Review Trend Micro Internet Security 2008
March 18th, 2008 by admin
In the ongoing game of cat and mouse — security software versus hackers — Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 concentrates this year on catching more malware and spam, scanning faster and making its interface easier to use. Whether you browse Web pages, send and receive e-mail, exchange instant messages, shop and bank online or share digital files, a competent security product such as Trend Micro offers some peace of mind.Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 and Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 are both much like last year’s versions with a few enhancements thrown in for good measure. The company has also unveiled a new product in this year’s lineup, Trend Micro Internet Security Pro, which offers the features covered by last year’s TrendSecure services.
Trend Micro’s TrendSecure offered online services that extended security beyond a home PC, such as when you use a public computer or when connected to the internet via a wireless hotspot. The TrendSecure name has vanished, but its functions have mostly been incorporated into Trend Micro Internet Security Pro.
After finally scratching the PC-Cillan name last year, Trend Micro still appears to be in a pattern of shuffling and re-mixing its product line. For the most part, Trend Micro largely continues to shine on its strengths.
Scenes From a “Mal”
For 2008, Trend Micro introduces proactive intrusion blocking technology designed to detect and halt unauthorized and malicious changes to your computer’s operating system and core software. The feature boasts real-time prevention capabilities that adapt to new and emerging threats without having to rely on signatures that have to be constantly updated.
Trend Micro claims that this approach reduces the number of alerts that you have to deal with because it traces changes back to their sources instead of reacting to them. So in use, if a single source makes several changes to your operating system, whether it’s to the registry and key files, this, in theory, only registers as a single alert instead of numerous alerts for each area.
Without formal lab testing, it’s hard to determine whether the approach truly reduces alerts, but customizable security warnings let you decide how often you want to receive security warnings. You can tell the program to inform you of all alerts, to group alerts together, or only occasionally alert you. The end result is that you will hopefully see fewer alerts — always a welcome option.
The company’s Web Threat Protection feature is designed to guard your PC from attacks and goes beyond traditional URL filtering by assessing the safety of each Web page based on its age, content, behavior, and reputation.
The program looks for pages that are associated with malware and determines whether a page is new or has registered with several domains in a short period of time (a potential indication that a site was created for nefarious purposes) and checks for IP addresses of known spammers.
Most ingenious hackers with spam on their minds have moved beyond e-mail messages from so-called Nigerian diplomats with money to give you to now sending image-based spam. As a result, Trend Micro now searches for spam in images as well as text.
A feature that won’t be available until early 2008 will be designed to disable links to untrustworthy Web sites that come via e-mail. Trend Micro customers will automatically receive this update, which has been named “Worry-Free Click.”
Scanning the Globe
|
|
Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 scans more efficiently and quickly and consumes fewer computer resources than last year’s edition. In testing on a fast PC, scans were fairly unintrusive, on par with what we experienced when using Norton Internet Security 2008.
The anti-virus and anti-spyware engines have been combined to reduce scanning time. Trend Micro claims that its products scan 30 percent faster than competitive products. When asked, Trend Micro could not tell us the products that it tested against to make this claim.
The company did state the following: “We tested against a number of top-tier security products, but cannot get into specifics. When our independent external testing results are ready, we can share.” Perhaps the marketing hype was touted before the final results were in — basically putting the cart before the horse.
Trend Micro has simplified the program’s installation and setup and now only requires three clicks for installation. Indeed, if you choose not to customize the software, the entire installation can be completed in three clicks, one of which includes your acknowledgement of the software agreement.
One aspect that shortens install time is the fact that there is no pre-scan during installation. If installation can’t be completed due to the presence of pre-existing malware, the program launches a troubleshooting mode and deals with the problem.
Most of the configuration occurs after installation. The interface now features a new “Fix Now” button that provides a clear means to correct problems after an alert has been received.
The TMIS 2008 interface is quite intuitive and it’s easy to configure settings by clicking on buttons along the left-side of the screen that designate virus and spyware control, home network and firewall controls, internet and e-mail controls, and more. Always willing to toot its horn, a new security activity reports tells you what the program has done for you lately and how well it’s protected you.
Maintaining the Good
Trend Micro continues to offers strong protection against viruses, worms, and Trojan horses and secures personal information and privacy against rootkits and spyware. The personal firewall prevents your PC from exchanging data via the Internet without your approval and defends against hacker attacks. The anti-spam feature takes the form of a toolbar in Outlook that allows you to control whitelists from within your e-mail program.
The program competently alerts you to the latest phishing threats that can steal your bank account and credit card information. And parental controls allow you to block web sites and screen for some 20 categories that include: spyware, sex, alcohol/tobacco, gambling, violence/hate/racism, spyware, adware and more.
A good innovative feature that stood out last year but has since been answered by Symantec is the ability to manage, configure, and update the security of every PC in a home network (up to three), as well as block intruders on home wireless networks. This allows you protect up to three computers and scan and update them remotely.
The program secures your personal information by preventing it from being sent over the internet. To accomplish this, the program stores portions of your Social Security Number, home phone number and credit card numbers as a reference.
The program provides adequate context-sensitive help that includes definitions and explanations. Trend Micro also offers free phone, e-mail and chat support in North America.
In terms of differences in product editions, Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 protects your PC from viruses, spyware, and malware, while Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 and Trend Micro Internet Security Pro add network support, the firewall, phishing protection and abilities to block e-mail and image spam.
The Internet Security Pro edition adds validation for Wi-Fi networks and hotspots, defense against keystroke loggers, the ability to remotely lock folders and files in the event of theft, and features to optimize a PC’s performance and restore Windows after an attack.
