[drpcoupon name="25% off Internet Security 2012"]

Pros

• Panda Internet security is easy to install, and within a few minutes it will be up and running
• It allows you the option to send all warning messages to an email address, so you can monitor your PC while you are away from home and the children
• It allows you to set passwords which can keep parental controls and other settings from being changed by the kids or others in your household

Cons

• offers basic protection well, but has been found wanting in advanced protection
• the firewall can be difficult to configure and can open your PC to attacks when not set up well.

[xrrgroup][xrr label="Antispyware:" rating="6.5/10" group="s1"] [xrr label="Ease of installation:" rating="7/10" group="s1"] [xrr label="Effectiveness:" rating="8/10" group="s1"] [xrr label="New Features:" rating="6.5/10" group="s1"] [xrr label="Ease of Use:" rating="7/10" group="s1"] [xrr label="Technical Support:" rating="6.5/10" group="s1"] [xrr label="Overall:" rating="6.5/10" group="s1" ] [/xrrgroup]

Panda Internet Security 2012 has a good list of features. It’s not one of the best internet security software suites, but if you’re looking for a low resource usage software suite, then it’s a good choice.

There are some features that you need to be aware of before buying. For example, if you’ve got kids who regularly access the internet, you’ll need to make sure they’re safe. Your internet security product should be able to provide Parental controls that are very effective. Panda has parental controls that could do with a little improvement. They aren’t robust enough, and if this is your primary need, then it’s best looking elsewhere.

On the plus side, Panda Internet Security 2012 is very easy to install and configure and is ideal for people who just want basic protection without the extra fuss.

Antispyware Protection

Panda Internet Security is able to secure your PC from spyware threats and inform you of its scans when you’re away from your PC. You provide your email address, and wherever you are, you will receive reports of what is happening on your PC, in terms of threats

Antivirus Protection

The antivirus and antispyware components in Panda internet security are super effective and efficient to protect you from malware (malicious software). It’s one of the best combinations we’ve found in our antivirus reviews, just behind Webroot spysweeper. They are also located under the same tab in the interface. This allows you to easily configure in one location and make sure your software is working at the maximum level.

When you first install Panda, all the features will be at their default level. This will be suitable if you are just looking for basic protection. But if you need more advanced protection, you can do some tweaking, which you’ll find easy to do.

Firewall Security

Panda firewall security could do with a little improving. It provides the basic protection of the default configuration. But should you try and configure it then the problems start. The features are not very easy to adjust because of the nested menus. For most users of course, the default configuration will be more than fine and little configuration will be needed.

It also has an intrusion feature that blocks all disturbances during multimedia viewing or gaming. It’s like a gamer mode which can be found in most antivirus software suites like ESET Nod32 and Kaspersky.

Other Features

More and more kids are going online now, and their security is of paramount importance. Parental controls are some of the features you need to protect your kids online. With Panda Internet Security 2012 you can set up web filters and assign each child a specific setting. And not just the kids, it also has filters for employees, teens and other vulnerable people that you can set for. In fact, anyone who’s liable to risk online can be protected with Parental Controls.

Parental Controls also allows you to monitor their activities and make sure they don’t do anything illegal or dangerous online. This protection is possible through password protection which ensures no one changes any settings without your approval. The negative aspect is that you’ll have two sets of passwords for your PC; one for Windows and another for the Parental controls. This means you’ll have to remember two sets of passwords each time you use your PC.

Technical Support

Panda provides various options like email, user guides and FAQs. Phone support is pricey and is paid on a per incident basis and the cost depends on the nature of the problem.

Summary

Panda Internet security 2012 is a solid security software product but it lacks some effective protection features that we’ve found in other similar products.