McAfee Internet Security 5.0

• Platform:   Windows NT / 98 / 2000 / XP / Me
• Media: CD-ROM
• Item Quantity: 1

McAfee Internet Security 5.0 combines McAfee's VirusScan 7 and Firewall 4 programs into one product along with a new interface allowing you to configure everything from one place.

On the virus front McAfee Internet Security 5.0 operates on many levels. The new HAWK (Hostile Activity Watch Kernel) constantly monitors your PC for virus-like activity and integrates well with many different e-mail clients. The VShield feature runs constantly in the background checking files as you open them. Even if you choose to disable VShield, the program still protects Microsoft Office Files by checking them before you open them. It also protects against e-mail scripts by looking for suspicious behaviour such as trying to open, write or delete files. Any suspect activity is stopped immediately.

Of course, any anti-virus product is only as good as its ability to stop them infecting your system. Happily McAfee Internet Security 5.0 has been given a 100 per cent rating by Virus Bulletin as long as you keep it up to date. Like the other products in McAfee's security range, McAfee Internet Security 5.0 uses Instant Updater, which constantly checks for product updates and automatically downloads these when you are online.

The firewall function in McAfee Internet Security 5.0 controls which programs on your PC can access the Internet and how they do it. It also stops hackers from accessing your PC remotely. Furthermore it stops any of your own programs divulging your personal information without your knowing.

The firewall recognises most common programs and automatically creates rules to allow them to communicate with the Internet. Users can create their own rules but this can be tricky for the novice as some of the warning-dialogue boxes tend towards jargon-filled prose.

McAfee Internet Security 5.0 now works with Internet Connection Sharing and has also been enhanced for broadband so people with home networks are fully supported. Also new in this release is an intrusion detection system that blocks port scanners.

Of course, the most important aspect is how well it actually works and the firewall passes all the usual tests with flying colours. It happily deals with all the usual intrusion techniques and the auto-update feature ensures the product is able to cope with any new threats as they appear.

There may be some difficulty getting an e-mail program called Ameol working with McAfee Internet Security 5.0 but all other programs should work fine.

Novice users may struggle to get the best from the firewall in McAfee Internet Security 5.0 but the more experienced will find a powerful firewall and anti-virus program that can be used with confidence. --Iain Laskey

Manufacturer's Description
Safely enjoy the vast wealth of information and entertainment the Internet has to offer with the extensive privacy and security protection provided by McAfee Internet Security.

The Internet provides a vast wealth of information and entertainment at your fingertips. Yet, as soon as you connect, your computer is exposed to a multitude of privacy and security threats. Protect your privacy and secure your computer and your data with McAfee Internet Security. Incorporating McAfee’s award-winning technologies, McAfee Internet Security provides one of the most comprehensive sets of privacy and security tools you can buy. McAfee Internet Security destroys viruses, outwits hackers, secures your personal information, privatizes your Web browsing, blocks ads and pop ups, manages your cookies and passwords, locks down your files, folders and drives, filters objectionable content, and puts you in control of the communications in and out of your PC. McAfee Internet Security provides powerful protection for today’s Internet users.

• Software > Security & Anti-virus > Security & Firewalls