Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 anti-virus and firewall software

The 2012 version of Kaspersky's Internet Security suite is an upgraded and improved version of the 2011 software, with only a few new features.

Like previous versions, as well as anti-virus and a firewall, it includes many other useful tools to help keep a PC safe.

We installed it on both a desktop PC and a netbook, and were pleased to see that it didn't affect overall performance when running in the background. However, when running a full manual virus scan it did noticeably slow down our low-powered netbook.

The interface has been redesigned, the tabbed menu of before having been replaced with a scrolling list of icons. This was clear and easy to understand, and Windows 7 and Vista users also get a desktop widget that shows the PC's security status and gives quick access to common tasks.

The default settings were sensibly chosen, but changing some of them (such as setting up a schedule to automatically scan the computer for viruses) required quite a bit of digging around in the numerous settings menus.

Experienced users may be comfortable with this, but novices will probably find it daunting. This is a common complaint with modern security suites, though, and at least the various menus were logically arranged. Each page also has a direct link to the relevant help section in the excellent user guide.

Comprehensive parental controls are included, allowing control of computer and web access, plus access to social-networking and instant-messaging applications. It can also filter websites and block the use of specific words and sharing of personal data.

Two unusual features, also found in previous versions, are Safe Run and Safe Run for Websites. These let you run programs or websites in a specially protected mode in which they cannot infect or harm the PC. They take a bit of getting used to, but they can be useful when visiting websites requiring extra confidentiality (such as online banking) or trying out downloaded programs.

A new File Advisor tool lets users quickly check the validity of any program file in Windows Explorer, using information gathered automatically from Kaspersky's online community (users of the product can join this during installation).

The firewall replaces the Windows firewall, and we were happy to see that it didn't bombard us with unnecessary messages, doing its job quietly in the background. Those who need to adjust the settings will find lots of advanced settings available, but in most cases the default settings will be fine.

It adds little to the 2011 edition but with plenty of tools and options, Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 is a fully featured security package that's easy to use yet has plenty of advanced options in reserve if needed. The £40 price covers one PC for a year; for an extra £10 (£50 total) it will cover two more computers, or £60 total for five computers in the home.