BitDefender has done it again; with Internet Security 2010, they’ve upped the ante as one of the best internet security suites. With new features, improved protection and performance, BitDefender Internet Security 2010 has once again redefined excellence in security software.

Not only does BitDefender 2010 provide complete PC security, but it offers protection on several fronts, all complimented with a value-driven price. For the ultimate internet security solution, including protection from viruses, spyware, phishing, spam and more, don’t overlook BitDefender Internet Security. (For all these features and additional PC tune-up utilities, online backup and storage, consider BitDefender Total Security).  Their antivirus scanner is excellent, but their anti-spyware scanner isn't quite as good as Webroot's.

BitDefender Internet Security 2010 is equipped to protect your computer and your personal information from a variety of identity threats, including adware, trojans, keyloggers, and even browser hijackers. New intrusion detection tools block attacks made by DLL code injection, and stop unauthorized attempts to change your system files and registry keys, access your memory, or attempt to kill BitDefender processes.

BitDefender Internet Security can even encrypt all of your IM conversations for additional security, and will help you effectively reduce or eliminate annoying (and potentially dangerous) spam messages. Furthermore, the software includes anti-phishing, so you don’t have to worry about losing your important information or identity to these scams.

Another advanced feature for keeping your important info safe is available with the File Vault. You can securely store your personal information and/or secret files in this designated “digital safe” and have them completely inaccessible to others.

Virus detection is one of the most important aspects of a robust internet security suite, and BitDefender’s protection is certainly superior. Not only has BitDefender received awards and certifications from third party security testers like ICSA and Virus Bulletin 100, the software has been shown to provide some of the fastest scans while requiring some of the lowest requirements (on-access and on-demand memory) in the industry.

The kernel-level virus protection of BitDefender Internet Security is second to none, and is regularly (read: hourly) updated for up-to-date virus signatures and definitions. One of the reasons BitDefender is so effective is because the software is equipped to scan all (in and out) PC communication, including e-mail, instant messages, and all web traffic. But the scan isn’t just comprehensive, it also runs in real-time to effectively stop threats before they even have a chance to infiltrate your PC.

Another impressive BitDefender technology that keeps your computer safe is Active Virus Control. This extra layer of protection is a proactive, heuristic detection method designed to uncover stealth threats. With security suites and antivirus software gaining strength, some malware has been specifically engineered to sneak around them and go undetected. But Active Virus Control monitors all activity of applications to analyze file behavior and stop even these stealth viruses.

BitDefender Internet Security features a flexible 2-way firewall. Whether you’re at your office, home, or on the road, you can connect with confidence knowing that the versatile firewall will automatically adjust its settings to most appropriately suit your location.

An integrated Wi-Fi monitor is designed to protect you and your computer from attempts made by others to access your (Wi-Fi) network.

The firewall BitDefender uses has been tested, approved, and certified by the West Coast Labs for being among the most effective available.

A disabled firewall won’t do you much good, yet it’s common practice for gamers to turn off firewall settings to access and run computer games. With BitDefender’s gamer mode, there’s no need to disable (and re-enable/forget about) the firewall. Not only will you stay protected while you’re gaming, but the gamer mode stops any interference while you’re in full-screen mode (for games, videos, or presentations).

BitDefender Internet Security includes powerful and flexible parental controls. With customizable web filters and account rules, you can set up individualized restrictions/permissions for each child. You can even get separate email alerts associated with each child.

The improved website filter utilizes specific category definitions and has a better detection rate (without over protecting and blocking legitimately appropriate sites).

Not only can you restrict/enable and monitor your child’s internet content, parents can also choose to limit internet and other application access to specific times or just give a time allowance. Let Timmy access the computer from 3 to 7, but only allow him to play games from 4 to 5. Or let Jane access the internet (with standard teenager web filtering, of course) whenever she wants, but give her an allowance of 3 hours per day. With the flexible parental controls and monitoring tools, it’s easy for parents to maintain control while giving kids some internet freedom and responsibility.

BItDefender is certainly powerful, and has usually been pretty easy to manage, but now it’s even more easy to use than before. With a redesigned interface and flexible layout, BitDefender 2010 can accommodate any level of user.

When you first install and configure the software you will choose from four user types (typical, parent, gamer, or custom) and three interface levels (novice, intermediate, or expert). These choices will help you get the custom interface that will be most appropriate for your specific PC use and what level of interaction you want with your security software. The versatile options allow you to have access to the most in-depth processes, or simply let the software do its job behind the scenes without any direction from you.

Whether you’re a security beginner or an antivirus pro, you can easily manage BitDefender Internet Security and take advantage of all that the software has to offer. Each interface is effectively organized and features an intuitive interface, making program navigation easy and enabling simple use of all the tools.

BitDefender had problems a few years ago with system slowdown, but have made impressive strides to improve speed and performance. 2010’s installment takes advantage of technology to eliminate the need to scan files that are known to be safe, reducing system load, and significantly decreasing scan time (not to mention required resources). Last year’s scans were relatively quick, but now they’re even 30% faster, making BitDefender scan times (and boot time) on par with competing antivirus and security software.

BitDefender Internet Security is simple to install and easy to setup. It is available as an immediate download, or you can purchase a physical disc (which can also be used as a bootable rescue disc to save crashed and unbootable PCs, restoring them to a working state). Installing the software to your computer is easy, and will walk you through each step of the process.

We had the software up and running in no time. Initial scans may take a while to cover everything, but get you started with a clean slate, and will certainly be worth it in the long run (as you remove deep viruses and otherwise improve system performance).

Further working with the software is easy, and doesn’t require constant intervention and annoying interruptions that plague some security software.

Whether you purchase a 3-user license of the software or simply have other BitDefender solutions running on other computers on your home network, you can easily manage them all from a single computer. Backups, scans, updates or other configurations can all be performed (or scheduled) remotely. (For the record, BitDefender updates are already scheduled to run automatically every hour, and even self-repair if for some strange reason they cause problems or file damage).

BitDefender has an impressive support system, complete with easy-to-access professional assistance and a wealth of helpful resources. You can find answers to a number of questions and product specific help online. If you can’t find the information you need or simply need personal assistance, it’s easy to call (24/7), email, or even instantly connect via live chat with a live support specialist.

It’s great to see such an impressive lineup of help available, with a variety of outlets and options. What’s even better?: that you likely won’t need to use them much, if at all because the product is easy to use and effective.

BitDefender Internet Security is a streamlined, solid, and powerful (and don’t forget reasonably priced) internet security suite. The unique combination of features and impressive utility make it one of the most versatile and powerful security solutions. For most users, BitDefender Internet Security 2010 should provide more than enough security while maintaining complete usability. Overall, BitDefender Internet Security is a perfect solution that will keep your computer clean and secure without significantly sacrificing performance.