Kaspersky Internet Security 2010

The end of the summer is traditionally when security-suite companies start rolling out new versions, and Kaspersky appears to be at the front of the pack. This edition of its highly regarded security suite is even more feature-packed and easy to use than ever.

Handy new additions to the 2010 suite include a sandbox, in which you can test new software safe in the knowledge that it won’t affect the rest of your PC, and a games mode that promises to avoid interrupting you with pop-up messages.

The interface offers a good balance between hiding features from those who won’t want to see them and offering access for knowledgeable users who like to tweak their settings. In fact, Kaspersky seems to be catering for a more advanced user than most of its rivals, though enthusiastic beginners should still find it relatively straightforward.

The software has fared well in recent third-party anti-virus tests, with AV Comparatives ranking it very highly with an Advanced+ rating, and Virus Bulletin giving it full marks on consumer versions of Windows in all its tests for the last two years. The firewall component continues to blitz Matousec’s firewall tests, too.

Flexible licensing options are available so you can protect three PCs for £49.99 or five PCs for £79.99, and get a small discount if you’re prepared to pay for two years up front. All in all, it’s a comprehensive, useful and secure suite with a solid track record of protecting PCs from external attacks. Beginners might be better off looking elsewhere but those who know what they’re doing should feel perfectly secure with this software on their machines.