McAfee Internet Security 2009
Manufacturer: McAfee Part number: MIS09EMB3RCA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Once it's up and running, McAfee Internet Security 2009 is competitive with Norton on speed, detection, and removal of malicious software.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Your One Stop Software Shop |  | In stock Free Shipping & Friendly Customer Service | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
 | | In stock Get Free Amazon Prime for one Month | as of 12/08/2009 | |
 | | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 | |
| Getpartsonline.com | | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
McAfee Internet Security 2009 price range: $9.99 - $69.00
- Reviewed by: Robert Vamosi
- Reviewed on: 11/12/2008
- Released on: 10/15/2008
The good: McAfee Internet Security 2009 is faster and lighter than last year's version with better malicious software detection and removal capabilities.
The bad: McAfee Internet Security 2009 stumbles a bit on installation and technical support.
The bottom line: Once it's up and running, McAfee Internet Security 2009 is competitive with Norton on speed, detection, and removal of malicious software.
At first glance, McAfee Internet Security 2009 appears not much different from last year's offering, a truth that masks some improvements in programming under the hood. In our tests, we found McAfee Internet Security 2009 to be as fast as the much improved Norton Internet Security 2009. What McAfee adds to the competitive landscape is faster malicious software detection. With Active Protection, they're neither talking about hourly signature file updates nor five minute updates like rival Symantec; at McAfee they're talking about instant updates. In terms of features, we found that McAfee has the most tools of any suite we reviewed. In addition to antivirus, antiphishing, antispyware, and a personal firewall, McAfee provides a backup-and-restore feature and several handy utilities. We still have minor issues with McAfee's technical support, although it has improved over last year. For a full protection suite, we were impressed with McAfee Internet Security 2009.
Setup
McAfee Internet Security 2009 offers three-user licenses for $69.95, with $10 off; street prices may be even less. McAfee Internet Security 2009 runs on Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, while Norton Internet Security 2009 only runs on Windows XP and Vista.
McAfee continues to use a bootstrap method of downloading code to your machine, it then installs the suite module by module. This year, the process was much faster in our informal tests. According to McAfee, this method allows it to offer the latest build; the alternative is to install the product, then immediately update. We experienced an unusual problem, one that most users won't. We found that by having Internet Explorer 8 beta 2 installed on our test machine, we could launch McAfee Internet Security 2009 but not see or use any of its features; the Security Center interface was blank. By removing IE 8 Beta 2, we were able to use the product. While this is not expected to be a problem once the final version of IE8 is released, it is worth noting.
Should you want to remove McAfee Internet Security 2009, there is no uninstall option for McAfee in the Start menu listing. Instead, you'll need to use the Windows Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs option. Again this year, after a reboot, we were pleased to find little evidence on our machine.
Interface
We continue to like that McAfee integrates all of its tools--security, utility, and networking--in one interface. The McAfee Security Center offers a left-hand navigation for all tools, with a right-hand windowpane for system status. There are two tables of contents: one lists basic features, which should be sufficient for most people, while a second lists tools that are more advanced.
Features
Like other security suites, McAfee Internet Security 2009 includes all the features within its McAfee VirusScan Plus, then it adds additional protection for the Internet suite. Like McAfee VirusScan Plus, McAfee Internet Security 2009 includes McAfee SiteAdvisor, an antiphishing protection package.
What's new is McAfee's
Also new is enterprise-class spam protection. McAfee includes support for Outlook, Eudora, and Thunderbird in its protection, as well as POP3, MAPI, and Web connections.
Another new feature is Active Protection, McAfee's near-instant communication with the master signature database back at McAfee. Whenever a new malicious software is trapped by McAfee Internet Security, rather than wait for the new update, protection is sent back to the desktop. Trend Micro is offering something similar, using "in the Cloud" technology. By comparison, Norton is sending mini database updates every few minutes.
