BitDefender Internet Security Software Review

Wasn't life in the 21st Century supposed to be easier? Sometimes it seems technology can make it nothing short of a nightmare, especially where Internet security risks are concerned. That's why the Star team decided to check out today's best Internet security software. After all, if you're going to fight the latest Internet threats you need the biggest guns you can get. Did BitDefender's new and improved Internet Security 2008 go in with both barrels blazing? Here's what went down during our Internet security software review...

What's New?

Buy two years of protection and save 33%.
Free trial available.
Detection available for Apple iPhone exploit.

About BitDefender Internet Security:

Having been around for more than a decade, this company knows its stuff and it shows. BitDefender has been one of our favorites for a few years running. It was only natural that we race to get a copy when they released their 2008 Internet security product.

Features:

Real-time spyware, virus and malware protection.
Hourly automatic updates.
Reduces the consumption of system resources.
Anti-phishing protection.
Integrated firewall.
Anti-spam features.
Parental control tools.

The BitDefender Internet Security Experience:

Other than requiring a reboot, the installation of BitDefender Internet Security 2008 couldn't be easier. Click the download link and the product virtually installs itself if you follow the simple prompts provided. We rebooted our system once the process was complete and we were on our way.

Once BitDefender Internet Security 2008 was up and running we accessed the interface and again were pleased with the simplicity of the product. The company obviously designed the interface for ease of use and it was mission accomplished. Green check marks tell you if your system is protected and definitions are up to date and scans and updates are just a mouse click away.

The only thing we would have liked to see done differently is easier access for the advanced options. It appears that the advanced settings are somewhat hidden within the program.

The scan speed of BitDefender Internet Security 2008 seemed to be about average. What was above average, however, was the fact that the program seemed to use very few system resources while scanning. When we tested other Internet security products it was like wading through molasses if we wanted to run other programs at the same time. We didn't run into that problem once with BitDefender.

That being said, make sure you configure your firewall settings properly. We had trouble accessing some of our Internet-connected programs when the firewall was first turned on. However, after we adjusted our settings everything was smooth sailing.

Pricing:

1-year, 1-user license is $39.95
1-year, 3-user license is normally $49.95
1-year, 5-user license is $79.95
2-year, 1-user license is $59.95
2-year, 3-user license is normally $89.95
2-year, 5-user license is $129.95
3-year, 1-user license is $89.95
3-year, 3-user license is $119.95
3-year, 5-user license is $189.95

Bit Defender Internet Security Customer Service:

BitDefender offers extensive customer support and we were pleased to see that live chat is now available in addition to phone support and email support. If you don't want to hold the phone to your ear waiting for a rep to answer (although our hold time was less than 8 minutes when we did so) you can simply opt for a live chat option or email their customer support team.

We waited in the live chat que for about two minutes before we were connected with a BitDefender rep. Like the phone support agent we spoke with, the chat agent was very helpful and was able to answer every question we threw at him. Email support, however, still didn't provide us with the promptness we would have liked to see. We didn't receive a response to our email inquiry until the next business day. All in all, however, we have to give BitDefender support a big kudos for their live support options.

Upside:

Quick and efficient live customer service, no drain on system resources, competitive pricing.

Downside:

Advanced options should be easier to access.

GoTo BitDefender

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