Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 for Home Users And Computer Security

The 2011 version won't change the face of personal computer security, although this particular package of security options and top-shelf performance has attracted enough devotees to make it a best-selling program, both in and out of the security field. A three-user licence for Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 (one year) retails for AU$99.99. Other options include a one-user licence (one year) for AU$49.95, a one-user licence (two years) for AU$79.95 and a three-PC licence (two years) costs AU$159.95.

Installation

Kaspersky Internet Security's installation did not go as smoothly this year as it had in previous years. The system has always been exceptionally sensitive to the presence of competing security suites, but this year we found that it would abort the installation process for even minor program tracks left in the Registry. This is clearly a known flaw, and a knowledge base article can help users struggling with the bug work around it.

Of course, it's not recommended that users have multiple security suites running simultaneously. It will not make your computer more secure, and will likely cause performance and security problems that wouldn't otherwise occur. Still, a less-than-smooth installation could easily scare off people who don't have the time, energy or expertise to deal with the problem.

Unlike the 2010 version, which did away with the reboot after install, this year's model requires it once more.

Interface

This year's interface has not changed dramatically from last year's, but there are some noticeable improvements. While Kaspersky still has the left-side navigation, the tools have been streamlined, the sub-menus are better organised and the different screens open significantly faster. The snappy responsiveness from menus opening and closing will go a long way toward helping new users manage what could be an overwhelming number of options, while more experienced users will just appreciate getting to where they want to go without having to deal with sluggishness.

The new navigation organisation has a lot to do with making Kaspersky's expansive toolset easy to work through. The Protection Center holds most of the basic security antivirus tools, while Safe Run accesses the sandboxing tools that have been expanded in this version. These are followed by Scan, Update Center and Parental Control, which are self-explanatory. While a scan is being performed users are not locked in to the Scan pane, which means that you can use other aspects of Kaspersky at the same time. The Tools section, which is last, accesses several ancillary tools that can be used to enhance security, but wouldn't be considered core tools. These include creating a restore disc, analysing vulnerabilities from third-party programs on your system, a configuration tool for your browser and a system restore option.

Features and support

There are several new and notable features in Kaspersky Internet Security 2011, including improvements to the sandboxing tool introduced last year called Safe Run. The updates to Safe Run allow the feature to be used on the desktop itself, protecting users system-wide. The in-app access to Safe Run includes a folder that bottlenecks files created during Safe Run, allowing them to be saved to the unsandboxed desktop but scanning them for threats before allowing them to move freely about your system.

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