CA is one of those big computer companies that you've probably heard of but don't know that much about. Although CA specialises in corporate software, there's also a consumer arm that has launched two new products for your PC - this internet security suite and the PC Tune-Up software, also reviewed on our website.

The latest version of CA Internet Security has made some big steps toward being more user-friendly. Its interface and the entire user experience has been rationalised, so instead of needing to know what different tasks a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and parental control perform, it's split into four sections: My Computer (malware scanning), My Files (back-up), My Internet (firewall) and My Kids (parental control).

This is a sensible way of segmenting tasks. The four elements are presented in an attractive rotating carousel with highlights of their work at the front. From here, you can drill down into the settings.

Nice as this is, it all becomes a bit moot when you examine the performance. Recent results in Virus Bulletin's tests (www.virusbtn.com) have been less than impressive – in the Windows 7 test last December, the software missed three of the viruses on Virus Bulletin's list. This is hardly the reassurance you want when looking for protection for your computer.

Internet security suites should have two sides to them. While ease of use and quality of presentation is key, it can't come at the cost of performance. CA has brushed up its appearance nicely but it still needs to ace its exams.