Although not new, we like McAfee's home networking feature; it's much easier to use than Norton's. Also enhanced over last year's version is the integration of antivirus, antispyware, firewall, and antiphishing. The heuristics, or System Guards, have also been improved. Returning are home network monitoring, parental controls, and backup and recovery. McAfee remains one of the few suites to include system utilities such as secure file shredding, which we think should be a part of every Internet Security suite
Performance
In CNET Labs' performance tests, McAfee Internet Security 2009, in general, scored considerably better than last year's version, and on one test it scored better than Norton Internet Security 2009. In third-party, independent antivirus testing using live viruses, McAfee Internet Security 2009 scored in the upper ranks, although not always at the top position. On the CNET iTunes test, McAfee Internet Security 2009 came in at 271 seconds, 3 seconds above the test system but one second faster than Norton Internet Security 2009. On the CNET Microsoft Office test, McAfee Internet Security 2009 finished at 1,495 seconds, squarely in the middle of the pact. In a test scanning a single folder with compressed and media files, McAfee Internet Security 2009 completed this test in a fast 200 seconds, virtually tying Norton Internet Security 2009. In terms of boot speed, McAfee Internet Security 2009 took only 30 seconds, faster than Norton and most of the other suites we tested.
To find out how we test antivirus software, visit CNET Labs' How we test: Antivirus software page.
In terms of whether McAfee Internet Security 2009 will protect your PC, we cite results from two leading independent antivirus testing organizations. In the September 2008 AV-test.org results, McAfee Internet Security 2008 scored well, having a few false positives, but is scored toward the bottom of the list in response times to new threats (something that the new Active Protection features should address in the 2009 version). In the latest test results from AV-Comparatives.org for on-demand scans, McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 earned an Advanced (second highest) rating, catching 94 percent of all malicious software tested, falling behind Norton, Kaspersky, Eset Nod32, and others. The same is true for the Retrospective/Proactive test, McAfee VirusScan Plus 2008 earned an Advanced rating, proactively stopping 32 percent of the "new samples" in the test.
Support
Once again, McAfee comes up a little short on the technical support end. Unlike Trend Micro and Norton, which both offer free telephone support, McAfee only offers its support for a limited time. The 30-day free phone support is available daily from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Pacific. Afterward, telephone support is listed under fee-based support, with a variety of per-minute or per-incident plans starting at $9.
McAfee Virtual Technician is an optional plug-in that , when downloaded, will diagnose the state of your McAfee product, the computer's health, and then make recommendations on how to fix it--for free. It seems unnecessary, but then again you can't argue with the price. User support forums remain hidden, not easily accessible from the technical support area where it is expected. McAfee doesn't have a tutorial or online manual. By comparison, Kaspersky offers a complete 321-page manual, a robust user forum, and toll-free telephone support.
Conclusion
In a strictly Norton versus McAfee universe, McAfee Internet Security 2009 once again offers more features than Norton Internet Security 2009 and integrates them with a more intuitive user interface, one that allows you to understand the specific feature as well as tweak its settings. Although independent security test scores could be higher and the technical support could be better, McAfee provides you with more than adequate protection.
User reviews
-
-
Oh god why are they still in business
by Ronin28 on February 14, 2009
Pros: It has a pretty red box.
Cons: It exsists. It slows your computer down or to a halt. Spamkiller=useless. Privacy Filter=Useless. Virus Scanner = usually works sometimes updates. This is a garbage program just like all McAfee products. It is worse than Norton no joke!
Summary: DO NOT BUY THIS OR INSTALL IT!!! It WILL slow down your system. 90% of all the computers in the "computer repair shops" have malware/spyware infections. Guess what they ...
Summary: DO NOT BUY THIS OR INSTALL IT!!! It WILL slow down your system. 90% of all the computers in the "computer repair shops" have malware/spyware infections. Guess what they also have. Yup McAfee. Save your money and get AVG or bitdefender. You will thank me. This and Norton are god awful. The customer service with McAfee is terrible as well. Don't bother calling them unless you have nothing planned for the rest of the week. They will start a "trouble ticket" and "get back to you". Right. Seriously folks, AVG or bitdefender
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
a Waste of money!!!
by missen33 on February 12, 2009
Pros: 0000000000
Cons: 0000000000
Summary: a waste of money.. It's pretty useless, It dos'nt detect Trojens or worms, luckely I Have been using adaware Free AE which is very good for a free ...
