: McAfee
Web Address: http://uk.mcafee.com


You can now buy McAfee's 2005-branded security software as a single suite, offering a complete set of security features in one package at an attractive price.

Features
There are four main elements to the suite. The VirusScan anti-virus software and Personal Firewall Plus are security staples that no-one should be without. Also bundled into this package are the latest versions of Spamkiller for helping fight against junk email, and Privacy Service to try to ensure your personal details aren't broadcast on the internet. With the Privacy Service now also blocking ads and spyware, this is a very comprehensive suite.

Performance
Your security software has no chance of protecting you against threats if it isn't ahead of the game, so McAfee's software automatically downloads updates in the background to ensure that it is. The virus software has the might of McAfee's AVERT labs, based in California, working away to help stop new viruses before they become too widespread. In conjunction with the firewall, there is little chance of anything coming through and infecting your PC. Likewise, the Privacy Service will work hard to make sure your personal details don't leave your computer, so you're safer from the latest internet threats such as phishing.

Ease of use
Recently McAfee has been going out of its way to ensure its software is easy to use. As with previous versions, this software is configured through SecurityCenter – a one-stop shop from where you can access information and controls for the entire software suite. All the programs in the suite have a coherent design, even when you start getting into their more complex settings, and it's in this usability that McAfee is head and shoulders above any of its rivals. However, new users may still find elements of the software a little daunting.

Value for money
This is a complete solution for protecting PCs from the internet and beyond. Although there are free programs available that will scan for viruses and block intruders, what you're buying from McAfee is an all-in-one solution with complete peace of mind – undoubtedly worth £50 of anybody's money. If you've got a home network and you want to protect all the computers in your house, you can purchase the home network version, which can be used by up to three computers for a bargain price of £80.

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