GFI Vipre Internet Security 2013 review

Compared to the cheaper, standard version GFI Vipre Internet Security 2013 adds more features including a firewall, spam filter and website blocking. To keep up to date with the latest viruses it relies on a traditional virus definitions database that is updated every hour rather than using a constantly updated database kept on GFI's servers.

GFI's new Easy Install system automatically checks for conflicting security products and removes them. For example, on our Windows 8 PC it disabled the built-in Windows Defender security software and the Windows Firewall. The entire process took about five minutes, and required a reboot.

Read more: Antivirus reviews | Security software reviews

The interface has been cleaned up and simplified since we last looked at Vipre, although the layout is similar with an overview screen and five tabs. It all looks very straightforward, but there are plenty of advanced settings available. Although the default settings are sensibly chosen not to worry users with unnecessary alerts and warnings (with one exception as explained later), there are some highly technical options, particularly in the firewall. These are clearly explained in the very good help file though.

The program uses little memory – about 20MB when idle and 30MB when scanning. The default Quick Scan only took 30 seconds on our test PC. Unusually, Vipre by default also scans cookies, which means it usually detects at least one or two tracking cookies. While those concerned about web privacy might be glad to see this, it could worry some users unnecessarily.

Easy Update can automatically update certain installed third-party programs. These include popular web browsers and system utilities (a full list is available). It is most useful for those programs that only check for updates when launched. It also checks the status of Windows Update.

Vipre has few other extras apart from a couple of system utilities, including a secure file eraser, plus a browsing and search history cleaner. PC Explorer is a tool for looking at some hidden Windows settings. It is one of the few paid-for programs that lacks parental controls.

Vipre Internet Security 2013 is a competent but fairly basic suite, but for those with more than three PCs to protect it is one of the cheapest available.