Summary: a waste of money.. It's pretty useless, It dos'nt detect Trojens or worms, luckely I Have been using adaware Free AE which is very good for a free program.
I sent them an email telling them that there product dos'nt work and i have had no repley.. load of RUBBiSH!!! (GARBIGE)2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Will never again purchase anything from this people
by aboonie on February 8, 2009
Pros: easy to install, doesn't interfere with programs
Cons: Lets viruses through that can't be killed without purchasing and additional Mcafee virus killer
Summary: This people are suppose to be rated one of the top antivirus progams. My new Internet Security that I installed not even 3 months ago, let through a Trojan that ...
Summary: This people are suppose to be rated one of the top antivirus progams. My new Internet Security that I installed not even 3 months ago, let through a Trojan that Mcafee was not able to kill. When I contacted customer support they said that they weren't equipped to kill viruses that I should purchase the Mcaffee Virus Killer for $80.00. Nice little operation they have going, purchase anti virus for $60 and an additonal $80 to kill it. Completely worthless. Good riddance!
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Cant get worse than Mcaffe
by jrastamann on January 31, 2009
Pros: It works for people who dont want change
Cons: Its installation is a drag
Customer support stinks
The ammount of found viruses stinks compared to other virus programs
Takes up too much harddrive space
Takes up too much ram
Slowed my restart by 35 percent...Summary: Not worth the hassle, plus if you have a problem your not going to get it fixed
The customer support is the WORST. The program takes up too much space. ...Summary: Not worth the hassle, plus if you have a problem your not going to get it fixed
The customer support is the WORST. The program takes up too much space. Slowing my computers restart time by 35 percent. Do not by mcaffee2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
CALLASSA tests MCAFEE INternet Security 2009
by CALLASSA on January 19, 2009
Pros: One can only believe what one is told on the box!
Cons: Larger than life claims. In a world where there is very severe competition this comes over as hype.
Summary: The security 2009 package is not a bright star shining over competitor products which for us work just as well if not better and importantly, and the reason for this ...
Summary: The security 2009 package is not a bright star shining over competitor products which for us work just as well if not better and importantly, and the reason for this critical commentary, are able to be erased easily. This product when we tried it on a Sony desktop with Windows Vista was very difficult to erase. Software that has a tendency to hold on and want to remain is irritating. PC Tools Anti Virus is more prfereable and less costly, Can also be easily quickly / erased id required to be .
It is interesting to note just how many users don't like this product or the others of similar appertaining to McAfee . I've read a good many complaints even some that appear on Rip Off report. This is certainly telling me to go with either PC Tools or Norton!
Updated on Jun 12, 20092 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Completely lacks to provide "claimed" Internet Security
by B_JOSHI on December 27, 2008
Pros: Simple to install But lacks to provide security to your PC
Cons: AS stated earlier. No protection against well known viruses and trojan such as Vundo and Vundo.H. Not enough protection in their firewall and security. Very disappointing.
Poor technical support and Customer care...Summary: McAfee Internet Secutiy 2009 does not protect against attack of well known trojan such as Vundo and Vundo.H. My PCs were infacted several times when McAfee was active. It ...
Summary: McAfee Internet Secutiy 2009 does not protect against attack of well known trojan such as Vundo and Vundo.H. My PCs were infacted several times when McAfee was active. It is extremely difficult to completely get rid of this this Trojan. McAfee asks for additional charges to help to remove over and above your licence fees.This is not being helpful. I asked their customer services when you will a fix but I never got a sensible reply. No online support/article to help on their website how to remove such infection. I finally gave up. Will say a Big NO NO to McAfee....
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Buyer Beware - Online Removal Failed, but No Refund
by gkohns on September 21, 2009
Pros: .......................
