Internet users now and then get the odd virus, but even that one virus can cause so much problems and delay. That is why all computers and Internet users should install some security software in order to protect their files and personal data. Webroot Internet Security Essentials is an amazing tool PC users should use for a total protection against online invaders. Webroot had been known to produce quality antispyware and many people have been using their products. But the company’s newest venture is providing Internet users the newest internet security suites which you can buy for $60.
Webroot Internet Security Essentials is equipped with a combination of features from different software companies. It has an antivirus scanner from Sophos, an online backup using Webroot’s servers, and a firewall from Privacyware. However, it also has its own share of weaknesses. For instance, the suite doesn’t have a number of features other security suites offer such as parental controls, antispam filter, and antiphishing capabilities. Furthermore, Webroot Internet Security Essentials fared really bad when it comes to the task of detecting malicious software. In fact, in the entire available security suite right now, only the Trend Micro package did worse in detecting malware, Webroot coming in second to the last.
In a result of the detection test, Webroot Internet Security Essentials were only able to identify about 89 percent of the worms, bots, and other unwanted programs in a computer’s system. Compared to other top performers, Webroot was 10 percent lower when it comes to this matter. Webroot also placed nearly in the bottom when it comes to detecting tow-week-old signature files. It can only detect 39.8 percent, a far cry to the top performer’s detection rate of 55 percent. Webroot is definitely lagging behind some of the best names in Internet protection software.
However, Webroot Internet Security Essentials performed relatively well when it comes to removing dormant and active rootkits (a stealth malware category). In fact, it only missed one active rootkit. But then again, the internet security suites performed low when it comes to identifying adware. This is quite surprising because Webroot is a company that specializes in adware software programs. But it did well in tagging annoying junk. It was able to tag about 90 percent, which is quite respectable but it is still not at par with other brands. In fact, it only came in seventh in this department.
Webroot Internet Security Essentials has other features which are also a bit rough. For instance, instead of using a whitelist of know good software and allowing them to access the Internet, Webroot uses an old-school technique. Its other features include a cleanup option that clears cookies, file history, browsing history, and other records by default. However, some of its tools will not work with Firefox 3 such as the cleanup tool, and the Webroot Ask toolbar. Overall, Webroot Internet Security Essentials has a clear presentation and a good looking user interface. Most of its features however, still needs a little bit of tweaking in order to be at par with the best.
