ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009:

• Antivirus: The Kaspersky virus scanning engine has improved their antivirus software by adding fast scan times, real-time email virus scanning, detection of stealth viruses.  This suite has implemented Instant Virus Recognition which catches viruses as soon as they enter your computer and before they get a chance to replicate.
• Firewall: This firewall has been a constant standard for the last ten years.  Unbelievably, it even gets better in the ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009 suite.  The auto-learn mode (which they have had previously) has improved greatly and in many test cases has identified every form of malicious traffic sent its way.  This auto-learning increases its ease of use which is a big item in our minds because firewalls can often be very tricky to configure. 
• Antispyware: The antispyware software has added an OSFirewall feature that detects and destroys spyware while it tries to install itself.  This feature is able to detect everything from Trojan horses to rootkits to worms.  The deep scanner that is included in the antivirus firewall software scanner is very effective in preventing spyware from gathering personal information.
• Extra Security and Features: The extras that have been added to this software suite are IM security, myVAULT, popup blockers, ad blockers, flash ad blockers, and parental controls.  IM security works with all major IP clients.  MyVAULT keeps passwords and personal data protected and encrypted. 

Overall, this software suite was rated the best internet security software by our staff.  We have always ranked ZoneAlarm’s firewall as the best software firewall that is out on the SOHO market.  Now that they have added Kaspersky’s virus scanning engine, we feel they have created a software suite that is very hard to beat.  A home user or a small office will introduce a top of the line security suite if they install ZoneAlarm Internet Security 2009.  The auto-learn feature of their firewall is a huge difference maker in our decision as well as the ease of use of their antivirus software.  This product is definitely a top antivirus firewall software package.    

Related posts:

1. Evaluating Internet Security Software
2. Internet Security Software Overview