Bullguard is a relatively new computer security program but it has put in a good showing in its last couple of versions.

See our reviews of Bullguard 8 and Bullguard 8.5 for a summary of what the software can do – all the previous features are still in the new edition. It covers protection against viruses, spyware, phishing, spam and all the other usual threats.

Despite Bullguard’s rivals investigating new approaches to security and scanning, though, there aren’t a lot of changes in Bullguard 9.

What has changed in the new version is the interface, and with an emphasis on ease of use it is clear that the program is being aimed squarely at beginners and less-experienced users. To begin with, the many tools on offer are presented in a display that’s organised by tasks to allow users to perform scans, back up their files or check for updates. From here you can also view an ‘online drive’, which provides 5GB of secure storage space on the internet, which can be used for storing backups or anything else.

More comprehensive access to the main components is through a list of icons at the bottom of the screen, which allows users to check settings and take greater control over the software. For the most part this is set up well, presenting the most basic and most commonly used settings first, while offering advanced views for those who require a deeper level of control.

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to have been an improvement in the program’s performance: Bullguard 9’s quick scan took around three times longer than it did in the previous version, and it used around three times more resources when it was active.

In addition, there’s no single-click button to fix the computer’s problems. While this may suit some users, beginners would have been better served by such a feature, as well as a simple set of warning symbols to tell them if their computers need attention.

The software gets by on the comprehensive degree of protection found in previous versions rather than any of the improvements, and for this reason we think may struggle to compete in the current market.

The payment covers three computers for one year.