Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2010

The marketing spin for Trend Micro's Internet Security Pro 2010 highlights its ability to protect users from identity theft while they are shopping or banking online.

In reality, however, this is not really a new feature. It’s just one of the standard array of protection tools.

The 2010 edition claims to take up less space, use less memory and scan faster than before. Up to three different computers can be protected and installation was quick and easy, with a new icon popping up in the Notification Area when we were done.

The program's main features are accessed from a central console. The basic overview did a good job of summarising features at a glance, with a large icon (green for good and red for bad) and a short status message that lets you know what's what.

Other primary functions are accessed from four tabs running down the left of the console: anti-virus and spyware protection, firewall, email scanning and other settings. In each case, settings can be neatly collected under a single sub-heading, an effective way of keeping things neat on screen.

But just under the surface are a huge array of tweaks and custom settings, and beginners might be alarmed at how quickly things become complex.

Clicking on the Pro Features button below the tabs launched a new window of advanced tools, such as the Micro Vault for storing passwords and personal info, a browser toolbar for instant access to online tools and a mobile security tool to extend the program’s protection to your mobile phone.

Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2010 went about its business efficiently, and was not foiled by our attempts to get through its net. But it certainly was no faster or less resource-heavy than its rival 2010 packages.

We also question the need for the Pro version, which costs £10 more than the standard edition: the Micro Vault was useful but there are free alternatives that do the same thing.

The dedicated toolbar adds unnecessary clutter to your browser, given that the program is protecting you anyway, and the phone protection is limited by the relative lack of mobile phone security threats.