The last of the big three security companies to update its internet security software, McAfee has launched the 2005 version of its suite designed to protect your PC online. The 4-in-1 package features a firewall to keep unwanted noses out of your system, antivirus software for preventing and curing infections, a privacy service to make sure your personal information stays that way and Spamkiller to slice up junk emails.

Installation is refreshingly straightforward, with only a few simple steps to complete, and from then on all the applications can be managed through the main McAfee Security Center. Double-clicking on the icon in the System Tray brings this into view, and from here you can configure and access the features for each program. The interface is easy to use and, more importantly, most of the options are in plain English.

The Security Center also provides a graphical gauge of how well protected your system is, based on the type of protection utilities installed. Unsurprisingly, this shows a perfect score of 10 with all the McAfee applications. However, it also detects rival products - such as Norton AntiVirus - and rates them with the appropriate score depending on the current version installed.

In addition, the Security Center serves as a general information window with online alerts to warn you of impending updates. Although this is useful, it can be quite confusing. It alerted us about a new virus and gave a frightening 'get antivirus protection now' link, even though VirusScan was up to date and ready to face this new intruder.

While there are few new components for this release, each of the main areas offers a number of improvements. Firstly, Firewall Plus now matches its rivals with enhanced intrusion detection to counter common hacker probes. There's also a quick set-up wizard for fast configuration.

However, while setting up internet access for new and existing applications is easy, the options appear limited; we couldn't find a way to set access for specific applications, for example.

The antivirus tools in the package now include more efficient scanning of large files, especially when working with email attachments, and offers improved detection of spyware. The scanner integrates with all popular clients and instant messaging services.

Spamkiller has been tweaked to make managing junk easier, and new to this version is the ability to spot both suspect images and invisible text - text in the same colour as the email's background. Finally, Privacy Service now includes a secure file shredder, along with content filtering and advert blocking. However, it does require you to log in when you start up; a 'remember my password' option would be handy for home computers used by only person.

With clear icons and step-by-step instructions, McAfee Internet Security 2005 is feature-packed and easy to use, which is something that can't be overestimated when it comes to security products.

Contact:
McAfee 01753 217500
uk.mcafee.com

Also consider:
Norton Internet Security 2005