Cons: On-line virus removal failed to catch viruses because viruses operate outside of Windows - asked for refund but was refused because didn't call within 5 days of ordering service - time limit for requesting refund never disclosed.
Summary: Buyer beware.
We recently had the Windows Protection Suite virus get by McAfee despite having the firewall and the other guards up . This virus precluded McAfee from opening, so I ...Summary: Buyer beware.
We recently had the Windows Protection Suite virus get by McAfee despite having the firewall and the other guards up . This virus precluded McAfee from opening, so I removed (or so I thought) the virus using a newly downloaded version of Vipre. However, we were still having problems, so I paid $89 for McAfee?s on-line virus removal service. The technicians twice went through my computer, removing different objects each time.
Thinking the computer was clean, I took it in to Best Buy the next day to have a CD/DVD drive upgraded. The Best Buy technicians ran a precautionary virus scan and found yet more viruses. These virus, I was told, were outside of Windows and the on-line services could not have seen them because the on-line removal services are limited to cleaning only what they can see in Windows (had I known this, I wouldn?t have used an on-line removal service). Also, some of the outside-of-Windows virus may have dropped McAfee?s firewall/e-mail screening features.
Less than pleased, I called McAfee and asked for a refund of the $89, only to be told that such a refund couldn?t be processed because I hadn?t called within five days of placing the order. At no point had I been told of the five-day limit or I certainly would have made the call before then.
McAfee has lost this customer - take care if you?re considering becoming one.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
nice product
by ForceRaikkonen on August 4, 2009
Pros: i had an option of choosing norton or mcafee....i stuck with mcafee and has turned out to be a really nice av solution.
Cons: the interface is abit weak....and is not able to detect all tracing cookies.
Summary: have panda internet security 2009 on my 2 other machines....which workes brilliantly .....but i took a gamble by purchasing mcafee for my new dell computer which paid of ...it ...
Summary: have panda internet security 2009 on my 2 other machines....which workes brilliantly .....but i took a gamble by purchasing mcafee for my new dell computer which paid of ...it works as well as panda...nd my computer has been virus free for 5 months now...but on a negative note ....it is not able to detect all tracing cookies.....likecookie@atdmt.com etc nd i have to manually delete the using the tool "maintain computer
(it also has a mantain computer function which deletes all these cookies ", temporary internet files , registry cleaner etc)1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best on the market
by dbateman2k6 on April 30, 2009
Pros: Faster than Norton and doesn't slow down boot time like Norton does.
Cons: No cons found
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
McAfee's fatal flaw: FTP = Failure To Protect!
by karmkar on December 7, 2009
Pros: Its user interface, with a clean-up tool & a link to the de-frag appl. Updates itself daily.
Cons: Slow loading up, fails to detect problems, won't protect your registry.
Lulls you into a false sense of security. Can't figure out why it comes bundled with both dsl & Cox. Big incompetence here!Summary: Months ago, failed to detect the trojan Vundo. That thing replicated itself on bootup.
Days ago, another incident with worms/trojans. McAfee allowed it to turn off the Personal Firewall! ...Summary: Months ago, failed to detect the trojan Vundo. That thing replicated itself on bootup.
Days ago, another incident with worms/trojans. McAfee allowed it to turn off the Personal Firewall!
Now, I won't have it on my machines.
I too, wonder how they've stayed in business. On a side note, I believe CNET is giving Trendmicro a bum rap. They seem top notch to me, & I'm goin there.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: McAfee
- Part number: MIS09EMB3RCA
- Bottom Line: Once it's up and running, McAfee Internet Security 2009 is competitive with Norton on speed, detection, and removal of malicious software.
General
- Category Security applications
- Subcategory Security - security suite
- Language(s) English
- License pricing Standard
- Localization English
Software
- License Type Complete package
- License Qty 3 users
- License Pricing Standard
- Platform Windows
- Distribution Media CD-ROM ( Mini-box )
- Package Type Retail
Manufacturer info
- McAfee
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse McAfee products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.mcafee.com/us/
- Address:
3965 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, CA 95054 - Phone: (408) 988-3832