With Symantec’s Norton Internet Security 2008 and Microsoft’s Windows OneCare Live both now offering support for up to three PCs in a network, Trend Micro loses some competitive edge. Also, there’s lots to like about Norton’s ability to maintain personal information and passwords. But Trend Micro is still twenty bucks less, which makes it a viable alternative.
Availability and Pricing
Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 has a subscription price of $49.95 that entails protection of up to three PCs for one year. Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 has a subscription price of $39.95 and protects a single PC for one year. Trend Micro Internet Security Pro has a subscription price of $69.95, with protection for up to three PCs for one year.
Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 requires Windows Vista Home Basic (32/64 bit), Windows Vista Home Premium (32/64 bit), Windows Vista Ultimate (32/64 bit), Windows Vista Business (32/64 bit), Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 1 or 2 (32 bit), Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 or 2005 (32 bit), or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2004 or 2005 (32 bit).
Article Source: http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/3717031
Free Trial - Trend Micro Internet Security Pro
Powerful protection home and away!
10% Off - 1 YR Trend Micro Internet Security Pro - Coupon Code:tmpro08
Free Trial - Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008
Free Trial - Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 Safeguards your computers, your home networks and your personal identity.
10% Off - 1 YR - Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 - Coupon Code: TrendIS08.
10% Off - 1 Yr - Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 - .Coupon Code: TrendIS08
Purchase Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 and get an annual subscription to Experian’s CreditCheck for FREE! A $39.99 value!
20% Off - 1 YR - Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware 2008 Coupon Code: TrendAVS08.
What’s New
Prevent Unauthorized Changes/Proactive Intrusion Blocking
Improved security policies find and stop unwanted attempts to change your operating system and critical software.
Image Spam Filtering
Stop seeing spam that tries to evade filters by delivering images instead of just text.
Worry-Free Web Surfing
Identify suspect Web sites before you open them. Disable links to untrustworthy Web sites received by email (available early 2008).
Customizable Security Warnings
Decide exactly how often you want to receive warnings about security threats.
Security Activity Reports
Regular reports summarize how Trend Micro Internet Security has protected you.
Features
Protection Against Viruses
An award-winning anti-virus engine protects against computer viruses, worms, Trojan horse programs, and related security threats. Automatic updates immunize you against new computer virus outbreaks.
Protection Against Spyware
Powerful anti-spyware technology protects your personal information and privacy against spyware, rootkits and other malicious software.
Personal Firewall
Prevent your computer from exchanging data with the Internet without your approval, and defend against computer attacks from the Internet.
Protection Against Web Threats
Steer clear of online phishing scams that try to steal credit card and bank account numbers. Continuous updates identify the newest risky Web sites.
Wireless Home Network Monitoring
Find and block wireless home network intruders.
Home Network Controls
Manage, configure and update the security of every computer on your home network with an easy-to-use management console.
Safeguard Multiple Computers
Install Trend Micro Internet Security on up to three home or mobile computers.
Advanced Parental Controls
Take charge of where your children go on the Web by blocking Web sites with inappropriate content.
System Requirements for Internet Security 2008
To run Trend Micro Internet Security 2008, your computer must meet the hardware and software specifications below.
Compatible Microsoft Operating Systems
- Windows Vista Ultimate, Business, Home Premium, or Home Basic
- Windows XP Home or Professional Edition, with Service Pack 2
- Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, with Service Pack 2
- Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, with Service Pack 2
Note: Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 supports both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of all Windows Vista editions named above.
Required CPU
| If your operating system is: | Your CPU needs to be: |
| Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate (32-bit or 64-bit) | Intel Pentium 800MHz (1GHz recommended) |
| Windows XP Home, Professional, Media Center or Tablet PC | Intel Pentium 350MHz |
Note: Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 can support computers with processors equivalent to those listed above, as well as Intel Hyper-Threading and dual core processors. It also supports RAID 0 (Striping) or RAID 1 (Mirroring).
Memory, Disk Space, and Monitor
Required Memory
- 256MB minimum (512MB recommended) for Windows XP
- 512MB minimum (1GB recommended) for Windows Vista Home Basic
- 1GB for Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate
Required Disk Space
- 300MB available for installation
Required Monitor
- 1024 x 768 (XGA) minimum with high color
Compatible Web Browsers
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 with Service Pack 2*
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0
- Mozilla Firefox 2.0
* For Microsoft Windows XP only
Compatible Email Software (for mail scans)
- Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0 with Service Pack 2 (SP2)
- Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2002, 2003 or 2007
- Mozilla Thunderbird 1.8 or 2.0
- Windows Mail (for Microsoft Windows Vista)
Compatible Web-based Mail Services (for mail scans)
- Yahoo! Mail
- MSN Hotmail / Windows Live Mail
- AOL Mail
Instant Messaging Software for Real-time Protection and Data Theft Prevention
- AOL Instant Messenger 5.9
- ICQ 5.1 or ICQ Lite
- MSN Messenger 7.5*
- Windows Live Messenger 8.0
- Yahoo! Messenger 8.0
* For Microsoft Windows XP only
Internet Connection
Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 needs an Internet connection. This is necessary to register online, download updates, obtain virus information, send email to support, and browse pages on the Trend Micro website.
If your connection to the Internet charges fees per connection, by the time connected, or by the amount of data downloaded, note the following. This product’s Automatic Update feature may trigger extra connection fees. To avoid them, make sure your router or connection software does not automatically start a connection. Follow your router’s instructions to edit its settings. Otherwise, deactivate the Automatic Update feature.
Tags: “Trend Micro”, trInternet Security
Related posts
Posted in Internet |
